Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 6 March 2022
Royal Wootton Bassett Town Ladies were unfortunate to finish their final home league game of the season empty-handed as they were beaten 3-2 by South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division title chasers AFC St Austell.
The contest was reminiscent of Bassett's trip to their Cornish opponents in February. That match saw the teams register nine goals between them in an entertaining contest with St Austell emerging victorious by the odd goal.
While there were fewer goals this time around, the return fixture was just as enthralling - and, for Bassett, just as frustrating.
Kick off was slightly delayed due to St Austell's late arrival. But when play eventually got under way, the visitors did not seem fatigued by their marathon journey.
Chevonne Johanning put them ahead, finishing off from a corner, before Charlotte Whitmore doubled their advantage.
Having fallen into an early hole, there was a danger given their recent run of form that Bassett heads would drops
But that wasn't the case - and the home side soon registered as captain Laura Jefferies struck a trademark free kick into the top corner.
St Austell were soon able to restore their two goal lead though as Poppy Thornton found the bottom corner from the edge of the area to make it 3-1 shortly before the interval.
Bassett had arguably the better of things after the restart and pulled back to within a goal midway through the second half. It was a well worked goal too as Amber Egerton, Lani Dickinson and Libby Davies moved the ball between one another, with their triangle passing opening up space for Davies to produce a neat finish.
Try as they might, however, an equaliser was not forthcoming as St Austell made sure they kept pace with Ilminster Town, Sherborne Town and Torquay United in the battle for top spot.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 9th March 2022 at 08:56
