Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 12 Girls welcomed FC Chippenham Youth to the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground for their first game of 2022. Both teams went into the game, sporting the same league records.

The starting 7 for Bassett were in goal Sophie Saunders, with Freya King and Annabel Wellsbury in defence, a midfield 3 of Bethany Humphrey, Robyn Spencer and captain Mia Ohrland, with Lillian Newbury leading the line.

An early morning pitch inspection had seen the pitch declared fit to play, but conditions were heavy under foot.

Chippenham started the game in control, playing with a front three, that caused Bassett problems early on. Bassett were forced to battle hard to get a foothold in the game.

For all Chippenham's early possession, it was Bassett that had the best of the early chances, with Lillian Newbury shooting wide, and Bethany Humphrey unable to get on the end of a Robyn Spencer cross.

Daisy Bundy then came off the bench to open the scoring, as she latched on to Poppy Henderson's long throw in to toe poke past the visiting keeper, much to the delight of the home crowd. Shortly after the opening goal, Daisy went close again but this time her effort sailed over the bar.

Coming up to half time, a moment of individual brilliance from Ruby Gower had the Bassett crowd watching on in amazement, as she twisted two defenders one way and another, working in the corner before passing to Sienna Badman whose cross alluded everyone.

With the team leading 1-0 at half time, Bassett's coaches were full of praise for the girls' first half efforts but were keen to stress the quality that Chippenham had on the ball.

Defensively Bassett were looking strong with nothing getting past Freya King, Poppy Henderson and Annabel Wellsbury, who rotated throughout the first half.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first half, with Chippenham dominating the ball but with Bassett looking threatening on the break.

The second half tempo was set by hardworking midfielders Holly Wannell and Robyn Spencer, who were snapping into tackles. Fellow midfielder Mia Ohrland was a continuous threat going forward, with Sienna Badman protecting the back line.

As the pressure mounted, Chippenham came close, shooting wide on two different occasions, before a wonder save from Sophie Saunders saw the 'keeper tip a goal bound shot from close range wide of the post. This was greeted by the loudest cheer of the day as both sets of supporters showed their appreciation for the save.

Eventually the pressure paid off though as Chippenham got back on level terms, with a well taken goal 12 minutes from time. With Bassett looking tired, Chippenham went in search of a second goal. As a result, Bassett sent on forward Ruby Gower to freshen things up.

Chippenham went in front with 9 minutes left on the clock. With Bassett players scrambling to close players down, a quick pass found a Chippenham forward in space to finish past Sophie.

With time running out Bassett gambled sending on attacking players Bethany Humphrey and Lillian Newbury to replace Holly Wannell and Mia Ohrland.

With Bassett going all out looking for the equaliser, they were hit on the counter. One long ball alluded the Bassett defence, as a Chippenham forward ran free to slot home, and wrap up the win.

Up next for Bassett, is a tough away game against title chasing Castle Combe Colts Jets, who have lost just once this season.

Player of the match for Bassett was Ruby Gower for her work rate and moment of skill.

Credit: Martin Jefferies
Last modified on Tuesday 18th January 2022 at 08:49