HDAnywhere Community Stadium, 15 October 2022

Royal Wootton Bassett Town pushed Hellenic League Premier Division leaders Malvern Town all the way, but ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a Sam Judge goal on the stroke of half time.

The Hillsiders - who along with Cribbs - have now started to open up a gap on the chasing pack, which still includes Bassett. But they were forced to work hard for their latest victory, with Sam Collier's coming close to taking something from a closely fought contest.

The match would ultimately be decided two minutes before the interval when Judge was quickest to react after Bassett 'keeper Matt Crowther was unable to corral Dave Reynolds' low cross into the box.

Outside of that, Malvern did - on balance - have the better of the game's opportunities. But Bassett, who were thumped 5-1 on their visit to Worcestershire last season, were not without threat and showed their hosts how much they have improved.

Indeed, Bassett had the first opening of the game when, in the fourth minute, Alfie Presley snatched at a shot from inside the area, hitting wide of the post.

Malvern had a spell on top midway through the half, but were unable to find a way past Crowther who twice tipped away, first from a Lewis Platt shot which, coming through a crowd of players, the 'keeper was only able to see late, and then from a Reynolds header following a Phil Harris cross.

But, with Presley seeing another chance deflected wide, the game appeared to be headed into the break with the scores still level. However, an opportunistic Judge pounced to put Malvern in front.

Facing the league leaders, falling behind may in recent times have served to dent Bassett's self belief. Not this season though - and Bassett returned from the break recharged, beginning the second half with purpose.

And the visitors came close to equalising shortly after the restart when half time substitution Matt Bennett burst free and rounded Keiron Blackburn. But the angle proved to be too acute, with sufficient Malvern defenders tracking back to snuff out the danger.

For the majority of the time remaining, the best either side could do was to create a string of half chances.

The best opening fell to Malvern's Lewis Spurrier, but he was unable to put the ball away after Crowther failed to hold a powerful Reynolds drive. The hosts also saw a late goal ruled out for a foul on the Bassett 'keeper after a corner had been swung into the box.

With time winding down though, Bassett started to throw men forwards. And it almost paid dividends as sub Jed Afenyo saw a firm drive well kept out by Blackburn. Bassett then won a stoppage time corner and sent everyone up - including Crowther - to attack. The ball fell to the 'keeper but he was just unable to steer into the net past his opposite number as Malvern hung on to win.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 15th October 2022 at 17:28