County Ground, 26 November 2022
Royal Wootton Bassett Town slipped to eighth in the Hellenic League Premier Division after suffering a 3-2 defeat away at Hereford Lads Club.
Lads Club twice came from behind before snatching a winner two minutes before the end of normal time courtesy of a well taken Adam Hockey goal.
The loss is Bassett' first in five league matches and Sam Collier will be frustrated that his side failed to hold on for what would have been a fourth consecutive draw.
There will also be frustration that Bassett failed to hold on to two leads. In recent weeks, Bassett have been the experts at coming from behind to salvage a result. This time though they got a taste of their own medicine.
Bassett initially went 1-0 up midway through the opening period as Sam Packer rose to head home from a corner.
But Lads Club were on terms eight minutes before half time as they took advantage of a set piece, James Hancocks heading from a teasing free kick played in from the right edge of the area.
The game therefore seemed set to head into half time with the score 1-1. But Bassett produced a fine goal to go into the break in front. Rhys Talmash played a one-two with Alfie Presley on the halfway line and left home defender Henry Dyde staring at his heels as he raced clear on goal. Forced wide by 'keeper Steve Bell, there was still work for the forward to do, but he kept his nerve to slot in from an acute angle.
The advantage the visitors held didn't last for long though.
Six minutes into the second half the hosts were awarded a soft seeming penalty and Brandon Jennings squeezed a left-footed effort into the bottom corner, just out of the reach of Matt Crowther who guessed correctly.
It remained 2-2 until late on, with Bassett unable to see out the game for what would have been a handy draw.
Lads Club caught Bassett on the break and substitute Adam Hockey swivelled on the edge of the area before arrowing a low drive into the bottom right corner.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 26th November 2022 at 17:33
