Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 5 February 2023
The final score may have provided little benefit for either team as both sides remain winless in the South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division. But Royal Wootton Bassett Town and Poole Town can take some form of pride in having produced an entertaining and dramatic 2-2 draw in their latest encounter.
Bassett will be breathing the biggest sigh of relief that they were able to take something out of the game as Simon Harrison's side salvaged a draw courtesy of Sylvannah Winstone's last minute penalty.
The circumstances were somewhat controversial with Winstone having seen her initial effort saved by Emily Wilkinson. However, the referee and assistant determined that the Poole 'keeper had come off her line before the ball was kicked, requiring a retake from which Winstone this time made no mistake.
It was a huge slice of fortune, but Bassett will take whatever good luck they can get with the successful conversion at the second attempt meaning Simon Harrison's side were not cut adrift at the bottom of the table.
Still, Bassett's level five status remains under threat - as does that of Poole. And Warminster Town's win this weekend - coupled with a triumph for Ilminster Town last week - means both teams face an uphill challenge in their remaining fixtures to extricate themselves from the bottom two.
Both teams will give it their best shot though - just as they did here.
Bassett initially went ahead. Wilkinson was unable to hang onto Laura Jefferies' towering corner, and the loose ball dropped to Emma Sykes who scrambled home from close range.
But Poole then struck twice in the second half to go 2-1 in front as Sacha Paynter and Georgia Kemp found the net.
The visitors appeared set to see the game out and claim their maiden league win.
But there was to be late drama and - at the second time of asking from the spot - Winstone equalised to claim a share of the spoils.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 5th February 2023 at 17:49
