Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development and Amesbury Town played out a thrilling contest in the Wiltshire League Premier Division. However, Mark Simpkins' side ended the match empty-handed, losing 4-3

Amesbury could also taken over at the top with a win but would have needed to have triumphed by a healthy margin given Kintbury Rangers' better goal difference. They were up against a Bassett side coming off an impressive midweek win against Kingsdown on the 3G at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground where the hot afternoon made conditions difficult.

However, in a game that saw seven goals, they were always in the driving seat with the home side having to play catch up.

Josh Moore put Amesbury in front, getting on the end of a Ben Morris cross, but Kevin Lartey brought Bassett back into the game from the penalty spot just after the half hour mark.

The visitors went back in front following a lapse in the Bassett defence which saw Morris dispossess a defender when closing down quickly with the ball falling to Moore after an initial save by the Bassett keeper to fire home for his second of the game.

Just as it looked like Amesbury would go into the break in front, they were pegged back for a second time, Finley Smith scoring on the stroke of half time and the teams turned round with the score two apiece.

It remained that way for the opening stages of the second period, but Amesbury finally went in front for the third time in the game just before the hour mark, Rhys Sullivan with his first goal of the season to make it 3-2.

Amesbury then added a fourth to finally give themselves a two-goal cushion. Ben Morris, who had set up the opener, was on hand to add one of his own.

There was still time for a late third for the home side through Ben Pope but Amesbury safely saw out the closing stages to secure a 4-3 win that moved them level on points with Kintbury at the top of the table.

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Monday 11th September 2023 at 13:49