Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans Blue started off the return round of the Wiltshire FA Flexi League with a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Trowbridge Tigers, which could probably have been more.

Within the first 10 minutes, Bassett had some glorious chances. Cook had a one-on one saved, Howse saw one header from a corner bounce back off the bar and another loop over, and Pete Wilson had a rebound chance cleared off the line!

Trowbridge nearly took the lead with their first effort, a shot from a corner found Nick Warren well positioned to clear off the line.

But this was just the prelude as the Blues finally took the lead, from the familiar route of a right-side corner swung over by Shaw finding Howse's cerebral matter, and this time he made no mistake, heading back across the 'keeper.

On thirteen minutes it was 2-0 as the passing patterns began to cut a swathe through the Tigers. Cook picked up a ball on the right and a made to measure cross to the back post found Steve Lynch ghosting in from wing back. His header was magnificently saved but the clearance was hashed and Cinquegrani (who had started the move from the back) was on hand to twist like Rudolph Nureyev and hook an over-head volley into the left corner.

Bassett were well in the swing, Bryan 'Guvnor' Wood ticking things over at the base of the midfield three allowing Wilson and Cook to burst forward, as well as supplying Lynch and Jefferies out wide, who were both raiding the flanks like a certain Friday Vet in a well-known High Street pie boutique!

Soon Cook was freed but was cynically clipped as he approached the area. Shaw again sent a radar-like delivery to link up with the Howse beacon, and again he arrowed a finish to nestle into the corner.

Like Robbie cashing in on a Take That tour, three became four, as Cook threaded a ball for Shaw to race onto, leaving defenders stranded and then serenely stroking home to the 'keeper's right.

fine first half showing ended with a penalty as a Wilson shot from a corner was blocked with a hand. Ohrland generously gave up spot kick duties for Howse to have a chance for his hat-trick. His left foot penalty rolled to the 'keepers left and hit the back of the net. Unfortunately, it was the hockey goal net some yards to the left of the goal and the chance was spurned!

At half-time more was urged, and the Blues maintained the tempo into the second half, although the goalmouth action reduced.

An early strike did come, when PD did his best Matthias Sammer impression and floated an incisive pass to Shaw in the left channel. He cut across his man and into the penalty area before sliding a low cross that Howse couldn't fail to sweep in from eight yards to go home with the match ball (except Gaffer Warren wouldn't let him as we're short of balls as it is).

There was a long hiatus until the sixth and final goal, although there was barely a scare and the back three of Jack, Warren and PD will be just as delighted with a clean sheet as the score, with Boys-Stones a bystander for most of the game.

Jefferies finished off the rout; another assist for Shaw, who latched on to a loose ball and laid on a nutmeg-pass that left Jefferies free to take his time and curl a finish into the top corner from the edge of the area.

A strong team display, with great individual performances such as those from Cinquegrani and Jefferies. But Man of the Match went to Steve Howse - devastating from crosses, some clinical finishing, and all-round strength up front.

Pink Pon, also went to Howsey, for the not so clinical penalty!

Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Wednesday 27th March 2019 at 16:05