Alfredian Park, 20 December 2022
Bailey Gallagher scored the only goal of the game as Royal Wootton Bassett Town recorded a vital - and rare - victory away against Wantage Town.
Bassett's record against the Alfredians is a miserable one, with 23 previous Hellenic League meetings yielding just four wins and nineteen defeats - including a dramatic 3-2 loss back in September when Wantage came from 2-0 down to claim all three points at the Sustain Stadium.
This time, however, it was a different story as a gutsy display in difficult conditions from Sam Collier's side saw Bassett keep a clean sheet and snatch an all-important winner.
Making the result more impressive was that Bassett were much changed too as a consequence of injuries and illness: Jadyn Mundle was drafted in at the last minute to make his debut in goal, Jon Beeden made his first started in a long time, while Bassett operated without a natural centre forward. Still though they managed to prevail.
The heavy rain that had followed the recent cold snap had made the Alfredian Park pitch boggy and heavy, and resulted in a tricky first half as Bassett also played against the slope.
Wantage thus had Bassett under significant pressure throughout the opening period, earning numerous free kicks in dangerous positions and throwing a number of dangerous balls into the box. But fantastic defending from the visitors - led by Beeden and Adam Corcoran - meant that they got through the opening 45 minutes unscathed, with Wantage failing to convert the significant possession and territorial advantage they had into any serious opportunities.
Going down the slope after the restart, Bassett were finally able to exert some control over the game, with this allowing midfield playmakers Chris Taylor, Tommy Ouldridge and Jack Hobson-McVeigh to get on the ball far more.
And eventually that led to the crucial moment in the game. Gallagher had started as a substitute and only been brought on with 25 minutes remaining. But it was an impact substitution from Collier, with the Bassett boss playing his cards right. By introducing Gallagher's fresh legs and skill, it gave Wantage - starting to tire - something else to think about.
The move for the goal started with Alfie Presley holding the ball up well and, after a quick turn, he played in a pass over the top for Gallagher to run onto. Gallagher still had a defender in the form of Michael Miller to beat, but he turned his former teammate inside out before shifting the ball onto his left foot and producing a composed finish beyond home 'keeper James Foster.
Having fallen behind, Wantage sought desperately to get back onto level terms. But Bassett defended diligently, successfully seeing off the pressure the hosts exerted, including successive corners in the final moments of the match.
The result means Bassett move up to eighth in the Hellenic League Premier Division - where they will sit at Christmas, three points ahead of tenth place Wantage who have played three games more.
While Bassett's recent form has been solid with impressive league draws against high-flying Westfields and Worcester Raiders as well as consecutive clean sheets in their two most recent cup fixtures, the lack of a league win since a 2-1 triumph against Bradford Town on 18 October had put the team in danger of dropping into the bottom half.
Now though, there is some breathing room - albeit with plenty of work still to do in order to secure a first ever top half finish at step five.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 21st December 2022 at 14:37
