A resolute defensive display and counter-attacking masterclass saw Royal Wootton Bassett Town claim an emphatic 3-0 victory in a Hellenic League Premier Division six-pointer against Lydney Town.

Against a backdrop of driving rain and miserable conditions, a stoic backline performance - with centre halves Jack Coward, Ciaran Walsh and Harry Messenger all on top of their game - helped silence the dangerous Matthew Green and a lively Lydney attack.

Meanwhile, three well-taken goals courtesy of George Cook, the in-form Rudi Hopkins and Ed Taylor ensured Jonny Aitkenhead's side maintained their run of form and moved seven points clear of the Severnsiders with a game in hand still to play.

And on an afternoon when Thornbury Town, Hallen and Pershore Town - three of the five sides below Bassett in the table - were all victorious, this was a vital win that ensured Bassett retained their position in the table.

There is still work to do to secure safety. But this was a big step towards achieving that goal, with Lydney - also fighting for their step five status - having represented difficult opponents.

The final score was one that arguably flattered Bassett somewhat.

Yet what it did signal was how well Bassett dug in defensively and how clinical they were in attack.

Bassett made a fantastic start, taking the lead within ten minutes with a well worked goal. Ollie Smith's ball into the right channel was intended for Hopkins but ran through to Ben Cleary who squared inside for Taylor. Spinning on the edge of the box, Taylor passed to Gabe Reivers who fed an unmarked Cook on the left edge of the box who finished with aplomb into the bottom corner.

And the hosts almost doubled their lead when Ciaran Walsh narrowly headed over from a Hopkins free kick.

But, while ahead, the game soon settled into a patter in which Lydney had the most of the ball, pinning Bassett deep.

The best they could do was to force a number of corners which came to nothing.

In contrast, Bassett were willing to be patient and make the most of the opportunities that presented themselves on the break.

And they came close to extending their lead as Cleary spun his man before seeing a cut back across the face of goal narrowly played behind an onrushing Hopkins before Hopkins played in Cook only to see the wing back rush his shot and drag wide.

The lashing rain was another factor both teams had to contend with - and the slick surface almost played into Lydney's favour when a goal kick skidded through for Green, but Callum Godfrey raced off his line to block at the forward's feet.

Moments later another great chance fell Bassett's way as Cleary raced onto Smith's lofted pass in behind. Baring down on goal, he was denied by a fine Alex Causon parry. Presented with the rebound, Cleary rounded the 'keeper only to see his second bite at the cherry blocked on the line by Fisayo Adeogun.

Causon produced another excellent reflex save four minutes before the break - but it wasn't enough to deny Bassett their second.

Reivers chased down what appeared to be a lost cause in the right corner before feeding Smith on the overlap. Smith's cut back was met with a fierce first time effort from Hopkins that the 'keeper batted away, but Hopkins was on hand to steer in the rebound with a controlled volley.

It was an important goal at a crucial time - but even heading into half time 2-0 up, it was clear from the balance of play in the opening half and the threat Lydney posed that the outcome of the game was still far from being determined.

The first big chance of the second half fell to Bassett as the hosts countered, Hopkins feeding through Cleary, whose tight angled effort was guided around the post by Causon.

But Lydney were pressing and a clear threat from set pieces. And twice in quick succession Ethan Vaughan deliveries almost provided the visitors a lifeline.

First a Vaughan corner was headed over by half time substitute Morgan Ewing. Seconds later his free kick delivery was guided into the path of Green whose deft touch seemed destined for the back of the net only to see the ball cannon off the inside of the post, squirm across the goalline and be bundled wide for a corner.

That was a slice of fortune, though otherwise Bassett's defence held firm. Withstanding a lot of pressure, they bent, but did not break as Green - who tormented Bassett in the reverse league fixture - cut a frustrated figure on this occasion, shackled by Coward and Walsh.

Indeed, it was Bassett who continued to create the better openings despite more of the action taking place in the third of the pitch they were defending.

On the hour Smith saw a low drive deflected wide with Coward heading into Causon's arms from the corner.

Ten minutes later Hopkins twisted and turned close to the right byline, somehow founding space to shoot and clipping the bar from what seemed an impossible angle.

Then with 83 minutes on the clock - and the game seemingly still in the balance - matters were settled.

Lydney threw men forward for a free kick that Bassett defended, the ball falling for Nat Bell deep inside his own half. With one defender to beat, he burst forward. In such a situation he could have gone for glory all on his own. However, showing maturity he linked up with Taylor, the pair of them playing a set of three passes that opened things up for Taylor to sweep home Bassett's third.

That was game, set and match, killing off any Lydney hopes of a comeback.

To their credit, the visitors didn't stop going, though their hopes of a consolation would be dashed.

And Bassett even came close to adding a fourth as another break that featured Bell at its heart ended with Cook placing just over.

Bassett were worthy winners courtesy of an intelligent, resolute performance - achieving a milestone victory on what will, hopefully, be the road to survival.

Player of the Match: Jack Coward - Bassett's entire backline were outstanding, Coward in particular as he won every aerial battle and frustrated the lively Matthew Green.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 31st January 2026 at 22:45