Royal Wootton Bassett Town recorded a vital derby victory over Cirencester Town, triumphing 4-2 in an entertaining South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North encounter.

The victory was a hugely important one for Adam Wood's side. Starting the afternoon four points behind their hosts with three games in hand, defeat would have left Bassett with a huge amount to do to overhaul Cirencester and take third place.

Victory, however, would cut the deficit to just a single point and put Bassett in full control of their destiny.

Early goals in both halves helped ensure the latter scenario played out.

Bassett led as early as the second minute. Taking advantage of a defensive mix up, Caitlin Brooks squared to Maddy Elliott for a simple tap in.

It should then have been 2-0 as Hannah Gulliver fired wide after breaking away from Saf Neocleous.

As it was, Cirencester were able to level. Bassett lost possession inside their own half and Shannon King had ample room to shoot and beat Millie Powell with a weighted lob.

Both sides were creating chances in an end to end contest. King was denied by Powell before, at the other end, Jasmine Kennedy shot straight at Ellie Law and Brooks struck wide when through on goal.

Bassett would restore their lead when Gulliver guided home from a dangerous Elliott ball played across the six yard box.

However, Cirencester soon restored parity as Phoebe McGouran fired into the top corner.

Two quickfire goals shortly after the restart would then decide the game.

Racing onto a through ball played in behind the home defence, Brooks lifted a fine effort over an onrushing Law to put Bassett in front for a third time.

Shortly after Kelly Nightingale headed in a Laura Jefferies corner at the far post to give the visitors their first two goal advantage of the afternoon.

There was more action to come.

Cirencester's Anna Margetts shot wide from a free kick in a dangerous position while Brooks - heading straight at Law from a Jefferies corner - and Elliott - striking over after build up play involving Brooks and Honor Fraser - came close for Bassett.

Brooks then had another effort that Law was equal to before Jodie Bailey twice shot off target for the hosts.

The final stages saw half chances for both sides, but no further goals as Bassett secured what could be a crucial three points as the teams battle for position.

Another important fixture awaits next week against fifth place Bath City. A win for Bassett will extend their advantage to seven points, while the Romans will be aiming to narrow the gap to a single point.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 16th March 2025 at 17:06