Saw Mills End, 15 April 2023

Royal Wootton Bassett Town secured a top six finish in the Hellenic League Premier Division courtesy of a final day 2-2 draw at Longlevens and Westfields' 4-2 home defeat against Corsham Town.

By far Bassett's highest ever league finish, that could get even better too, with Sam Collier's side set to finish fifth if Wiltshire rivals Corsham defeat Roman Glass St George when those teams meet for their final fixture.

While Longlevens twice came from behind to deny Bassett a final day win, there was plenty if reason for Collier and his team to celebrate at the final whistle of another marathon campaign.

Going into this season, Bassett had never finished in the top half of the Hellenic Premier despite having played in the division fifteen years.

That ignominious record was finally broken though - and Bassett did so in some style. It certainly wasn't the case that Bassett snuck into the top half. Instead, they consistently showed how they were one of the better teams in the division.

Off days were rare - one being the 4-0 home loss at the hands of Longlevens. Meanwhile, points were earned against all but two teams - third place Corsham and bogey side Brimscombe and Thrupp.

Matt Jones' double ensured that Longlevens didn't become the third opponent to register a season double over Bassett.

His first of the afternoon came following good set up play from Matt Bennett. Then, after Brad Martin had levelled the scores, Jones guided a low free kick beneath the wall and into the bottom corner - a goal, his 16th of the campaign, that secured his place as top scorer.

Basset thus led at the interval, but they were to be denied victory thanks to Cam Williams' scrambled equaliser midway through the second half.

With Corsham cruising to a comfortable, convincing win at Westfields though, a win was not necessary to lift Bassett up in the table.

The trick will now be to avoid regressing to the mean and to maintain the momentum built up this season when August comes around.

Although disappointing not to be playing for silverware to finish this campaign after Thursday's Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup semi final defeat, Bassett can go into the summer full of confidence and pride following a successful year.

Here's to more of the same next year as the club seeks to build a winning culture.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 15th April 2023 at 23:35