Two frustrating results in the space of four days have seen Royal Wootton Bassett Town lose ground in the South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North.

After Thursday nights 5-2 reverse at the hands of Bitton, Adam Wood's side were held to a 1-1 draw away at Paulton Rovers - who recorded only their second point of the season.

Bassett had led courtesy of Hannah Gulliver's late first half goal. However, despite looking the more threatening of the two teams, solid defending from the hosts kept them in the game with Jessica Abbott eventually getting their equaliser.

The visitors enjoyed the better of the first half opportunities but were only able to get their noses in front as the interval neared.

Paulton 'keeper Emily Jones was forced into a double save early on as Bassett created the first good chance of the game.

Paulton then could have got their noses in front when Vicky Elliott intercepted a Millie Powell clearance and worked the ball to Jenna Woodland who could only shoot wide.

Gulliver then shot straight at Jones before Darcy Cox fired narrowly over as Bassett couldn't find their range.

Gulliver eventually put them ahead though, stealing the ball and coolly finishing after the Paulton defence struggled to deal with a Laura Jefferies ball into the box.

A second then almost followed immediately. However Jones showed great reflexes to prevent an own goal after Holly Baker had helped on an Honor Fraser free kick into a danger area and a sliced clearance almost sailed in.

Bassett would later be cursing that not going into the net.

Indeed, Paulton levelled on the hour as Abbott left Powell no chance with a 20 yard stunner that found the top corner.

Bassett then did all they could to restore their lead.

Multiple chances fell their way. However, neither Mia Sanghara, Baker, Kat Bach, Emma Sykes nor Caitlin Brooks were able to provide the finishing touch that was needed as the Paulton clung on.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 6th October 2024 at 19:18