Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s' Oxfordshire Over 50s League Challenge Cup run was ended at the quarter final stage by Goring United GOB Over 50s. The visitors, who are top of their division, finally wrapped up victory with a late second goal to stride into the semi-finals and a date away to Thame United. Bassett managed to stay in the game by never giving up, despite being second best to a strong Goring side who created a host of chances and gave the home side very few.

Goring began the game strongly and were fluent in possession. Bassett worked hard to deny them space and time to play but were unable to retain the ball for long enough to test the opposition defensively. The general pattern of the first half was probing attacks by Goring and dogged defending by Bassett. Eventually Bassett cracked from a free kick on 20 minutes. The ball was swung into the box and a Goring player headed it on to the far post where the unmarked number 18 stretched to wrap his foot around a good close range finish.

Bassett tried to get back into the game and had a close range header just wide by Rob Mitchell and a shot over from Martyn Purcell to show for their efforts. Goring also had good chances to extend their lead. Stephens saved well with his legs and finger-tipped a curling effort around the post as Goring turned the screw.

At half time Bassett Head Coach Eddie Stephenson asked for more composure in possession from his side and told his players that they were still in the contest.

If Bassett thought that Goring would drop off their performance level though, they were to be disappointed. Goring actually upped their intensity and created a whole host of second half chances to put the game beyond Bassett. Only Stephens in goal and sheer will from Bassett as a defensive unit kept them out. The home 'keeper made several one-on-one saves and Bob Ellis incredibly managed to knee a thunderbolt from point blank range over his own bar to keep Bassett alive. Goring continued to press and an effort bound for the top left hand corner was manfully headed out by Purcell. Another similar effort was cleared off the line by Kenny Campbell as Bassett refused to throw in the towel.

Bassett needed a break at the other end to rescue the cup tie and they did create a few half chances. Kenny Campbell played a ball into Steve Lynch, who found half a yard of space to test the Goring 'keeper from twenty yards. Andy Huggins shot into the side netting and Ian Penfold got in behind the Goring back line but lost the foot race with the alert visiting goalie.

Goring just kept coming as they knew a second goal late on would kill the tie. Stephens stood up twice more to make excellent close range saves, but, finally, with just five minutes left Goring sealed their semi final place with goal number two. Bassett gave away possession cheaply on the edge of their box. The ball was eventually transferred out wide and an accurate cross was finished from inside the six yard box by an unmarked Goring player.

The final whistle sounded with Bassett knowing they had given their all but had lost on the day to the better side. Bassett must now look to compete hard in their final two league games to show they mean business for next season in Division Two, where they will be looking to challenge for promotion back into the top flight at the first attempt.

Bassett Man of the Match: Martyn Purcell - Percy played well in an unfamiliar left midfield role in the first half and when he switched to play right back in the second half he made a string of vital headers and tackles, none more so than the brilliant off the line header to keep Bassett alive in the game at 1-0 down. Worked his tail off for the cause and can be proud of his efforts.

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Monday 14th March 2022 at 13:25