Shrewton United prevailed 3-2 against Royal Wootton Bassett Town Development in a fourth versus fifth clash that saw Shrewton stay above Mark Simpkins' side in the Wiltshire League Premier Division table.

Shrewton came into the game as one of the form teams in the division, unbeaten in eight games, six of which had been won, and three of which had also seen them score six times to become the divisions leading scorers.

It didn't start too well for George Plank's side though, as they fell behind to a goal within the first two minutes of the match.

George Cook broke down the left before putting in a cross to the far post which found Matt Capel who headed home for an early lead for Bassett.

Shrewton then took the game to the visitors, dominating possession and putting Bassett under sustained pressure, but the teams turned around at the break without any further change to the score.

Bassett's lead was not to last long after the break though. Early in the second half Sam Case had to go off for treatment due to a hand injury, and while the visitors were temporarily down to ten men Shrewton took full advantage.

Charlie Utterson headed the home side level five minutes after the restart when he got on the end of a Tom Plank corner.

Shrewton then went ahead for the first time in the game within a minute of the equaliser, leading scorer Kian Tydeman with a great run which finished with a powerful strike into the bottom corner of the net.

Bassett fought hard to get back into the game and had their best spell of the game as they put plenty of pressure on Shrewton.

They were given the chance to level matters up 13 minutes from time when a shot from Cook was adjudged to have struck an arm in the penalty area and a spot kick was awarded. With normal penalty taker Case now off the pitch, Charlie King took responsibility for the penalty and fired home to level matters up at 2-2.

Just as it looked as though the two sides would have to settle for a point apiece, there was to be a winner.

And it came a minute from time. A long Shrewton free kick into the box was headed back across goal by Aiden Compton, finding Tydeman to tap in at the far post for his 18th of the season, sealing the three points for his side.

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 5th October 2025 at 10:43