Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans Blue went looking to boost their goal difference on Monday night, and rolled a six against AFC Swindon as the chances fell like dominoes. The score could conceivably have been double if more clinical finishing had been applied, as Bassett had a monopoly on the play.
The first cluedo came early. On five minutes the Blues were in front, a through ball by Cinquegrani found Shaw free of a static defence and able to sprint through and crash past an exposed keeper to reach uno. Snap!
Number two followed in almost identical fashion, Shaw again calm in a one-on-one situation.
His teammates failed to follow his example though, as despite having numerous chances no more were added.
Whether it was coincidence or not, Cook was subbed off when Athletic hit back. A decent curled effort from the edge of the area found Boys-Stones dicing marginally off his line and crept under the bar to give Bassett butterflies that they didn't need.
The Blues went on the advance, trying to scrabble a third. Warren passed when in a position to shoot, PD found himself in the number 10 role trying his Baggio impression, and Parker had several chances, only for the finish to be his downfall.
Just before half time, a corner left bodies strewn like pick-up sticks as the ball bounced around like Kerplunk and a snapshot was handled on the line. Calm as a surgeon's hand in operation, Martin Ohrland fired home the penalty to the keepers's left.
The break allowed time to exercise the cranium, and lay any mousetraps for the opposition. The Yellows had provided sterling support, although some Parr-Boyled rollicking may have affected Parker's confidence as another chance went begging.
The Vet's own Jenga tower Ohrland led the way, enjoying his more advanced role behind the front man, with a fine run and another emphatic finish for his second to make it 4-1.
Warren then slid an effort wide after Ohrland unselfishly squared, PD thumped a header against the post and Jack had a volley blocked as Bassett started to run riot. Wood rolled back the years with one body swerve and dummy, although his legs failed to keep up with him.
Lynch and Jefferies had been manning the flanks to ensure there was no risk, and Cook had been the lieutenant in the depths of midfield. Parker had another chance and this time it was no trivial pursuit as he faced up to the keeper before rolling it to his left.
It was left to…guess who?... Shaw to round things off, running from his own half, leaving the defence trailing in his wake and this time coolly rounding the keeper to end the game with a hat-trick.
he win took the Blues to the top of the Wiltshire Veterans Flexi League, having played a game more.
Man of the Match: Steve Shaw - calmness when all around were profligate, a real game of knowledge.
Pink Pony: Martin Cooper - tried to be a smartass with his formation, and couldn't work technology to get the right result on the FA app.
Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Wednesday 20th March 2019 at 10:09
