Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s gave a much improved performance this time out, but still fell to a 3-1 defeat at Chinnor.

The home side benefitted from a dubious penalty award to take a lead that they stretched to 3-0, before Bassett hit back with a Tim Lewis consolation effort. If the visitors had been more clinical in front of goal they would surely have earned a share of the spoils but it was not to be on this occasion.

Both sides demonstrated good attacking intent in an end to end first half. Chances came and went for Bassett's Fisher, Stephenson, Campbell, Mitchell, Lynch and Webb in the opening period with a combination of off target efforts, last ditch defending and shooting straight at the 'keeper to blame for no reward.

Chinnor went more direct with their number 7 in particular drifting into space to collect through balls and link the play. They also tested the Bassett rearguard, in which John Stack was outstanding all game, with corners. Bassett 'keeper Stephens had to leave his line to fist a dangerous in swinger and his defence snuffed out a follow up attempt. The aforementioned Stack made a brilliant recovery tackle to stop a clean through Chinnor attacker in his tracks and ably assisted by Paul Jack, Ian Mitchell and Roger Webb they restricted the hosts to half chances only.

Indeed the match seemed to be heading for a half-time stalemate when the game turned on a dubious penalty decision. A shot came in that was going wide of the left hand post. It appeared to strike John Stack on the chest, but the referee ruled it was handball and awarded the spot kick. The Chinnor taker hit a firm drive that Stephens got a hand to, but could not prevent the ball crashing into the net.

The visitors just needed to regroup and see out the last few first half minutes to stay in the contest. Unfortunately Chinnor had other ideas and pressed forward. Their persistence was rewarded when the elusive number 7 wriggled free in the box to toe poke in a scruffy effort, and double Chinnor's lead.

Undeterred, Bassett came out for the second half boosted by manager Paul Gardner's upbeat team talk. However they almost went further behind when the home number 7 latched onto a through ball inside the area. Stephens came out forcing the striker to chip towards goal and see his attempt bounce back off the bar before Ian Mitchell thumped the loose ball clear for Bassett.

Chinnor didn't have to wait much longer to make it 3-0. A free kick was floated into the area where Paul Jack headed it out to the edge of the area. In a flash the Chinnor number 10 had hit a powerful shot that a diving Stephens got a hand to but could not keep out.

Bassett continued to create but not convert chances. Kevin Currier was crowded out as he tried to shoot on target and Mike Rouse was unmarked 6 yards out but could only find the 'keepers midriff rather than the net. Even the aerial route proved fruitless. The goalkeeper was challenged strongly for a high ball but Bassett missed the target when the ball dropped down into the area.

The visitors were finally rewarded for their continued effort when second half substitute Tim Lewis fired in via a slight deflection to give Bassett a glimmer of hope with just over 20 minutes remaining.

They continued to carry the fight to their hosts but neither side could add to their tally. Chinnor did almost add an undeserved fourth when a free kick from wide on their right was batted over the bar by Stephens in the Bassett goal.

As already stated Bassett were a match for their high flying hosts throughout, but were ultimately undone by a penalty decision and better finishing by Chinnor.

Man of the Match: John Stack - a determined all action display from the big defender who raided forward and tracked back with equal vigor - outstanding!

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Tuesday 5th October 2021 at 08:50