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Bad day at the office spells defeat

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies began the New Year with an afternoon they'd soon forget as the South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division leaders were beaten 3-1 away at Ilminster Town.

The effects of a lengthy lay off over Christmas showing, Bassett were not at the races against an Ilminster side whose victory pulls them within a point of their visitors.

Ilminster enjoyed the advantage of going ahead as early as the eight minute. Jess Dent was dispossessed before Maisie Parker delivered a cross, which Georgia Mann poked in at the far post after Amber Egerton was unable to clear.

Bassett should have been on terms five minutes later when Maddie Elliott was brought down in the box. However Hayley Huckin's penalty was saved by Charlotte Johnson.

Things could have become worse for Bassett but they somehow managed to survive a number of let offs as Ilminster piled on the pressure.

Yet they managed to grab an equaliser before the break as Laura Jefferies' stoppage time free kick struck the bar and Elliott was first to react to the rebound.

But just as they finished the opening period on a high, Bassett got off on the wrong foot in the second half with Elliott being sent to the sin bin.

And Ilminster soon took advantage of their extra player, Parker curling a free kick into the top corner after she was brought down by Grace Eagles.

Moments later the hosts were awarded a penalty for a harsh handball against Hannah Gulliver but Abbie Carslake failed to convert, firing over the bar.

A third eventually arrived though. Colette Martin forced a good save from Alice Farnell. But the Bassett 'keeper could not prevent substitute Harriet Kelly from guiding home the rebound.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 5th January 2020 at 20:11