Having been cruising at 3-0 with ten minutes to go, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans Blue weathered a late storm in going down to ten men and conceding two goals, to hang on and record their first win over KMLC.

The Vets knew they were in for a tough game and started off on a competitive note, Cook rattling the ankles with two early reducers. Bassett looked strong at their core with Warren moving in to sweep behind PD and Jeffries, and Pete Wilson tidying up in front of them to negate KMLC's threat.

Bassett also created the early running. Jeremy Newton provided the stardust at left wing back and his deep cross dropped over the defender's into Shaw's path, but his first-time finish was straight at the keeper.

In the first half clashes, Ohrland suffered a blow to the eye that brought him out like Dame Edna, although he seemed more alarmed by the one-armed physio trying to administer first aid.

Bassett were considerably calmer in possession than in recent matches; keeping the ball, finding options available and then able to spring forward through Newton, Shaw and Parker. However, they were twice indebted to keeper Boys-Stones, one for a sharp save down to his left, and the second clawing a mishit cross away that was looping into the top corner. For the rest of the time the back three snuffed out any danger and brought the ball out with composure

Bassett began to carve out some great chances. From a Newton cross-field pass, Shaw saw his effort tipped round the post, Parker then surged into dangerous territory, before Howse (just on for an angry Parker) nearly latched on to a through ball but the keeper came out to smother.

Just before the break Basset took the lead, Newton finding space down the left and cutting inside the right back into the area. As the defence readied themselves for a shot, he meandered past two more defenders before adding the finish for a Ricky Villa-esque solo effort.

Bassett were good value for their lead but stayed focussed into the second half and maintained a good shape; Cook, Ohrland and Wilson winning the midfield battle and Lynch proving a solid presence on the right.

This was to be Bassett's purple patch as they pressed KMLC back and continued to pass confidently. Newton had another mazy run just thwarted, before total football put the Blues in control Warren moved the ball out from defence and great interplay between Cook, Howse, Newton and Shaw released the latter down the left. Shaw outpaced his marker and curled in a delightful finish with his right foot from just inside the area.

Hard as KMLC tried, they couldn't disturb the Bassett defence to find a way back in and the Vets were quick to feed Shaw and Newton who was enjoying his first Monday game, although his corners were shocking: far too deep!

Bassett put clear daylight between the teams with almost a carbon copy of the second. Cook again found Shaw searing down the left channel and the finish was similarly assured.

A fourth was only a coat of varnish away; Howse delayed his pass well to play in Ohrland whose left foot drive was well-saved, the ball palmed away into the path of Shaw who controlled his shot well on the bounce but saw it crash back off the bar to safety.

Wood came on for the groggy Ohrland as Bassett seemed safe to play out the last 15. Reportedly half the team had come off at 3-0 afterwards!

Parker replaced the hamstrung Newton, although didn't work out he was meant to be left wing back. Moments later he reacted badly to a foul, despite it being awarded, which seemed to 'prick' the referee's mood and he was ordered from the field.

Cook continued to dance the referee tightrope, although one led to a dangerous position for a free-kick that was repelled by the wall.

Initially Bassett looked to be soaking up the pressure, but as they fell deeper, space was allowed for a forward to latch on to a loose ball and fire in KMLC's first with eight minutes to go.

Cook subbed himself as his engine went (must have been a Honda) and a bemused Ohrland returned. Without the attacking threat that 11 men supplied, panic began to set in. Clearances were rushed and one little dalliance by Boys-Stones on the ball left the heart in the mouth; fortunately, Warren rescued and cleared. Jefferies and Davis also defended imperiously but KMLC pulled the score back to 3-2 with a waltz through midfield a calm finish.

The last three minutes were frantic: last ditch defending and keeping plus a header floating over the bar but Bassett held out. Bar the last minutes of madness, a composed and clinical performance, the best for some time, in a key clash.

Man of the match: Lots of candidates but given to Pete Wilson - he sat at the base of midfield and performed exactly the job that was needed, but also kept possession well.

Pink Pony: only one candidate, our Basil Fawlty himself for his angry outbursts - too much Latin temperament influence in Columbia, Dave Parker!

Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Tuesday 19th February 2019 at 10:00