Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies made it four league wins in a row with a 2-1 triumph at home against Bideford.

While controlling the game for long periods, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies were forced to be patient before sealing what was a deserved 2-1 triumph at home against Bideford.

Bassett went behind before Lauren Kayll levelled on the half hour mark. An attacking second half display then helped seal the win as Hayley Huckin struck the decisive goal on 58 minutes.

The hosts enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, but a goal was not forthcoming.

On six minutes an outstanding Laura Jefferies corner was headed onto the bar before, five minutes later, Huckin had an effort blocked following good build up play between Hannah Gulliver and Lily Withers.

Bideford then found the back of the net with their first opportunity as Kate McKane's firm 20-yard strike proved too powerful for Alice Farnell.

Ten minutes later it could have been two for the visitors but Rebecca McMullin fired wide.

Bassett soon got back on the front front and Kayll should have equalised when a defensive slip put her through but she placed over.

However she made no mistake a couple of minutes later, combining well with strike partner Huckin before finding the bottom corner.

Bassett subsequently had the better opportunities prior to the interval but were unable to go ahead, Huckin having the best opportunity when she headed over.

They suffered a scare shortly after the restart though when Gulliver was forced to clear off the line following Farnell's slight fumble.

Bideford were claiming for a penalty, which the referee turned down. And Bassett broke to the other end where Huckin shot against the post.

The hosts themselves had appeals for a spot kick waved awaywhen Huckin headed a Kayll cross onto the arms of a defender.

Bassett continued to create the better openings as Kayll shot straight at Zoe Stock and Withers found the side netting.

The deserved breakthrough eventually arrived just before the hour. Amber Egerton took on her marker before fizzing in a low cross, which Huckin controlled before firing in on the turn.

The latter stages then saw both sides trade blows.

Farnell recovered well after initially seeing a cross squirm between her legs. Meanwhile, at the other end Egerton came close with two headers from set piece deliveries. Then with three minutes remaining Farnell saved from a free kick in a dangerous area.

In the end it was a deserved win for Bassett - their fourth in a row in the league and one which pulls them to within three points of leaders Callington Town with two games in hand to play.

Their winning run will be tested next week, however, with the return fixture away at Bideford.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 3rd November 2019 at 16:56