Royal Wootton Bassett Town were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Ardley United.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town remain unbeaten at home since November. However, their five game winning streak at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground was brought to an end by visitors Ardley United, who clawed back a two goal deficit to claim a point.

Sam Collier's team had looked to be in a commanding position courtesy of well-taken goals from Anaclet Odhiambo and Mark Francis. But Bassett conceded cheaply just before the interval to restore hope for Ardley. And the visitors were then able to muster a fine equaliser to claim a share of the spoils.

Bassett had demonstrated their clinical edge in the opening period, grabbing their two goals with their opening pair of clear cut chances.

The veteran Odhiambo delivered the first, ending a fine move involving Alfie Presley and Brad Pagliaroli shortly after the quarter hour mark.

It was quickly two. Robbing possession from the Ardley defence, Francis produced an emphatic finish to register his eighth goal of the season.

But just before half time a soft goal halved Bassett's advantage. An unfortunate slip from George Ford gave Owen James the room he needed and his shot squirmed beneath 'keeper Eddie Cavanagh.

Ardley's youthful side appeared the most lively following the restart and arguably got their just rewards when James expertly controlled a cross-field ball, wrong-footing Presley with his first touch, and rifling home to complete his brace.

The result leaves Bassett's position - 16th in the table - unchanged as they missed out on an opportunity to climb three places.

A top half finish is still within sight though, and is something Bassett will clearly be aiming for given just six points separate them from seventh place Burnham.

With ten games to go, there is plenty still to play for in an exceptionally tight division.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Friday 15th May 2020 at 11:31