Swindon Rovers
Royal Wootton Bassett TownRWBTFC
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Royal Wootton Bassett Town Logo

RWBTFC Scorers:
Paul Davis, Nick Warren, Pete Wilson

Vets Old Guard strike fear in season opener

Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans Blue kicked off the new Wiltshire League season with a return from the dead victory over league newbies Swindon Rovers, with surprise goals from Vets supremos Warren and Davis and the influential Wilson.

As last year's runners up, the Blues were hoping for a confident start but a rusty first half left them one down, comprehensively outplayed and on the back foot.

Rovers found their form early, feeling the benefit of already playing two league fixtures. The Blues, on the other hand, were like strangers on the dance floor, missing steps and flailing their arms at each other forlornly. In truth they were lucky to be only one goal down, as the home team strung a series of attacks together. Wasteful finishing and a couple of Boys-Stones stops saved Bassett further humiliation and only trailing to a fine Rich Lester dinked finish over Boys-Stones.

However, the future was not looking bright. With only a bare eleven to start with, Paul Jack had been soldiering on after an early blow to the ankle and just before the break, Bassett lost Ian Wilmer to another ankle injury. Finally finding some space, the debutant (and big money signing!) tangoed with the defence but his ankle gave way under an awkward Rovers challenge.

Down to ten men, the other first starter, Paul Heath, moved out to right midfield where his willing running provided another option. Jefferies dropped to right back and Lynch left back from their wing back positions and Jack and Davis made up a back four, fronted by another bank of four; Shaw dropping to the left and Warren joining the ever-ready bunny Pete Wilson in the centre. Cooper was left to plough a lonely furrow up-front. This allowed Nick Warren to move into central midfield, and add much-needed nous and spike, which had an immediate effect.

His crunching challenge left Rovers in a tizz and riled up. Soon after a fine Shaw delivery from the left made a pretty mess of the offside trap and Warren had all the time in Walcot to control with his thigh and side-foot home.

The Blues were visibly invigorated, whilst conversely a serene Rovers were shell-shocked. The second followed in similar fashion, Shaw picked up an overhit corner and swirled in another delicious ball that Paul Davis majestically soared above all to glance home.

The change was immeasurable in the Blues, now defending stoutly and first to the ball in midfield, although they were still indebted to a fine one-on-one block by Boys-Stones to keep their lead.

Bassett carried a good threat on the break, but it was another set-piece that led to an all-important third. Shaw again with a delivery, the big men causing panic and this time the ball fell to Wilson, who deftly moved the ball right and finished into the bottom corner as smoothly as Barry White's 'My Everything'.

The Blues weathered the last five minutes with no real dangers and a tenacious, gutsy second half display means they start the season with three points

Man of the Match: Nick Warren - tactical changes, verve and vigour in midfield plus a rare goal for the gaffer.

Pink Pony: Ian Wilmer - no chance to dazzle being cruelly struck down, but no remorse from the Pink Pony.

Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Thursday 21st November 2019 at 10:53

Swindon Rovers
Royal Wootton Bassett TownRWBTFC
Swindon Rovers Logo
1 ‒ 3
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Logo

RWBTFC Scorers:
Paul Davis, Nick Warren, Pete Wilson