Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Over 50s' "double agent" Andy Huggins struck twice to lead a second half fightback from the home side, but Bicester Colts Over 50s responded with two more goals of their own to prove that "nobody does it better", maintaining their perfect league record and returning to the top of the Oxfordshire Premier League Division Two table after a 5-2 away success.

Bicester dominated proceedings in the opening half, laying siege to the Bassett goal for long periods. Bassett stood manfully to their task but despite some good saves and defensive clearances they were undone by three clinical first half finishes, the last of which came at the second attempt after Stephens had saved well but was unable to hold the initial effort.

Bassett only had limited chances that fell to Jason Parr and Marc Cresswell. Indeed their only shot on target in the opening half came from Steve Howse who turned and shot powerfully but his attempt was straight at the Bicester 'keeper.

Interim manager Steve Fisher, just back from a head injury scare as a player on the 7th January, was pleased with his team's doggedness despite having had the wind and sun in their faces during the first period.

With the elements now in their favour, Bassett tore into the best team by far in the division.

Huggins was rewarded on 55 minutes when he latched on to a charge down of an attempted clearance to round the 'keeper and ram home.

It was not too much longer before Huggins was at it again. He collected a long defensive clearance which bounced up invitingly for him about 35 yards out. He hit the proverbial "Thunderball" which soared over the visiting 'keeper before dipping into the net.

That "goal of the season" contender dragged Bassett back to 3-2 down with just under half an hour left. Bassett had numerous other chances to draw level and had certainly shaken their illustrious opponents. Bryan Watson lashed in a shot from close range that was acrobatically turned over by the 'keeper. Steve Howse from just outside the box and that man Huggins yet again from longer range fired narrowly wide.

But Bicester had been prompted to respond and with around 20 minutes left on the clock they effectively sealed victory.

One of the Bicester centre halves lost his marker at a corner and powered in his header from inside the six- yard box past Stephens. They restored their 3- goal cushion soon after, when an attacker found room inside the area, and crashed a low shot in off the base of the left-hand post to complete the final score line of 5-2.

Despite the defeat, the 11 Bassett starters and 3 substitutes who came on can be proud of their fighting spirit throughout the contest.

The second half in particular was excellent from Bassett. To score two goals against league leaders Bicester is no mean achievement as they had only conceded 3 in the league from their previous seven games and only 5 in 9 previous games in all competitions.

Bassett must take the positives from the game and look to end their long winless run when they entertain bottom of the league Exiles on Sunday 5th March 2023.

Bassett Man of the Match: Andy Huggins – two goals against the meanest defence and best team in the division earns the big man this week's accolade. Well done Huggy!

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Monday 20th February 2023 at 19:08