Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterans started off their Wiltshire League North Division campaaign in fine style, strolling to a 5-0 win against Swindon Rovers and blooding some new 'youngsters' in the process.

Amalgamating the Blues and Yellows from last season into one Vets team looks to have given greater depth to the squad, this week under the guidance of Martin Ohrland (covering for the Cup-watching PD) and Bryan Watson.

Bassett have been known as slow starters but not on this evidence, taking control early on and then the lead. It's good to be lucky, and the strike duo of Badman and Cooper took advantage of this after 8 minutes. A mis-hit volley on the edge of the box by Cooper looped up to find Badman stealing in behind a frozen defence to volley past the keeper as it fell into his path.

The first goal sent the adrenaline coursing through the veins and Bassett began to break at will, soaking up the Rovers attacks and then springing down the flanks. The second came from a Cooper corner midway through the first half that Rovers struggled to clear, again the rebound falling nicely to Badman in the right place at the right time to turn it in from 6 yards.

Bassett started with the luminous Boys-Stones in goal, with Hyde, Cinquegrani and new starter Andy Gibson strong and unflustered at the back. Wilson and Oke provided the thrust on the wings, finding space in behind to always threaten. Returning from international duty, Gavin Cook anchored in midfield, behind Ohrland and Watson who harried the Rovers midfield and probed forwards to great effect.

With a 2-0 lead, Ohrland and Watson were able to start the rolling subs early, introducing Ben Gould, Paul Heath and Andy Huggins. Soon after a clearing header from Cook was controlled on the bounce by Dan Badman who instinctively knew the keeper would be well off his line and lofted a superb drive over him from just inside the Rovers half. What a way to reach your hat-trick!

This left Bassett comfortable at half- time enjoying their virtual oranges. Just as pleasing would be the clean sheet, with Boystones untroubled as his defence operated calmly in front of him. The search for goals was on and a wonderful left-wing cross from Gould was headed in confidently by Andy Huggins, only to ruled out as he had strayed offside in anticipation. Not too matter. Minutes later and from a Chris Oke corner, again the headed clearance was weak and a pinball landed at the feet of 'Hammer' Huggins who buried a right-footer despite a vain attempted block.

More chances followed: Ohrland blasted a chance from a corner over from close range and Wilson saw a drive from the right saved. As proceedings came to a close, Bassett notched the fifth from a flowing break up the right, where Huggins' cross found Gould attacking the area. His shot was well blocked but fell on the left of the box to Cooper, who sidestepped a lunge before firing in at the near-post as the keeper moved out expecting the cross (done him with the eyes!).

A five-star beginning to what Bassett will hope to be a romantic thriller of a season!

Man of the Match: Dan Badman - moved forward and showed great instincts up front

Pink Pony Award: Adamo Cinquegrani - took his Friday night Cryuff turns into the game, ready for a turn on Strictly!

Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Thursday 24th September 2020 at 09:22