Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 18s' Wiltshire League Floodlit Division title hopes were dealt a significant blow as they lost 4-0 away against fellow challengers Devizes Town.

The result sends Devizes to the top of the table, two points ahead of Bassett with both sides still having three games to play. Bassett, meanwhile, fall down to third - and there is now no margin for error if they are to leapfrog second place Melksham Town, who also have a two point advantage albeit with one fewer game to play.

Bassett's visit to Nursteed Road had the potential to be a season defining game. And a close contest was seemingly in prospect after the teams had shared six goals in a thrilling November draw.

There was certainly little between the teams during the opening period.

Bassett fashioned a number of good early chances yet were unable to capitalise upon these.

Devizes then struck what proved to be a decisive blow. Catching their visitors on the break, an incisive counter attack finished with Caleb Hollow producing a fine strike from the edge of the area.

The same player passed up an opportunity to double Devizes' lead before the break - a let off that gave Bassett the foothold in the game they needed.

However, much unlike the opening period, the second half proceeded to be a one-way affair, with Howell's opening goal appearing to have terminally wounded Bassett's confidence.

And Jack Farion took full advantage, firing a second half hat trick that delivered his team an emphatic victory and which puts them in pole position for the title.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Friday 21st January 2022 at 08:58