An impressive performance in an entertaining contest saw Royal Wootton Bassett Town push Hellenic League Premier Division pacesetters Droitwich Spa all the way. However that was not enough to prevent a third straight loss for Jonny Aitkenhead's side as the Saltmen prevailed 2-1.

In another game in which they performed very well, Bassett will have felt they merited a point. Yet again though Aitkenhead and his team ended the afternoon empty-handed as their frustrating start to the campaign continued.

Leading the table after a strong start to life in the Hellenic Premier, Droitwich came into the game full of confidence. And given the teams' contrasting fortunes, it was a contest they probably expected to win with little trouble.

But, much to Bassett's credit, Droitwich were made to work extremely hard for the three points - and were perhaps fortunate not to have been held to a draw.

Droitwich's confidence carried over into a fast start that saw them take a seventh minute leader through Charlie Tilley who made no mistake from close range.

But they failed to build on that early lead as Bassett grew into the contest.

Indeed the visitors came close to equalising midway through the first half when Ed Tayor forced an impressive save from home 'keeper Dave Rogerson.

It seemed as though just the one goal would separate the sides going into the break.

However, five minutes before the interval Droitwich struck again, Perry Moss steering a free kick up and over the wall with the ball squirming beneath Adam House in the Bassett goal.

That goal would ultimately prove decisive, despite Bassett's strong second half showing asking plenty of questions of Droitwich.

Bassett's efforts were rewarded early after the restart. Moments after Droitwich's Reiss Taylor-Randle saw a goal disallowed for offside, the visitors went up the other end, and Otis Lewis delivered a ball in from the left that Kassa Anderson tucked away.

Bassett were now back in the game, though Droitwich twice were denied a third courtesy of a pair of fine House saves. Having perhaps felt he could have done better with Droitwich's second, House redeemed himself as he kept efforts from Moss and Tilley at bay.

At the other end, Bassett were probing. But they were frustrated by home shotstopper Rogerson, who was on form too and ensured his side stayed in front.

Bassett did play out the final moments of the match with a man advantage after Droitwich's Sam Hurdman picked up a second yellow card. Yet there was not enough time to make the extra man count as Droitwich held out for victory.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 4th October 2025 at 17:57