Royal Wootton Bassett Town began the new South West Regional Women's Football League season the same way they started the last one - with a comfortable 3-0 victory away at local rivals Purton.

Victory at the Red House last season was the first step towards a runners-up finish in Division One East.

This year, Adam Wood and his side will be hoping that their triumph will serve as the opening gambit in a Division One North promotion winning campaign.

A long and challenging road lies ahead. But, building on last week's Adobe Women's FA Cup victory, the early signs are positive with Bassett now entering a stretch of three consecutive home games to finish the first month of the campaign in which they'll be aiming to continue their perfect start.

Bassett led after 17 minutes when Hannah Gulliver - last week's hat trick hero - stole possession and whipped in a cross that was turned into the net by a home defender.

The lead was then doubled in first half stoppage time when Holly Baker collected an Honor Fraser throw in, played a neat one-two with Gulliver and fired home.

Gulliver then provided another assist ten minutes into second half when her corner was headed in by new signing Caitlin Brooks to put Bassett in an unassailable position.

While Purton pushed late on to grab at least a consolation, the Bassett defence held firm - with 'keeper Millie Powell enjoying a relatively trouble-free afternoon.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 8th September 2024 at 20:00