Royal Wootton Bassett Town survived a late comeback attempt from Tuffley Rovers to claim an impressive 3-2 away victory that bolsters Bassett's Hellenic League Premier Division hopes.

Leading 3-0 with just over an hour gone, Jonny Aitkenhead's side seemed on track for a statement win against a Rovers outfit who had lost just once in their last eight league outings.

In the end, Bassett had to settle for victory by the narrowest of margins - but the three points were deserved, and vitally important in strengthening Bassett's position in the table.

Courtesy of the result Bassett now stand seven points clear of the bottom two - and are within touching distance of near neighbours Fairford Town and Highworth Town, although they both still possess games in hand.

Bassett certainly aren't out of trouble just yet. But their position is now much, much stronger than it was entering December.

Bassett had been worthy of taking something from the reverse fixture against Rovers. Yet they were left empty-handed, having fallen into a 2-0 deficit that, despite a valiant second half rally, they could not overturn, losing 2-1.

On this occasion, the roles were reversed with Bassett the side to jump into a clear, decisive lead.

There had been little goalmouth action in the first half, until leading scorer Ben Cleary - bagging his 15th of the campaign - fired into the bottom corner from 18 yards to give the visitors the lead.

Rovers then responded well with Brad Bevan heading over and Jorell Sanniola shooting wide from the edge of the box.

But Bassett were proving the more clinical of the teams and - with half time looming - Ed Taylor's clever reverse pass teed up Henri Parry-Williams who found the net for his first of the season.

Things got even better for Bassett on the hour.

Moments earlier Cleary had come closest to adding a third, but his shot lacked composure as Bassett sought to catch Tuffley on the break.

However, Rudi Hopkins was soon on the mark. A Taylor ball into the box could only be parried by home 'keeper Robin Hoffland, and Hopkins pounced to turn in the rebound for his fourth goal in as many games.

At 3-0 it appeared as though it was game, set and match. But Rovers finally stirred into action.

The dangerous Karnell Chambers made it 3-1 when he beat Callum Godfrey with a powerful 20 yard drive.

And it was soon 3-2. Preston Mason cut inside before weaving his way through traffic and arrowing a low strike that Godfrey could only parry. Showing great anticipation, Gino Valenti was on hand to steer in the rebound from a tight angle, giving Rovers belief that they could salvage something from a seemingly hopeless position.

With twenty minutes still to play, it was game on. Fortunately though Bassett settled back down and saw the game out.

Hopkins was unfortunate not to give Bassett a more comfortable cushion when his shot came back off the post.

At the other end, Chambers twice had chances, his first effort - a bicycle kick - being blocked, before Godfrey denied him with a low save, while Eli Simpson struck wide.

An equaliser wasn't forthcoming though, with Bassett - having seemingly been on course for a big win in terms of margin of victory, seeing things out for a narrow win that felt big given its possible implications.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 17th January 2026 at 22:18