Royal Wootton Bassett Town's early season struggles continued as a Karnell Chambers goal on the stroke of half time saw Tuffley Rovers earn all three points.

As has become common in games between the teams, just a single goal determined the outcome of the contest.

But while Bassett had won five of the six most recent meetings between the teams by such a margin, this time they got a taste of their own medicine as Rovers prevailed by the odd goal.

The lively Chambers was clearly Rovers' biggest threat and was front and centre of the home side's attacking efforts during an opening period in which they were the better side.

It appeared as though his - and Tuffley's -early efforts would go unrewarded though as Chambers hit the post and saw a back post header go narrowly wide.

However, with half time imminent, Chambers got the breakthrough, cutting inside before coolly slotting beneath James Foster from the edge of the box.

Chambers' involved was curtailed temporarily early in the second period when sent to the sin bin. But Bassett were unable to take advantage of the extra man.

Instead they almost fell behind shortly after Tuffley were restored to their full compliment of players as Connor Walters became the second home player to hit the woodwork.

Foster then denied Chambers after he was played in by Kieran Alder.

Bassett rallied late on but were unable to conjure up the required equaliser.

And they had Foster to thank late on as he kept out another Chambers effort.

Close to a quarter of a way into the new campaign, Bassett certainly didn't envisage having just three wins to their name after last season's playoff exploits.

Sam Collier and his side now visit Highworth Town - and will be hoping that the setting of their playoff semi final heroics will this time serve as the scene to finally kick their 2024-25 season into gear.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 14th September 2024 at 18:13