RWBTFC Scorers:
Matt Bennett (2), Dale Richards (2), Ryan Withers (2), Josh Connolly, George Drewitt, George Lance, Manuel Mesas
With the rest of the top five all without a game, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development were hoping to close the gap to Pewsey Vale at the top of the table and put daylight between themselves and the three teams just below them with a win away at near neighbours Purton.
The last time they had met Purton they had racked up the biggest score in living memory for Bassett's second team, who won 19-0 at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground back in September.
Whilst the win in the return game was not as comprehensive, they still hit double figures against their opponents for the second time this season with a 10-0 win.
The division's top scorer Matt Bennett added two more to his total, taking him to 26 for the season, while Ryan Withers and Dale Richards also bagged braces. Meanwhile, there were first goals of the season from Mani Mesas, George Lance and George Drewitt, with Josh Connolly's second of the campaign completing the visitors' list of scorers.
Unfortunately the win for Bassett was tainted by the injury suffered by young player Jamie Ash, who was starting his first game for the club, having previously made a brief appearance as a substitute. The youngster was taken to hospital and it was confirmed that he has a fractured ankle, torn ligaments and possible a broken tibia which will keep him out of the game for a lengthy period.
The win for Bassett saw them move to within nine points of the leaders Pewsey with three games in hand, as Steve Yeardley's side also opened up a six-point gap over third placed Trowbridge Town who they are set to meet for the first time early in the New Year.
Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Monday 31st January 2022 at 10:04
RWBTFC Scorers:
Matt Bennett (2), Dale Richards (2), Ryan Withers (2), Josh Connolly, George Drewitt, George Lance, Manuel Mesas