Royal Wootton Bassett Town earn a deserved Hellenic League Premier Division derby victory away at Cirencester Town, triumphing 2-1 courtesy of goals from Rudi Hopkins and Nat Bell.

Bassett's victory was all the more impressive given that Cirencester entered the contest as the side with the best form in the division over their previous ten games, having claimed 25 points from an available 30 while netting a league leading 31 goals.

After an indifferent start to their campaign, that run had propelled the Centurions firmly into the playoff reckoning. And facing a Bassett side with the second worst defensive record in the division, they had their eyes firmly set on three festive points.

It didn't turn out the way the hosts hoped though.

Instead Bassett put in a superb display. The visitors controlled the game for an hour with Ed Taylor pulling the strings in the centre of midfield and Bassett's defence keeping the division's top scorer Harlie Price quiet all afternoon.

Indeed only once Cirencester brought on veteran Nick Peare with 25 minutes to go did they start to get on top. And then a steely, strong-willed defensive effort ensured the only goal they could muster came from a controversial free kick late on.

The hosts did have the first clear cut chance of the match when Callum Godfrey saved from a Theo Jeremy free kick.

But Bassett quickly grew into the game with Taylor - with his clever passing and movement - and Rudi Hopkins - with his pace and intent - particularly threatening.

And minutes after he had shot just wide, Hopkins would put Bassett ahead just after the half hour mark with Taylor playing a crucial part in the set up.

A Taylor reverse pass found full back Ollie Smith on a great overlapping run and his effort from a very tight angle was squeezed low beneath 'keeper Ronnie Newberry who diverted the ball onto the right post. The rebound fell to Hopkins and he made no mistake from close range.

Hopkins almost added a second from a free kick within minutes of opening the scoring but a fine save from Newberry meant there was to be no quickfire double.

Bassett continued to keep Cirencester at bay while looking dangerous on the break. And they created their second goal just after the hour.

Hopkins surged forward and, while his progress was impeded, he was able to square to Nat Bell, who danced his way into the box and crashed a powerful drive into the roof of the net with the outside of his right boot for his second goal since returning to Bassett.

That goal led Cirencester to make a double change with Peare - a quality player who has spent most of his career at steps two and three - brought into the fray. And his introduction sparked some life into the hosts.

Still though they couldn't find a way to break Bassett down from open play.

Cirencester did grab a goal with seven minutes to go. Dylan Griffin was harshly penalised to earn the hosts a free kick - and a place in the sin bin for Griffin as a result of his protestations. And the resulting delivery was guided into the box and steered in at the far post by Afonso Dias.

Although now defending a slender lead and with time remaining for Cirencester to push for an equaliser, Bassett didn't panic.

And Jonny Aitkenhead's side successfully saw out the remainder of the game to seal another big three points. That means Bassett have now claimed ten points from their last available fifteen - an impressive turnaround after the barren run they had been on prior to their away victory at Cribbs.

Now the task is to keep that positive momentum going into the new year.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Monday 29th December 2025 at 15:22