Auen Tips Stadium, 12 February 2022
Royal Wootton Bassett Town were unable to extend their winning streak to three games as they were to held to a 2-2 draw away against Hellenic League Premier Division basement dwellers Hallen.
Bassett looked well on course to making it a third straight triumph as they ground out a deserved 2-0 half time lead.
But Hallen, putting up a brave fight as they seek to avoid relegation and whose position in the table is no reflection of the quality they possess, turned them game around in the second period, halving their deficit early before equalising with a late penalty.
The opening period had been a tight affair, though Bassett had arguably shaded it. And the visitors were rewarded five minutes before the interval when John Mills put them ahead.
Bassett's lead was soon doubled as great work down the right side from Sam Packer helped set up Tommy Ouldridge who found the net.
That second goal put Bassett in a position of control when the sides turned round.
But it was not to last.
Troy Simpson scored within five minutes of the restart to get Hallen back into the match as the hosts summoned the reaction they needed.
Bassett held on to their now slender lead for the majority of the second half.
However, with ten minutes to go Eddie Cavanagh upended Saul Jarrett in the box and Jordan Ricketts slammed the resulting spot kick home.
While disappointed not to win, the point edges Bassett closer to the top half as they aim to hunt down Roman Glass St George and Hereford Lads Club - both of who suffered defeats this afternoon - as well as Fairford Town - who Bassett welcome in a derby contest next week.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 12th February 2022 at 19:29
