It was a case of one step forward, two steps back for Royal Wootton Bassett Town as Jonny Aitkenhead's team followed Saturday's important home win against Cribbs with a heavy 6-2 defeat away against fellow bottom half side Longlevens.

Bassett's defensive frailties were painfully exposed as Longlevens took a 4-2 lead into the break following an end-to-end, evenly matched first half that was played at a frenetic pace.

Chasing a two goal deficit in the second half, the visitors had a huge amount to do. And it proved to be too much of an uphill task for Bassett as they conceded on two further occasions, condemning them to a heavy defeat.

Both sides attacked with intent from the opening whistle, with Bassett going close through Marcel Lewis and Longlevens through Jack Beardsell.

And it was of little surprise that it took all of nine minutes for the breakthrough to be made as Brad Martin rose to connect with Will Emery's long throw, helping the ball on to Cam Williams who guided home past Lewis Clark.

But Longlevens' lead would last just a couple of minutes, Ben Cleary heading in Bassett's equaliser at the back post from a deflected cross.

The game continued to be played at a high intensity - and midway through the half Rudi Hopkins put Bassett in front, scoring from a rebound after Billy Thomas could only parry from Lewis.

Like Longlevens though, Bassett's advantage vanished within moments of them going ahead, with Shiyak Sutherland's deflected shot quickly restoring parity.

It was soon 3-2 to the hosts too as Martin fired in after a long throw fell to the veteran forward in the box.

Bassett then suffered a suckerpunch on the stroke of half time as TJ Bohane turned a Sutherland free kick into his own net to give Longlevens the breathing space of a two goal lead.

That unfortunate own goal proved crucial - and half time substitute Fin Gwillim turned the screw in the second half.

He twice came close within minutes of his introduction.

But, after being brought down in the box shortly after the hour, Gwillim converted from the penallty spot to make it 5-2 and all but seal the points.

Gwillim then rubbed further salt into Bassett's wounds, getting the final touch on the ball before it crossed the line after a strong run and shot from Alex Knight.

At 6-2 down, all Bassett could hope for was to score some form of consolation to give the final score a greater deal of respectability. However, Longlevens 'keeper Thomas was in no mood to play ball as he pulled off a trio of good saves late on.

Yet to win consecutive league games this season and with just five points from eight games so far played against teams in the bottom half of the table, this was another difficult result for Bassett.

They now seek to bounce back on Saturday when they host Tuffley Rovers - before going on an arduous looking run of away games in October.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 24th September 2025 at 22:27