A depleted 12-man Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s squad competed superbly with table topping Goring Old Boys in an evenly contested first half. Eventually though a tactical change, and numerous fresh legs gave the hosts a second half boost, and they ran out comfortable 7-2 winners to remain top of the league.

Goring made a fast start and were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes, the first a crisp finish from the edge of the area, the second a clinical close-range header. 'keeper Sean Boyle also made a timely save at his right -hand post to prevent further damage.

Despite these setbacks Bassett were competing well all over the pitch, disrupting Goring's rhythm and causing them problems. Ted Keep had already breached their defence only to screw an effort wide, before Chris Cooper put Bassett back in the game by breaking into the area on the left, before poking a low shot in from an angle to make it 2-1.

Buoyed by this lifeline, Bassett continued to press the home team for the remainder of the half and a robust challenge by Kevin Currier on the 'keeper presented a half chance to Kenny Campbell. His chipped attempt beat the stranded goalie only for a recovering defender to head off the line to safety.

Goring made a tactical change at the break with their stand -out midfield player pushed further forward and a raft of substitutions to provide fresh legs and impetus. It worked immediately as Bassett were caught cold by a short corner routine, that led to a rasping finish past Boyles right hand for 3-1. A minute later the game was over as a contest when a ball through the centre of Bassett's defence was expertly clipped over the on-rushing Boyle by a Goring forward. Goring were now firmly in the driving seat and were only denied another goal on 50 minutes by a superb reaction save from Sean Boyle who somehow tipped a point- blank range shot over the bar.

Unfortunately, his heroics could not stem the tide and it soon became 5-1 when a Goring forward strode into the box to fire at Boyle and convert the rebound. Goring also had an effort come back off the post as Bassett struggled to contain their free- flowing football.

There were some bright attacking moments for Bassett. On 65 minutes Andrew Huggins tested the keeper from 25 yards and Kenny Campbell and Chris Cooper also had efforts on target. But in truth Goring had a plethora of chances to add to their tally and soon increased their lead to 6-1.

Step forward Basset man of the match Sean Boyle. On 75 minutes Goring were awarded a penalty and the taker hit it firmly towards the top left -hand corner only for Boyle to palm away magnificently at full stretch. He could do nothing on 78 minutes as he was rounded by a Goring forward for number seven as Bassett visibly tired.

The Royal Blues refused to throw give up, and were rewarded for their perseverance on 86 minutes when Kenny Campbell crossed to the near post, and Andy Huggins rose majestically to glance his header over the 'keeper.

The game ended with a comfortable 7-2 win for Goring, but Bassett can take plenty of positives from their first half display in particular

Man of the Match – Sean Boyle for several excellent saves and strong vocal encouragement!!!

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Tuesday 3rd November 2020 at 11:19