Reigning Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division champions Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development fell to a 4-1 opening day defeat at home against Frome Collegians.

In a tight first half Frome had goalkeeper Ben Forrester to thank for keeping it level in the opening stages with a couple of important saves.

Frome then went in front around the half hour mark thanks to powerful low shot from new signing Jack Newman.

However, the home side were back on level terms just before the break when a free kick from Manuel Meses was headed in at the far post by an unmarked Ian McDermid to make it 1-1 at the break.

Frome restored their lead early in the second half. A ball over the top down the left found Alex Pippard whose low cross picked out Morgan Marsh on the edge of the box and he controlled the ball and then volleyed into the net.

Bassett went close to equalising through Bruno Martins, but his powerful shot came back of the crossbar and Max Slinn mishit the rebound, and it remained 2-1.

That didn't last long though as substitute Slinn gave the ball away in midfield and Frome broke quickly. A cross from the left found Marsh again and his delivery deceived everyone and nestled in the top corner of the net to make it 3-1.

There was time for one further goal, and it again went the way of Frome, JNewman heading in powerfully from a corner for his second of the game to make the final score 4-1 to Karl Freeman's side, their first league win against their opponents after four previous defeats.

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Monday 15th August 2022 at 09:41