For the best part of an hour against Tuffley Rovers, Royal Wootton Bassett Town lacked a real attacking spark despite a display full of effort. Only one outcome seemed likely too as goals from Karnell Chambers and Jamie Creed put the visitors 2-0 ahead.

However in the final quarter of the match Bassett jumped into life. A Rudi Hopkins goal got Jonny Aitkenhead's side on the scoresheet on 66 minutes. And from that point on only one team - Bassett - seemed likely to net again.

Yet, despite multiple good chances falling their way, an equaliser proved elusive on another ultimately frustrating afternoon for Bassett.

Bassett were seeking a response following Wednesday's 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Longlevens. And this was a positive, improved display. Again though Bassett ended the match empty-handed.

Neither side produced much in a first half of very limited chances. While Tuffley found themselves on the front foot more than their hosts, they were unable to fashion a shot on goal.

A counter attack from a Bassett corner finally changed that - and produced the opening goal. Lewis Hayward was unable to snuff out the danger, allowing a ball to be played into the left channel for Chambers who comfortably beat the offside trap before cutting inside Harry Messenger and sweeping home from close range.

Chambers could have had a second ten minutes later when he raced onto a long ball from 'keeper Luke Merchant. Fortunately for Bassett, Lewis Clark was quick off his line, producing a fine parry at point blank range to avert another avoidable goal.

At the other end Bassett were limited to just half chances as they found the Rovers back line difficult to breach.

And their task was made harder on the hour. A loose ball fell to Chambers on the edge of the box and he produced a low, deflected drive that Clark did brilliantly to divert onto the woodwork. The rebound fell kindly for Creed though and he guided home first time.

The introduction of Kye Williams then helped usher in a swing in momentum that almost saw Bassett claim a point.

Bassett came close to re-establishing a foothold in the match following a Marcel Lewis' cross the from the right. Ollie Smith and Finn Hopkins both had bites at the cherry but they were denied by fine goalline blocks from Harley Mustoe and Macaulay Herbert.

Bassett wouldn't have to wait long for their goal though. Williams played a first time pass to Rudi Hopkins who danced his way past two defenders before producing an assured finish into the bottom corner.

The home side were now firmly on top. Hopkins almost had a second with a fierce 25 yard drive that Merchant did well to tip away at full stretch.

Lewis then received a Hopkins pass, cut inside from the right and flashed a shot inches wide of the post.

It was soon Williams' turn to come close. With ten minutes to go he fired just over on the turn from the edge of the box.

Then in the closing minutes Lewis fizzed in a low cross from the left that fell to Williams who guided narrowly over from 15 yards.

Bassett's comeback attempt thus fell agonisingly short with Rovers breathing a sigh of relief when the final whistle came.

Player of the Match: Rudi Hopkins - scored with a well taken finish and unlucky not to get a second when denied by a fantastic save.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 27th September 2025 at 18:40