Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 2 August 2022

Opening day success has been rare for Royal Wootton Bassett Town in recent seasons. But Sam Collier's side made sure they were quick off the mark to start the 2022-23 Hellenic League Premier Division campaign as an impressive performance helped Bassett to a narrow 1-0 victory against Mangotsfield United.

The visiting Mangos, newly relegated to the Hellenic League after more than two decades at Southern League level, were an unknown quantity for Bassett going into the match. But given the club's pedigree, there was a solid expectation that they would be a strong, competitive side.

That proved to be the case - particularly in the latter stages of the opening half when Mangotsfield really came to the fore.

But Bassett stood firm against their visitors. And Alfie Presley's composed finish ten minutes into the second half ultimately proved enough to ensure that the hosts took all three points from an intriguing contest.

Bassett started the match with intent but, aside from a penalty appeal that was turned down, failed to really test Ashley Clarke in the Mangotsfield goal. The home side's best chance of the half then came around the half hour mark when Presley skewed wide as Bassett countered following a defensive lapse.

By this point though it was Mangotsfield who were in the ascendancy, with the visitors having already seen a deflected effort graze the woodwork. Moments after Presley's miss, they were almost ahead too as a stunning volleyed effort seemed as though it was destined to open the scoring, but Bassett 'keeper Matt Crowther pulled off an outstanding acrobative save to tip the ball around the post.

Going into half time goalless with both teams having enjoyed spells of pressure, the game was finely poised.

And it's outcome would soon be decided.

Ten minutes after the restart, an incisive Bassett break had the Mangotsfield backline on their heels. It did initially appear as though the attack would be snuffed out as imposing centre half Michael Grist went to ground to challenge Bailey Gallagher inside the visitors' penalty area following Tommy Ouldridge's dangerous diagonal pass. However, fortunately for Bassett, the ball fell into Gallagher's feet and, with Clarke drawn from his line, he squared for Presley to slot home.

Bassett now had the wind in their sails, but a second goal was not forthcoming. That made for a somewhat nervy finish to the match. However, with Collier's side defensively sound, Mangotsfield were unable to fashion anything of note despite the extra men they were throwing forward.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 3rd August 2022 at 07:18