A Dan Grieve hat trick propelled Royal Wootton Bassett Town to an emphatic - and important - 4-1 derby victory at home against Highworth Town as Sam Collier's side completed a season sweep of their rivals.

Following on from last weekend's hard fought triumph at Fairford Town, Bassett produced the goods in their second consecutive must-win derby against fellow Hellenic League Premier Division playoff contenders.

And Grieve has played a decisive role in both games, scoring twice against Fairford before putting on a masterclass in finishing against the Wothians.

Bassett benefited from the fact that Highworth had to play the best part of 75 minutes with ten men as Sol Pryce received a pair of bookings in the opening 15 minutes of the match. He was already walking a tightrope after just nine minutes when he picked up an extremely soft yellow card for a foul. While that was a harsh decision, a few minutes later the forward daftly earned another for kicking the ball away - leading to him being sent for a very early bath and putting his side at a serious disadvantage.

And Bassett would punish Pryce for his indiscipline, ensuring they made the extra man pay.

From the resulting free kick, Bassett were in front as Alfie Presley found the net in style. Receiving a pass from Brad Pagliaroli, Grieve set the ball back to Presley and, after taking one touch to control, Bassett's leading scorer spun a fine 25 yard effort into the bottom right corner.

The scores were soon level. Former Bassett star Sam Packer was frustrated to see a shot tipped around the post by debutant Dan Brabham. But from the resulting corner he rose highest to glance a header home from a Rhys Wells corner.

But Grieve put Bassett back in front shortly before the half hour mark. A sloppy passage of play saw both sides give the ball away. But eventually Pagliaroli was able to break down the right and he passed inside to Presley, who - returning the earlier favour he received - set the ball back to Grieve who coolly steered into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

He then made it 3-1 shortly after the restart. A sliced clearance from Wells went straight to Kyle Witt and he headed into the path of Grieve, who deftly guided a low left foot shot into the net from twelve yards.

He completed his hat trick to condemn Highworth to a heavy defeat with quarter of an hour to go. His seventh goal in Bassett colours since signing from Chipping Sodbury Town in December was another demonstration of his finishing ability.

Jack Hobson-McVeigh picked out Grieve on the edge of the box with a superb line breaking pass. With his back to goal and closely guarded by Dan Comer, a fine turn from Grieve sat the Highworth defender on his backside, and - with the help of a deflection - his well struck shot found the net.

The damage could then have been even greater, but Highworth had 'keeper Connor Johns to thank for sparing them even more pain as he kept out Witt as well as two efforts from Presley with assured saves late on.

The result ensures Bassett stay alive in the playoff race. Defeat would have seen Collier's team slip nine points behind the fifth place Worthians - a deficit that would surely have been insurmountable with just six games left.

Instead the gap is now three points - though Highworth still have a game in hand to play.

With their victory, Bassett made sure Highworth now will be under significant pressure not to slip up. And next up for the Worthians a derby date with Fairford in what will be a do or die game for the Cinder Lane side.

For Bassett, it's the case that they have to keep winning - and hope that Highworth and Pershore Town drop points.

Pershore, who Bassett are still to visit, were held away at strugglers Lydney Town. Bassett are therefore now level on points with the Plums - albeit having played a game more with a far inferior goal difference.

Barring disastrous late collapses, Mangotsfield United, Sporting Club Inkberrow and Roman Glass St George seem on course for three of the playoff spots (assuming favourites Hartpury University claim the title).

Bassett, thanks to this big derby win, are still in the mix for the final spot.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 15th February 2025 at 21:16