Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 17 September 2022

Assistant manager Alan Griffin came to the rescue as he headed home a dramatic late equaliser to snatch a point for Royal Wootton Bassett Town in a 2-2 draw with Lydney Town.

Bassett appeared on course for what would have been a disappointing home loss against opponents who entered the day third from bottom as set piece struggles continued to blight Sam Collier's side.

However, with full time looming Griffin rose to head a Chris Taylor cross towards goal, which the assistant referee - much to the hosts' relief - judged to have crossed the line.

Bassett had their fair share of luck throughout the afternoon. Although Bailey Gallagher had the first real chance of the game, the visitors were cursing their misfortune that they failed to take the lead early on as they wasted two golden opportunities - the first through former Bassett man Lewis Thompson - and also hit the post.

Surviving those scares, Basset then took the lead midway through the opening period as a flowing move saw Taylor pick out Tommy Ouldridge, who teed up Luke Whelan for his second of the season.

That lead lasted all of ten minutes though as a dangerous corner dropped for the experienced Declan Morley-Lyne to tap in for Lydney.

Set pieces have been Bassett's weakness of late - with three goals conceded from such situations in the FA Cup loss against Paulton Rovers.

And it was the same old story against Lydney, whose second came from another corner. Bassett sensed that they had got out of jail when Matt Crowther turned a Thompson spot kick around the post after Adam Corcoran had conceded a penalty.

But the resulting corner was not dealt with and, among a goalmouth scramble, Jamie Addis bundled home.

Griffin's introduction off the bench represented a last throw of the dice for Bassett as the visitors appeared set to record only their second league win of the season.

However, the veteran marksman - who delivered many an important goal last season - delivered right at the last to spare Bassett's blushes.

The result at least brings to an end a run of three straight defeats. But with a tricky run of six games ahead, only one of which is at home, the outcome was still a frustrating one for Bassett.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 17th September 2022 at 17:37