Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 18s suffered their first Wiltshire League Premier Division defeat of the season as they lost 2-1 away at fellow title challengers Kintbury Rangers.

The hotly anticipated meeting between the division's top teams lived up to its billing as an intriguing contest ensued. Unfortunately for Bassett, it ended in defeat. The game was then marred by unfortunate scenes following the final whistle, which saw a mass confrontation involving both sides.

Kintbury, who Bassett beat 3-1 at home back in September, were on top during the opening period but were unable to break the deadlock.

The second half then provided all the game's goals. The first goal for the hosts came early in the second half when Kintbury's Cameron Squires fired in a powerful shot from distance that took a deflection off a Bassett player and looped in over goalkeeper Sam Case.

Bassett got themselves back on level terms within ten minutes of Kintbury taking the lead, Joe Beavis reacting quickly when the ball fell to him in the box to make it 1-1 with his seventh goal of the campaign.

However, ten minutes from time Kintbury restored their lead. From a corner the ball was flicked on and found Josh Dopson who had a free header to make it 2-1.

Bassett do remain top of the table despite their defeat. But it is now advantage Kintbury in the title race.

They sit just one point behind with a game in hand still to play, and also possess a four goal advantage on goal difference, meaning they would go above Bassett even with a draw in their outstanding fixture.

Despite that, there still promises to be some twists and turns in the final two months of the campaign.

Four games remain for Bassett - and maximum points from those will put significant pressure on Kintbury.

One thing is for sure: the Kintbury loss may be a setback for Bassett, but all is still to play for.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 4th March 2023 at 16:30