Nine months ago Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 13 Blue looked certain to be relegated until a late surge in form saw the team retain their North Wilts League Division Two status - and they have not looked back since. Registering their fourth win in five games at home against Highworth Town Juniors J, manager Martin Jefferies and his team now have promotion firmly in sight.

The first half was a scrappy affair with neither team dealing well with the slippery conditions. Bassett took the lead following a Noah Cranswick-Coates powerful half volley after 10 minutes. Bassett edged possession and had notable chances for Finley Hyde, Beau Hicks and a Joshua Sturmey free kick in a largely forgettable first half.

The second half began in similar fashion before a long range Highworth effort skipped off the wet grass to beat keeper Tom Davis low to his right. Bassett regained the lead mid-way in the second half with a fine left-footed drive from Cranswick-Coates following a powerful run from midfield.

With ten minutes left the Bassett supporters feared it wasn't to be their day after a loose ball ricocheted around the Bassett penalty area before Highworth were able to force home from close range to equalise again.

Such is the spirit of the Bassett side that they dominated the last ten minutes as they desperately tried to find a winner. The breakthrough came from set piece specialist Cranswick-Coates, who curled a wonderful free kick into the top corner giving the 'keeper little chance.

Cranswick-Coates illuminated the dark late afternoon and capped his man of the match performance with a scintillating reflex volley to drive home Bassett's forth and end Highworth's hopes.

Next up is a top of the table clash with follow promotion contenders and current leaders Ferndale Rodbourne YCFC Red.

Credit: Deane Greenouff
Last modified on Sunday 17th November 2019 at 18:01