The Meadow, 8 October 2022
Royal Wootton Bassett Town suffered a setback as their five game Hellenic League Premier Division unbeaten run came to an end with a disappointing 3-2 defeat away against lowly Brimscombe and Thrupp.
Bassett's hosts have endured a difficult opening couple of months of the season, and began the day second from bottom with just a lone win to their name.
But, perhaps delivering the confidence boost that they need to kickstart their campaign and claw their way back towards the top half - which they have finished outside of just once during their time in the Hellenic Premier, Brimscombe took advantage of a below par performance from their visitors to triumph by the odd goal in five.
Brimscombe twice allowed Bassett back into the match after staking out a two goal advantage, but ultimately did enough.
Bassett though will be kicking themselves for spurning multiple chances in the opening period that allowed the hosts to establish a strong position at the break.
The home side struck early when, exposing Bassett's set piece frailties, Sam Folkes tapped in after a Jonty Welch corner was flicked on.
Oliver Barnes then doubled Brimscombe's lead on the stroke of half time, picking out the bottom corner of the net with a rebound shot from just outside the box.
That left Bassett with a significant amount to do if they were to take anything from the match.
But Sam Collier's side grabbed a lifeline with twenty minutes to go when substitute Alan Griffin steered in a low Scott Chilcott cross with a controlled first time finish from ten yards out.
However, Brimscombe soon restored their two goal advantage as Liam Harper produced a powerful drive from outside the box that beat Matt Crowther and found its way into the bottom right corner.
Bassett did respond almost immediately as Griffin calmly sent Daniel Brabham the wrong way from the penalty spot.
That wasn't to be enough though as the hosts held on for a morale-boosting win - and Bassett saw their momentum halted ahead of next Saturday's visit to leaders Malvern Town.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 8th October 2022 at 20:10
