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Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development surrendered a two goal lead before going on to lose 5-2 in their Wiltshire League Premier Division opener against Melksham Town Reserves.
Few would have predicted that Melksham would go on to score five times at half time after they went into the break trailing.
Goals from captain Mani Mesas and Matt Capel had put the home side in what looked a commanding position, and it could have been more.
However, the visitors were given a lift just before the break when they were awarded a free kick, needlessly conceded, just outside the box. Fraser Blake took the responsibility for the kick, and his well struck effort came back off the bar with Nick Taylor being the first to react to head the rebound into an empty net to put Melksham back in the game.
Melksham came out for the second half in a determined mood and looked a different side, taking the game to Bassett with a combination of a direct approach, including the longest throw-ins you will probably ever see in a Wiltshire League game, and some neat approach play.
Bassett were struggling to deal with the skilful winger Liam Brooks all afternoon and he was justly awarded with Melksham's man of the match.
Second half goals from Ollie Farrell (2) and substitutes Luke Curtis and Baillie Nichols completely turned things around as Melksham opened up a 5-2 lead.
The only blemish on the afternoon for Melksham was seeing Aron Byfield sent off late on for what was adjudged to be a last man foul on Brandon Johnson.
By this stage there was too little time left for Bassett to take any advantage of the extra man as it finished 5-2.
Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Monday 4th August 2025 at 22:09
