Another fantastic home performance saw Royal Wootton Bassett Town seal a convincing 3-0 home victory against fellow playoff hopefuls Westfields as Sam Collier's side continued their recent Hellenic League Premier Division charge.

A contest between two of the division's form sides ultimately ended up with a rather one-sided outcome as Alfie Presley scored twice, with a headed Ollie Case goal sandwiched in between.

Westfields enjoyed plenty of possession, particularly in the first half, but made lacked any form of cutting edge. In contrast, Bassett displayed the clinical, ruthless edge that has served them so well in the league over the last two and a half months.

The visitors enjoyed spell of pressure very early on, but James Foster was equal to Brandon Jennings' header and a Ben Brooks drive.

But Bassett were ultimately ahead within the opening quarter of an hour as leading scorer Presley added to his tally for the season, taking one touch before firing on the turn into the bottom corner from just outside the area.

That lead was then doubled ten minutes before the break as Adam Corcoran flicked on a Jack Hobson-McVeigh corner at the front post and his partner in crime at centre half Case produced a bullet header from six yards out for his third of the campaign.

It could well have been three just before half time too. However, Westfields 'keeper Keiron Blackburn pulled off a fine save from Brad Pagliaroli.

Presley eventually put Bassett in an unassailable position around the hour mark though. Finn Hopkins seized on a defensive error before sliding in Presley who drilled a powerful strike beneath Blackburn.

Westfields have typically proven very tough opponents to crack, with Bassett's two previous victories against the Hereford side being earned by just a single goal.

On this occasion, however, Bassett were clearly superior. And their visitors - well beaten - showed their frustrations late on when Brooks was sent off.

Bassett's playoff hopes continue to strengthen - and with Tuffley Rovers and Mangotsfield United up next, Collier and his team have the opportunity to further strengthen these by striking a blow to two other teams who are currently in the mix.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 16th November 2024 at 19:28