Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 18 November 2022

Royal Wootton Bassett Town's habit of coming from behind to earn a result continued as, courtesy of a Matt Bennett brace, Sam Collier's side overcame a 2-0 half time deficit to claim a point in an entertaining Friday night derby at home against Fairford Town.

In four of their last five games - and in their three most recent Hellenic League Premier Division fixtures, Bassett have fallen behind before reeling off impressive comebacks that have allowed the side to maintain their positive run of form.

However, while Bassett found themselves facing single goal deficits against Westfields, Worcester Raiders and Wellington, the comeback pulled off against Fairford was arguably more impressive as Collier and his team found themselves two goals down and facing the prospect of a third straight home loss against the Reds.

But a half time overhaul - which saw the Bassett boss gamble by brining on three substitutes, including Bennett - did the trick and ultimately earned a share of the spoils.

A draw was arguably a fair outcome - and reflective of the fact that this was the proverbial game of two halves.

Having soaked up early Bassett pressure that failed to translate into any meaningful chances, Fairford took the lead when unmarked defender Robbie James was on hand to steer in after a dangerous Tom Chamberlain free kick delivery had been redirected back across the face of goal by Olly Whelan.

The visitors soon doubled their advantage as half time neared. Adam Corcoran was unable to head clear from 'keeper Joe Wright's long pass forward and Danny Gudger took full advantage, beating Matt Crowther to the loose ball before rounding the 'keeper and steering in from an angle.

That left Bassett with a huge amount to do to get themselves back into the game. And while Collier resorted to shuffling his pack, bringing on Bennett, Bailey Gallagher and Sam Packer, his side were lucky that they didn't face an even greater deficit when Fairford forward George Peare, with the goal at his mercy, struck wide of the mark with a first time effort from close range early in the second half.

Having survived that scare, Bassett quickly got themselves back into the match. Moments later with the ball at the other end, Jack Hobson-McVeigh whipped in an inswinging corner, and Bennett, shaking off his marker, flicked in a header at the near post to make it 2-1.

It didn't take long for the scores to be levelled and for Bennett to grab his second. While under pressure from the forward, Fairford 'keeper Wright failed to hold on when coming out to catch a bouncing ball - and Bennett seized upon the error, slotting into the bottom corner from ten yards out.

With the scores back level, that set up the game for an exciting finish. And both sides would have chances to snatch a winner late on.

The error-prone Wright almost fumbled a Hobson-McVeigh corner into his own net but was saved by Whelan's goalline clearance.

For Fairford, Gudger came close as he saw a shot of his from the edge of the area catch a deflction and go narrowly over.

Bassett then had arguably the best opportunity to claim the points when Alfie Presley got on the end of Bennett's fine low cross to steer towards goal but, fortunately for the visitors, his shot from eight yards out was straight at the 'keeper.

Bassett thus finish their run of four home league games unbeaten, with a win against Bradford Town and three consecutive draws. Those against Westfields and Worcester Raiders were certainly impressive, though Bassett would perhaps have wanted more from this fixture against Fairford.

Nevertheless, the team avoided defeat - and again showed their character to complete another comeback job.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 19th November 2022 at 18:24