Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s were knocked out of the Oxfordshire Over 50s League Challenge Cup with a 4-1 loss at Division 1 high-flyers Thame United. The scoreline somewhat flattered the hosts with Bassett giving as good as they got for the majority of the contest. However, they conceded goals at vital times and only had a solitary Andrew Huggins strike to show for their efforts. Bassett hopes of cup glory this season now rest on a good run in the Supplementary Cup.
Thame got off to the perfect start when within minutes a home player found space in the opposition area and his scuffed cross-shot crept inside the far post for an early lead.
Bassett came back strongly and strike pairing Huggins and Marc Cresswell both saw good efforts clip the outside of the right-hand post. In an end-to-end contest the Thame number 8 hit a thunderbolt which crashed off the bar and also fired wide when well placed inside the area.
Bassett survived those scares and pressed forward in search of an equaliser. The visitors had a strong penalty claim turned down when Huggins' close-range shot appeared to be blocked by a defender's arm but the referee waved play on. The dangerous Thame number 8 then finally doubled the home side's advantage when he latched onto a ball over the top of the Bassett defence and calmly chipped the 'keeper into the unguarded net.
The visitors continued to compete well and grabbed a lifeline back into the contest before the break. A slick passing move released Huggins in the box on the right and he ripped a low drive into the bottom corner which the 'keeper got a hand to but was never going to stop.
Bassett manager Paul Gardner encouraged by the team's performance stuck with his 3-5-2 formation for the second half bringing on Rob Mitchell in place of Roger Webb in central midfield.
It was obvious that the next goal in the game would be important and it was Thame who set about getting it with their substitute striker number 12 prominent in their endeavours. He almost grabbed a goal soon after the restart when he reached a cross ball ahead of defender Steve Fisher, only to see his stabbed attempt from six yards out kept out by the left hand of Ceri Stephens in the Bassett goal.
The third goal for Thame arrived shortly after though and owed a great deal to luck as Bassett player-manager Gardner's attempted clearance rebounded off a Thame attacker and into the bottom corner of Bassett's goal.
Bassett brought on Andrews in midfield, Campbell at right wing back and Ted Keep up front in the remaining time left in an attempt to fight back. Initially though, the hosts were boosted by their good fortune and had chances to further increase their lead that were thwarted by spirited defence from the excellent Bassett back three of Ellis, Watson and Fisher and another good save with his legs by Stephens.
Finally, after several near misses Thame added a fourth when one of their attackers ran in on goal and fired across Stephens.
Bassett refused to lie down, and Jason Parr cut in from the left to force the home 'keeper to turn his powerful drive over two-handed. Parr then turned provider when his pin-point cross found the head of the unmarked Huggins who glanced wide of the target. The same player almost reached a teasing Keep cross near the end but instead another chance for Bassett went begging.
As the final whistle sounded Bassett could reflect on a good team performance but not much luck against their higher division opponents. They now need to get back to winning ways in the league on 27th November 2022 when they entertain Easington Sports at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.
Man of the Match: Bob Ellis - part of a resolute back three, he gave his all for the cause for the full ninety minutes. His tireless work halted Thame United's potent attackers on numerous occasions.
Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Monday 14th November 2022 at 11:37
