![]() |
3 ‒ 0 |
|
Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Hellenic League Premier Division playoff hopes took another blow as Sam Collier's side suffered a 3-0 derby defeat against Malmesbury Victoria.
Having recorded a thumping 5-1 win against Malmesbury earlier in the season and with their opponents, not helped by ground issues meaning they are behind both on points and games, adrift at the bottom of the table, Bassett went into the game strong favourites on paper.
Bassett would finish the game with their tails between their legs though, having been convincingly turned over by a Malmesbury side who didn't even have home advantage, the match having been moved to Cirencester Town's Corinium Stadium.
Compounding matters further, Bassett passed up a great opportunity to edge closer to the playoff positions on an afternoon when four sides above them in the hunt for a top five placing - Sporting Club Inkberrow, Mangotsfield United, Roman Glass St George and Fairford Town - all suffered defeat.
Malmesbury led shortly after the half hour mark when Tom Moore - with a point to prove against his former side - found the net.
Soon after Jack Coward doubled the Vics' advantage.
To conpound, Bassett also saw manager Sam Collier sent off before half time as their afternoon went from bad to worse.
Josh Hughes would eventually complete the scoring with twenty minutes to go as Malmesbury boosted their hopes of a great escape while denting their rivals' playoff chances.
Just eight games remain for Bassett and there's now very little margin for error left if they wish to qualify for the playoffs.
Derby dates with Fairford and Highworth Town are up next - and, after their Malmesbury setback, these games are now surely must wins.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 1st February 2025 at 20:05