Royal Wootton Bassett Town put last week's FA Vase disappointment well and truly behind them as Sam Collier's side returned to Hellenic League Premier Division action with a thumping 4-0 home win against Hereford Pegasus.

Bouncing back with what the Bassett boss says was his side's best performance of the season to date, the result means Bassett have taken 19 of the last available 21 points. And that outstanding run is made the more impressive by the fact they have scored 24

goals in those seven games, including 18 in their last four league outings.

Pegasus came into the game in something of a rut having failed to win in their eight previous league outings. But with eleven of their sixteen league games going into the match having been decided by a single goal or less, this was expected to be no easy fixture for Bassett.

But a clinical performance ensured Collier and his team eventually cantered to victory.

Leading scorer Alfie Presley got Bassett on their merry way nine minutes before the interval, steering in first time at the left post from close range following Jack Hobson-McVeigh'a perfectly placed low cross into the box.

Prior to that the game had been a relatively even affair with Finn Hopkins having the best chance of note when he found the post from a tight angle.

However that opening goal put Bassett in the ascendancy going into the interval.

They then came out for the second half in the mood for more. And Bassett duly delivered as they pulled away from their visitors.

Presley served as the creator for Bassett's second three minutes after the restart. Following a swift counter, he cut back for youngster Hopkins who confidently swept into the bottom corner from twelve yards.

Pegasus' cause wasn't helped shortly before the hour when leading scorer Carlos Moreira picked up a second yellow card for dissent.

And soon after it was 3-0 as Hopkins teed up Tommy Ouldridge for a simple close range finish.

The scoring was then completed five minutes from time when George Peare rose highest to meet a Hobson-McVeigh corner, which he expertly guided into the top left corner.

Bassett now sit seventh, just two points off the playoff places. Those credentials will be tested in their next two league fixtures at home against fellow contenders Sporting Club Inkberrow and then away at Worcester Raiders.

But if they repeat this performance, Bassett will be confident of being back in the top five in the next couple of weeks.

First though they face a home Wiltshire Premier Shield date with Southern League Westbury United - and an opportunity to put higher level opposition to the sword.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 26th October 2024 at 20:24