Despite an energetic, positive performance, Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Hellenic League Premier Division opener ended in defeat as Callum Chalmers' brace earned hosts Thornbury Town a 2-0 victory.

Chalmers opened the scoring with a coolly taken penalty on the stroke of half time, the goal coming against the run of play.

Then, with quarter of an hour to go, he capitalised on a lapse in concentration from centre half Terry Francis, snatching possession before finishing coolly past Lewis Clark while one-on-one.

That proved to be the difference on a night when Bassett's young side showed well on a difficult surface, but perhaps lacked the physicality to muscle their way back into the game after falling behind.

A frenetic opening period saw action at both ends. For Bassett, Otis Lewis stung the palms of Jakub Glover with a long range effort. Shortly after, Clark saved with his feet from Will Flower after the Thornbury man got in behind.

While Thornbury's directness was causing Bassett some problems, the visitors' defence bent but did not break.

And Jonny Aitkenhead's side had further chances with Lewis - who was forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury before the interval - and Jonathan Peachey-Score both dragging just wide of the post.

But Thornbury would get their noses in front as Chalmers drew and converted a penalty.

Playing from behind, Bassett enjoyed a lively start to the second half. But the closest they came was through Ed Taylor who shot just over on the hour.

Otherwise, Bassett could not unlock the Thornbury defence - and their route back into the game seemingly disappeared when Chalmers stole possession, bore down on goal and slotted home.

After a solid preseason, the real test for Jonny Aitkenhead's new look outfit was always going to be the first fixture that meant something.

And Bassett can certainly look beyond the result against a Thornbury side who are on the up after a strong finish to the previous campaign.

There are plenty of positives to take from a fixture whose outcome was in the balance most of the night and in which Aitkenhead's charges impressed those in attendance.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 29th July 2025 at 23:30