Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 12 Blue lost a close game to Malmesbury Youth after conceding a late goal at home.

Following a disappointing performance at home against Hungerford last week, manager Martin Jefferies had been very clear he expected a more focussed performance against a side below them in the league. In many ways his side delivered in the first half with far greater intensity, in a half of few chances Bassett more than matched their opponent's intensity and deserved to be level at half time.

A slow start to the second half saw Bassett go a goal behind following a Malmesbury corner. This appeared to be a wake-up call for the team and a spell of Bassett pressure followed. Both Thomas Nicholls and Ed Greenouff went close early in the second half before a world class cross from Louis Portlock left Thomas Nicholls with a straightforward header to draw Bassett level.

Bassett appeared to tire late in the second half and Malmesbury were able to take the led with five minutes remaining. Despite a number of half chances late on Bassett were unable to find an equaliser and the game finished 2-1.

A number of fine performances and a far more competitive display unfortunately still resulted in a home defeat. Next up is away to Ferndale Rodbourne Red in a game that the team could really do with winning to move away from the bottom end of the table.

Credit: Deane Greenouff
Last modified on Sunday 13th January 2019 at 19:03