Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 8 February 2023

Louis Spalding struck a last minute winner as Royal Wootton Bassett Town came from behind to beat Hellenic League Premier Division basement dwellers Tuffley Rovers 2-1 in an entertaining contest at the Sustain Stadium.

Despite Tuffley propping up the table, they possess plenty of young talent and - on the basis of this showing - an abundance of spirit and determination.

For Rovers the final score was therefore a hammer blow after putting in such a spirited performance and making things difficult for Sam Collier's side.

But for Bassett Spalding's winner was met with a mixture of relief and excitement as it means Collier and his team - currently eighth in the table - are within touching distance of Hereford Pegasus and Roman Glass St George, the two sides immediately above them, with a game in hand still to play.

The first of four straight home games, Bassett will be hopeful of being able to climb into sixth place by the end of that run.

Getting there is not going to be an easy journey though - and the win over Tuffley was a reminder of how competitive the division is.

Bassett were largely on top in the first half. But, while peppering shots at the Tuffley goal, the only real point at which they threatened to score came when Bailey Gallagher forced a diving save from Merchant with a firm low drive half an hour in. The 'keeper then did well on the stroke of half time to save after a goalmouth scramble.

However it was Tuffley who seemed likeliest to go in front and Bassett had Matt Crowther to thank that they didn't trail at the break, the 'keeper producing two great saves - including an acrobatic tip over the bar - to keep the visitors at bay.

Crowther could do little to deny Daniel Beasley though shortly after the restart as the forward produced an excellent curling shot from the edge of the area to make it 1-0 to Tuffley.

Within ten minutes Bassett were on level terms as a handball in the box earned a penalty, which Matt Jones squeezed past Merchant who guessed correctly.

Bassett then upped the ante, but a second was not forthcoming, while Tuffley posed a threat on the break.

The visitors thus seemed on course to claim a point - until Spalding's strength, composure and attacking instincts sealed victory for Bassett.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 09:35