Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s fought back from four nil down to really worry Chilsey Blacks, but a final minute goal for the hosts made it 5-3 - the identical score line from the reverse fixture last weekend.
Once again prolific marksman Christopher Munday claimed a hat trick. For their part, a penalty from Stew Whitehead and a double goal contribution from Bryan Watson ensured that Bassett eventually made a game of it in the second half.
The win keeps Chilsey well in the hunt for a third place finish in the Oxfordshire Premier League Division Two, while Bassett will finish a respectable fifth out of eight teams whatever the result of their final league match away at Easington Sports.
Bassett started brightly and looked the more threatening side in the opening exchanges, but after only 10 minutes Chilsey converted their first genuine chance.
When a high ball into the Bassett area was not dealt with, the ball was controlled first time by a Chilsey player who then steadied himself before firing low across the advancing Stephens to open the scoring.
The second and third goals arrived in quick succession. First, dangerman Munday held off a challenge before bursting into the box and threading a shot past Stephens into the far corner.
Before 25 minutes had elapsed it was 3-0. This time Bassett were exposed on their left flank and a cross picked out a Chilsey man who could not miss with a header from inside the six yard box.
Before the half hour mark things got even worse for the visitors who were staring a really heavy defeat in the face. Munday controversially beat the offside trap and slid the ball easily to Stephens' left to seemingly seal the win at 4-0.
Bassett were awarded a route back into the game when the Chilsey 'keeper brought down a Bassett man to concede a penalty just before the break. Forward Whitehead stepped up to score despite the 'keeper getting both hands to the penalty kick.
Bassett manager Paul Gardner rightly expressed his frustration at the ease with which Bassett had conceded the four goals in a half where they had actually played well barring their defensive lapses.
Bassett responded in terrific fashion after the break to dominate proceedings.
They had numerous chances to get back into the game and Watson eventually got the visitors' second when he pounced on a goalkeeping fumble to head home.
The same man struck again to set up a grandstand finish when his tremendous 20 yard strike soared into the roof of the net to drag Bassett firmly back into the contest at 4-3 with about 10 minutes remaining.
In truth, three decent saves by the Chilsey number one had kept the hosts' noses in front until in bizarre circumstances they finally sealed victory at the death.
The Bassett manager and a defender were in discussion with the referee over how much time was left, when Chilsey took advantage with a quick throw following a foul throw by Bassett. The Chilsey throw reached striker Munday who galloped into the area before poking the ball past the diving Stephens to win it 5-3.
Bassett Man of the Match: Two goal hero Bryan Watson who gave Bassett a fighting chance of a remarkable comeback. Special mentions also for Steve Partridge for his excellent display, and a bravery award which goes to defender Bob Ellis who took a blow to the head and a carpet burn to his backside for his troubles - ouch!
Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Monday 24th April 2023 at 19:03
