Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans Blue raced to a five-goal lead as they warmed up for the weekend Super Sunday fixture against the RAF FA and, despite being pegged back by two late consolation goals, should feel sufficiently buoyed ahead of this commemorative fixture.

Injuries and fatigue from the extra-time loss to KMLC (sorry for no report - heartbroken) meant Bassett fielded a bare eleven and they started off with a point to prove.

Governor Wood fielded a more attacking system, sitting Martin Ohrland in alongside Nick Warren to allow Nutty Newton a free role in front. This paid dividends quickly. After five minutes where Bassett had taken hold of possession, they were awarded a free-kick on the halfway line. Whilst Stratton dozed, Cooper took it early, spotting Newton's run into the right channel. He paused to wait for support and then fired a cross in, aiming for Howse but which altered trajectory and drifted perfectly over the 'keeper and into the top corner. One-nil and confidence oozed through the Blue veins.

PD, Cinqs and Cook were well organised at the back, with the latter dropping off to negate the Stratton forward's pace, and the trio were quick to scupper any attacks. Stratton's early competitiveness led to a few challenges being left in, and they didn't heed the referee's warning, losing a midfielder to a five-minute sin-bin. The Blues were in control, Steve Lynch nearly got on the end of a cross from a Warren quick throw, and Ohrland passed up the best chance when put through by Cooper; he left former Bassett favourite Rich Merchant stranded as he swapped back onto his weaker right foot but then dragged his finish horribly wide.

No matter. The second eventually came when the forwards press caused a rebound off Howse. This fell for the supporting Lynch who astutely squared for his fellow wing-back Martin Jefferies to thump home past a scrambling defence. As half-time approached, a deserved third followed. Martin Cooper chased a through ball and as the keeper and defender hesitated on the edge of the box, he nipped between to scoop a left-foot finish in.

Wood called for more of the same during the break, looking to break as quickly as they did in the first half. Straight from the off, his prophecy came to pass. Newton this time popped up on the left and managed to repeat his trick of the first half, lofting a cross-shot over a flummoxed stopper to make it 4-0. And the 'Coop de grace' was added soon after. Newton, from deep on the left sent a heat-seeking, crossfield missile of a pass to Cooper on the run. His first touch cut out the covering defender and led to a composed (© Tom Warren) second touch finish back across the keeper.

You could visibly see Bassett relax, maybe saving legs for Sunday, as Stratton enjoyed the ending. The first was a gift: a kamikaze short goal-kick from Boys-Stones to Davis was closed down and the resultant rebound fell nicely for a Strattonian to lift over the keeper from a narrow angle. Ohrland then had another chance to get on the scoresheet but this time it was his trusty left foot that let him down, sliding left of the post when well placed from a Nutty cross. Bassett had begun to slow play down in their own half and another short ball out was compounded by Warren being caught on the ball by Merchant, who lifted a fine effort over the stranded Boys-Stones into an empty net from some way out.

The two strikes conceded hampers the goal difference that may be vital in the run in. Bassett and Marlborough have both only lost once but Marlborough have games in hand and what looks to be a superior goal advantage.

So on to the festival of football at Gerard Buxton this Sunday, as the Yellows kick off against this same Stratton side at 10am, the Blues play the RAF at 12pm, and the Over 50s take on a Wales Veterans FA XI at 2pm.

We hope to see as many faces as possible to help raise charity funds for the Royal Air Force Association.

Man of the match: Jeremy 'Nutty' Newton - bewitchingly good delivery of the ball and two goals in the top corner - were they meant though?!

Pink Pony: Martin Ohrland - had lost his finishing boots, to be returned in time for Sunday please!

Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Wednesday 1st May 2019 at 08:54