Three goals in ten second half minutes proved the difference as Royal Wootton Bassett Town fell to defeat against Hellenic League Premier Division title hopefuls Slimbridge.

A strong first half display had seen Jonny Aitkenhead's side go toe-to-toe with the high-flying Swans, with the fixture - played in frigid conditions on an otherwise fine day - finely poised at 0-0 at the interval.

However, Bassett ultimately succumbed to a 3-0 defeat as Slimbridge - currently favourites for the title in a four-team race at the top of the table - stepped up a couple of gears in the second half.

And their quickfire three goal blitz was decisive.

The deadlock was broken on 56 minutes when a patient move down the left side culminated in tricky winger Aaron Evans-Harriott driving to the byline before cutting the ball back across the six yard box where an alert Jack Smith stole a yard, freeing him up to steer in from close range.

Two minutes later the lead was doubled. Bassett failed to clear their lines and turned the ball over deep inside their own half. There was still plenty of work for Slimbridge to do. But some lovely, intricate football saw Jack William Smith play a delightful give-and-go with his namesake on the edge of the box before he coolly slotted home.

It was a wonderfully worked goal - but one that knocked the stuffing out of Bassett.

And it was soon 3-0. The visitors launched a counter from right back, with a clipped pass to Shiyak Sutherland giving the talented right winger room to advance. After getting the edge of the box, he squared to Evans-Harriott who swept a powerful drive into the bottom corner, beyond the reach of Callum Godfrey.

Slimbridge could have added further to their tally, with Bassett having the woodwork to thank that the score remained 3-0.

Substitute Toby Soule was the unlucky Swan unable to get in on the act, heading onto the post from a corner before seeing a stinging effort beat Godfrey before cannoning off both uprights minutes later. Oliver Barnes bundled in the rebound, but the flag had been raised for offside to chalk the goal off.

For Bassett it was something of a chastening defeat after a first half that offered significant hope. There's certainly no shame in losing to Slimbridge though - who showed why they are firmly in the title mix with their superb second half performance.

Results elsewhere also went in Bassett's favour, with three of the four sides below them in the table drawing and Lydney well beaten by Corsham Town.

The Slimbridge fixture was one which Bassett went into as clear underdogs. Now though they have a trio of games - away at Tuffley Rovers and Hereford Pegasus before a big home clash with Lydney - in which Aitkenhead's team will be eyeing up results that serve to increase their points tally.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 10th January 2026 at 21:33