What a difference ten games can make.

Following a 6-3 defeat at Hallen in mid-November, Bassett seemed set to be in a fight for one thing only: their survival in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Fast forward ten games though, and a run that has yielded six wins - the latest an emphatic 3-0 triumph against Westfields - as well as two draws has put Jonny Aitkenhead's side in contention for a top half finish.

Such a possibility seemed a world away three months ago. Now, however, that has to be the target thanks to a spell that has Bassett top of the form charts.

It's true that Bassett aren't yet secure of safety. But their eyes can now be more firmly set on chasing down the sides above them rather than being cast anxiously at those beneath them.

Against Westfields a vital goal on the stroke of half time and a strong showing after the restart sealed the points.

The opening period had been a rather cagey affair with neither 'keeper really being troubled.

The best opportunities of the half came at its midway point with Rudi Hopkins dragging just wide of the left post for Bassett, before an unmarked Raiyan Ahmed skewed a shot off target from Zac Powell's dangerous low ball across the box.

The game seemed destined to head into the interval deadlocked.

But with 44 minutes on the clock, Bassett got the breakthrough courtesy of leading scorer Ben Cleary.

Ollie Smith was first to a clearance from 'keeper Ryan Smallwood, heading into the feet of Nat Bell who, playing in a deeper role than usual, held off his man before delivering an outstanding ball forward that split the Westfields defence. Cleary was the beneficiary, latching onto the ball before bearing down on goal and producing a cool finish into the bottom right corner.

Bell then doubled Bassett's lead early in the second half. Hopkins swung in a free kick from the right wing that fell to Bell on the edge of the area, and his powerful half volley nestled in the corner with the aid of a slight deflection.

A brilliant counter attack soon made it 3-0. Gabe Reivers began the move, heading forward to Ed Taylor, who - despite his diminutive stature - showed his strength to help the ball on to Cleary. With his back to goal, Cleary played a clever pass into the left channel for an overlapping George Cook, and he squared into the box for an unmarked Hopkins who made no mistake.

Westfields were well beaten - and to compound matters were reduced to ten men with quarter of an hour remaining when Connor Davies-Austin saw red for a heavy tackle.

That helped Bassett see the game out and preserve a second consecutive clean sheet.

A home fixture against fellow form side Cinderford Town is up next - with Bassett entering that clash full of confidence and with the intent to pull within two points of the eighth place Foresters.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 14th February 2026 at 21:01