A second half double from super sub Dougie Coull and a cool finish from ex Bassett player Allan Pluckrose completed an RAF rescue mission as they came from a goal down to take the spoils in the inaugural Brian Johnson Memorial Shield match. The game was a fitting tribute to Brian who had recently passed away, and who was fondly remembered in the after match speeches and presentations.

The RAF team came roaring off the runway right from the first whistle and it was clear that the Royal Wootton Bassett Town lads were in for a dogfight. The visitors created numerous early chances to pepper the home goal but their efforts though powerful often missed the target. The Bassett defence donned their tin hats to manfully repel the onslaught with central defensive pairing Paul Jack and Ian Mitchell prominent and ably supported by wing backs Paul Gardner and captain Jason Parr.

The RAF did eventually manage to find the target in the opening exchanges. A well hit low effort was turned round the post at full stretch by Bassett 'keeper Stephens. The pressure on the hosts continued to grow and Stephens was called into action once more when he won a one on one duel to turn aside a close range effort. The corner count continued to rise, and as you would expect, the RAF were a threat in the air. However some heroic defensive headers and a couple of punched clearances from the home stopper kept Bassett hanging on in the contest.

In truth the stalemate was in part due to wayward finishing by the RAF and some decent possession football by Bassett to stem the flow somewhat as the half progressed. The home side however were having difficulty linking up effectively with front two Roger Webb and Kevin Currier who were well marshalled by the RAF defence.

At the other end the RAF continued to create chances and were unlucky not to go in front around the half hour mark. The RAF number 9 hit a great free kick over the wall that looked destined to go in but Stephens just managed a touch to the shot and it rebounded back into play off the bar only to be then headed wide.

Undeterred the visitors came close again to opening their account when a pinpoint right wing cross was met with a powerful diving header but Stephens somehow managed to save with his left leg from point blank range as the home side continued to live dangerously. It was all hands to the pump for Bassett and midfield man Steve Lynch was on hand to clear another dangerous ball away to safety. He also managed to fire in a long range effort just before half time to keep the RAF 'keeper on his toes.

The RAF frustration grew and just before the break another chance went begging. Stephens went down early anticipating a cross shot but just managed to stick out his right foot to divert a near post effort out for a corner.

With the score line blank at the break, player manager Paul Gardner decided to freshen things up. Darren Hayes and Steve Fisher came on in attack, John Stack and Tony Gleed in defence and Carl Johnson and Sean Boyle in midfield. The RAF made changes of their own and an attacking change would ultimately be decisive as the tall and burly Dougie Coull entered the fray.

Bassett carried more threat in the second period. The new up front pairing were able to retain possession more easily and allowed the midfield time to get up in support and enable Bassett to ask questions of the visitors rearguard. The reward for this improvement came in spectacular fashion as Bassett took the lead after 55 minutes. Bassett's Steve Fisher gained possession fully forty yards or more out then unleashed an audacious drive that soared over the RAF substitute goalkeeper and on into the net.

That stunning strike stung the RAF back into action and with their newly introduced players providing a continuing threat Bassett were unable to rest on their laurels. The RAF number 17 was finding space in dangerous areas and had a great chance to score when he won a foot race with keeper Stephens to a through ball only to tackled by him and see the ball ricochet out of play.

On 65 minutes the RAF drew level. The Bassett defence were unable to get out in time and were undone by an in swinging centre that was headed home by big man Dougie Coull. The RAF sensed blood and continued to pour forward, but Bassett still carried a threat and Darren Hayes got off a long range snapshot that reached the keeper on the bounce. Martin Luker came on for the injured Carl Johnson in midfield as the home side battled on.

It looked like a penalty shoot out would be required to settle matters but unfortunately Basset were undone in the closing stages. With 80 minutes on the clock, the RAF launched a long throw in from their right. The ball was headed on at the near post into a dangerous area where winger Allan Pluckrose pounced to drill in a low shot from 8 yards out to break Bassett hearts.

On 85 minutes, Dougie Coull scored again to seal a well deserved 3-1 victory for the RAF. He capitalised on a defensive lapse to go through on goal and blast home from close range. Steve Fisher was denied a late consolation for the home side by the goalkeeper and an offside flag.

All in all it was a great game played in a fantastic spirit, and Bassett player-manager Paul Gardner was proud of his players' efforts. Next weekend is Bassett's first league game of the new season, away to Marlow in the Oxfordshire Over 50s Premier League.

Man of the Match: Goalkeeper Ceri Stephens - kept his side in the game with a number of crucial first half saves.

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Tuesday 31st August 2021 at 09:27