It may only be a single point, but Royal Wootton Bassett Town gained a significant confidence boost as they finally got off the mark in the South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division courtesy of a hard fought 1-1 draw away against Poole Town.

With manager Simon Harrison having to rotate his squad due to unavailability - including last season's leading scorer Libby Davies, Bassett were up against it in their first competitive fixture against the Dorset side.

But Harrison's side dug deep and, in the end, were worthy of getting something from a lively contest against the only other side in the division not to have registered a point in their opening two fixtures.

Poole had led after Sacha Paynter gave the Dolphins the lead. However, Bassett eventually levelled through Caily Morse, who - grabbing her first goal in senior football - turned the ball home after a shot from fellow youngster Ellie O'Nions struck the bar.

Although the game would ultimately end all square, Bassett did have to survive a late square when Poole struck the post.

Despite that, the visitors were deserving of a draw and can now proceed without having to worry about there being a zero in the points column.

And next up for Bassett is a chance to gain even more confidence - and aim for success on the national stage - as they visit Middlezoy Rovers in the Vitality Women's FA Cup second qualifying round.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 25th September 2022 at 18:04