Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies fell to a second league defeat of the season against Forest Green Rovers as they were beaten 3-1 away from home.

Rovers had triumphed 5-3 when the teams faced off at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground in November and, while half as many goals were scored in the return meeting, there was again plenty of goalmouth action. Unfortunately for Bassett though, it was the home side who made the most of the chances they created with Graham Fletcher's side left to rue a number of opportunities that they passed up.

It took just seven minutes for the game's opening goal to arrive as Hattie Jones controlled a low corner and fired in on the turn with a powerful drive from twelve yards.

Bassett were level shortly after as Libby Davies set a pass back to Lani Dickinson, who produced a fizzing first time strike from the edge of the area that flew past home custodian Rebecca Panniers.

Rovers then restored their advantage in the game's 20th minute with the third high quality goal of the afternoon. After receiving a pass from Louise Fensome, midfielder Zoe Boyd drove forward, weaving her way past three Bassett defenders, before arriving an unstoppable left foot strike beyond Millie Powell and into the top corner.

The hosts extended their advantage further six minutes after the restart, earning a lead two-goal lead that would last until full time. A questionable handball decision went against Bassett. And from 25 yards Charlie Rowlands delivered a curling free kick that crashed in off the bar.

The result moves Forest Green to within three points of Bassett in the South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division with a game in hand still to play.

Bassett will look to pick themselves up next week when they are due to travel to Cornwall to take on AFC St Austell.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 16th January 2022 at 20:53