Second in the table Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development kept on the heels of Pewsey Vale with another win, this time at the expense of Odd Down Reserves.

However, as had been the case on the one and only previous visit of Odd Down to the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, it was a very close-run thing, with Bassett prevailing 1-0.

The home side went in front as early as the eighth minute when a powerful shot from Matt Bennett came down off the crossbar and, whilst Ryan Withers made sure by heading into the net, it was confirmed that the ball had already crossed the line.

In a half of limited chances both Withers and Harry Walters had opportunities for the home side but both put their shots wide of the goal.

Three minutes before the break, Odd Down did have the ball in the net at the other end, but the referee's assistant already had his flag up for offside before the shot was put away and it remained 1-0 at half time.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with few, if any, clear cut chances being created until seven minutes from time when a foul by Jon Beeden in the box saw the visitors awarded a penalty. Bassett 'keeper Simon Notman had saved a penalty in their recent no win over Calne Town Reserves and once again manager Steve Yeardley had his shotstopper to thank as he guessed correctly to save Charlie Saunders' spot kick.

The only real opportunity of any note in the closing stages came when a cross-come-shot from Bennett from out wide came back off the crossbar, but this time it bounced away to safety.

Bassett had not been at their best but had done enough, just, to take the three points to remain six points behind Pewsey with three games in hand.

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 13th March 2022 at 10:10