Royal Wootton Bassett Town got back to winning ways in the Hellenic League Premier Division as they recorded a 3-1 come from behind victory against Cribbs in which goalkeeper Lewis Clark scored a spectacular goal.

It may only have been the third ever meeting between the teams at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground - but two of those encounters have now featured an extraordinary feat by a Bassett 'keeper.

The last time Bassett hosted Cribbs, manager turned emergency goalkeeper Sam Collier saved a last minute penalty to earn a draw.

But Clark's goal - struck from inside his own box - was even more memorable.

Taking advantage of his good starting position, Clark was comfortably able to snuff out Aaron Coleman's attempted through ball. And with one swing of his left boot, the Bassett 'keeper sought to switch play with an arcing, powerful clearance. Aided by the strong wind, the ball sailed over the Cribbs back line, bounced on the edge of the visitors box and in over his opposite number Olek Yakymchuk.

It was a rare, special goal - and capped an important afternoon for Jonny Aitkenhead's side as they ended their recent run of bad form with a crucial victory against opponents who also find themselves in the bottom third of the table.

Bassett's victory was a deserved one, coming on the back of a solid team performance.

Bassett showed their character too, coming back from a half time deficit.

On a blustery afternoon, Cribbs had the wind behind them in the first half - but were only able to muster a single goal advantage as Bassett defended well.

Their goal came late in the half as Coleman won possession in the centre of midfield and quickly released Jaden Neale with a ball over the top into the left channel. Neale then cut inside and squeezed a low tight-angle drive beyond Clark at the near post.

While falling behind, Bassett kept their poise - and would take full advantage of the conditions being in their favour after the restart.

The hosts levelled on the hour through Marcel Lewis as he received a short corner, skipped past Buster Reed on the right edge of the box and curled a delicious strike beyond Yakymchuk.

Bassett then took the lead with quarter of an hour to go. After TJ Bohane won an aerial battle, quick play involving Jordan Sykes and Lewis Hayward opened up space for Kye Williams in the left channel. Williams charged forward and squared inside for Bonsa Teshome who took one touch before stabbing home from close range.

The points were soon secured - and Bassett's four game winless streak brought to an end - courtesy of Clark's stunner.

It was a fine afternoon for Bassett - and one which Clark won't forget in a hurry.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 20th September 2025 at 21:50