While Royal Wootton Bassett Town's winless Hellenic League Premier Division streak reached seven games, Jonny Aitkenhead's side earned a potentially helpful point against Longlevens courtesy of Rudi Hopkins' second half headed equaliser.

Bassett had been on the receiving end of a 6-2 dressing down against Longlevens when the sides met just five weeks ago in Gloucestershire.

A much improved display this time around saw Bassett dominate the opening half against their opponents. That dominance went unrewarded though, and instead Longlevens took the upper hand.

But a resilient second half display earned Bassett a point they deserved - and needed ahead of their two upcoming six-pointers away at fellow strugglers Hallen and Cribbs.

Bassett made a bright start to the match, pressing well when out of possession and playing some neat football when they had the ball.

That led to multiple chances being created - though the hosts were unable to convert.

Bassett's best openings fell to the always lively Marcel Lewis, who snatched at an effort when played in one-on-one, bent a free kick narrowly over and struck into the 'keeper's palms from range.

But the hosts would ultimately trail. After Longlevens recovered possession inside their own half, a pass was played forwards into the feet of Fin Gwillim. The forward still had a lot to do, but, making it look easy, he weaved his way past three would-be tacklers before coolly slotting past Lewis Clark when through on goal.

The visitors picked up momentum after going in front and were quickest out of the blocks in the second half, though Bassett withstood the early pressure they faced.

Bassett slowly grew back into the game, and only a well timed saving tackle denied Ben Cleary after he had rounded the 'keeper.

Longlevens then came close to doubling their lead when Gwillim muscled his way through, but Clark saved well with his feet at point blank range.

Bassett soon levelled though - equalising in style.

Clark initiated a quick attack by throwing to Marcel Lewis on the left. The ball was quickly advanced forward with Lewis passing into the feet of brother Otis who in turn played a line-breaking pass to Finn Hopkins. He then played a through ball for Ben Cleary whose delicated cross was met at the near post by Rudi Hopkins who, darting across his man, glanced a perfect header into the bottom right corner.

That set up an open finale in which, the game stretched, both sides pushed for a winner. A third goal was not forthcoming though, the closest either side coming being when Clark turned a flicked header from a dangerous long throw around the post.

The result moved Bassett level on points with third from bottom Hallen who they face next week in a must win game for both teams. It is getting tight at the foot of the table too, after Lydney Town's victory over Westfields.

It may be the mid-point of the season, but every point counts. This was an important one for Bassett. Now to end that winless run in next week's vital clash.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 8th November 2025 at 21:17