Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 18 Blue proved too strong for Stratton Juniors Pumas as they secured the North Wilts League Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory at the County Ground.

Charlie McCuish scored twice and George Staten chipped in with his team's third, with all three Bassett goals coming in the second half.

Bassett could have been in a commanding lead at half time, but were twice denied by the crossbar.

Staten was the first to hit the woodwork, doing so on 37 minutes, before Daniel Hopper somehow contrived to find the bar with a volley from just three yards out.

Stratton had played some good football in the opening period. But it was Bassett who were clearly in control of the match - and that continued following the restart.

Tom Phillips went close early in the second half with a shot from the edge of the box that went just over.

A minute later, Bassett were ahead, McCuish firing in after good set-up play involving Staten.

Chances kept on falling Bassett's way as before the hour McCuish and Staten were denied by a pair of fine saves from the Stratton 'keeper.

Finally though, they were able to double their lead, Staten bursting into the box before teeing up McCuish for his second.

It should have been a hat-trick for the forward following more fine play from Staten, but his weak shot went straight into the 'keeper's arms.

Staten then added his team's third to make certain of victory. It came shortly after he had hit the crossbar for a second time in the game. On this occasion, his initial header was saved, but the midfielder was able to head put away the rebound.

Ultimately, the margin of victory could have been a lot greater for Bassett. But they were deserved cup winners to conclude an outstanding season which has also seen them finish runners-up in North Wilts League Division One and the Wiltshire Youth Cup.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 18th May 2019 at 20:49