Royal Wootton Bassett Town may not have saved their best until last. Nevertheless, they completed their South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North campaign with a positive result as they drew 1-1 T home against Stockwood Wanderers.

Typical end of season fare, this was a match that had little riding on it. Adam Wood's side had already made sure of an impressive third place finish, while a points deduction for St Vallier meant that Stockwood were guaranteed to finish outside of the bottom two relegation places.

It further didn't help that Bassett were rather rusty. Indeed, Bassett had been on the sidelines for close to a month, the withdrawal of Purton from the league mere days after they had played their Wiltshire County Cup final meaning that their derby encounter scheduled for the Thursday before Easter did not go ahead.

It took a while for either team to get going, though Bassett did enjoy a flurry of chances in quick succession late in the first half but both Maddy Elliott and Hannah Gulliver saw shots saved before Cara Sommerville struck wide.

Stockwood were then soon ahead as Toni Blenkinsopp picked out Maddie Stadden who found space between Honor Fraser and Darcy Cox before slotting past Millie Powell.

The lead didn't last long though. With the last action of the half, Gulliver swung in a corner that evaded everyone and went into the net at the far post.

Neither side then created match in an uninspiring second half.

Nat Goodright had an early opening for Bassett after receiving a Gulliver cross and playing a neat give-and-go with Amber Egerton. However, her shot was straight at Ava Vowles in the Stockwood goal.

At the other end Isabella Marsh linked up well with Erin Vowles who shot wide when well placed.

Bassett's performance was good enough for a point though it was not necessarily representative of how they have played throughout another impressive season.

Wood and his team can be proud of their final league position in a competitive division that has seen them produce impressive results - not least the 3-3 draw against unbeaten champions Gloucester City.

Bassett will be looking for more of the same next season as they take another tilt at getting back to tier five of the women's pyramid.

A new manager will be at the helm, but Bassett's ambition will certainly again be the same.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 4th May 2025 at 20:30