fresh from their first victory of the season last Saturday, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 12 Girls entertained high-flying AFC Corsham Wildcats at Gerald Buxton Sports Ground.
In an entertaining opening 15 minutes that saw both teams have opportunities to score, only a couple of fine saves from Sophie Saunders, on her debut for the club, kept the score level.
Corsham took the lead midway through the first half when a cross from the left wing found an unmarked Corsham player in space in the box to score from close range.
Bassett's best early chance fell to Daisy Bundy only to see her strike from outside the area come flying back off the post.
Bassett drew level shortly before half time. Leah Jefferies skillfully beat two players before laying a pass to Bethany Humphrey, enabling her to run on and finish low to the 'keeper's right.
The Bassett defence, led by Annabel Wellsbury and captain for the day Poppy Henderson and backed up by Jess Watkinson and Freya King, was rarely troubled throughout the game.
With the score at half time 1-1 and the second half underway, Bassett continued where they left off in the first half by putting more pressure on to an overworked visiting defence. Some slick midfield passing from Sienna Badman and forward runs from Mia Ohrland and Liv Deverall created a chance for Daisy Bundy, only to see her effort graze the post on the way past.
Bundy did manage to get her name on the score sheet for the third consecutive game with a well taken finish after winning the ball from a Corsham goal kick.
Corsham pushed forward looking for an equalizer, and with 10 minutes to go Annabel Wellsbury was unlucky as her slip allowed the Corsham forward to run through to score and tie the game at 2-2.
Bassett went in search of a winning goal that their performance deserved. Poppy Henderson was the driving force as she made a couple of lung busting run down the right wing, unfortunately her final ball was unable to find a teammate.
With five minutes left to go though Bassett regained the lead. After winning the ball in midfield, Bethany Humphrey passed to Daisy Bundy whose shot smashed off the underside of the crossbar and rippled the net. That goal brings Daisy's season tally to 6 goals in her first 3 games.
As the final whistle went both teams were greeted to warm applause and cheering from a very entertained crowd.
Bassett' player of the match award went to Poppy Henderson for a strong all-round performance.
Next up for the girls is a home game against a very strong unbeaten Marlborough Youth Tigers team.
Credit: Martin Jefferies
Last modified on Tuesday 12th October 2021 at 14:00
