Witney Royals triumphed as Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s were undone by three soft goals. A free header, goalkeeping error and soft penalty proved the difference to give a rather flattering look to the final score for the league leaders in the first of Bassett's latest doubleheader.

Bassett competed well throughout but lacked potency in attack, and despite goal attempts from Steve Lynch (2), Steve Fisher and Nick Warren the Witney goalkeeper was never called into serious action.

Witney claimed their opener when a wide player got in far too easily to the edge of the area. He picked out an unmarked man who confidently headed home off the near post from 6 yards out.

Bassett got through a tremendous amount of work to nullify Witney's attacking threat and they rarely threatened to add to their tally before half-time.

The game followed a similar pattern in the second half until keeper Stephens intervened to hand the visitors the decisive second goal. His attempt to pass out rather than clear the ball backfired, as his kick was charged down for 2-0.

Near the end a Witney forward received the slightest contact when trying to turn Jeremy Smith in the box. He went down and the referee pointed to the spot much to the dismay of all in blue. The Witney penalty taker stroked home number three to complete a solid if unspectacular win for the visitors.

Man of the Match: Jeremy Smith - helped to form a solid back four and started attacks with good distribution. Also honourable mentions for the tireless Kenny Campbell and Bryan Wood in midfield.

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Sunday 18th April 2021 at 12:35