Royal Wootton Bassett Town gave another excellent account of themselves against one of the Hellenic League Premier Division's promotion contenders. However an early headed goal proved enough for Wiltshire rivals Corsham Town to claim all three points in a closely contested derby.

Powerful Corsham forward Nick McCootie rose highest to meet Pele Kouisseoue's right wing cross in the sixth minute of the game, and his header from twelve yards out flew beyond Callum Godfrey into the back of the net.

That would ultimately be all that Corsham needed to claim a vital three points in their hunt for promotion. But the Quarrymen were pushed all the way by Bassett - with Jonny Aitkenhead's side unfortunate to finish the game with nothing to show for a quality performance full of spirit, endeavour and fight.

Playing some flowing football (in contrast to their hosts), Bassett certainly matched Corsham, with the teams trading chances after the hosts went ahead.

Alfie Presley dragged narrowly wide for Corsham before Ben Cleary stung the palms of Ryan Clarke. Lewis Gilchrist then saw a glancing header blocked by Godfrey before a pair of near misses in quick succession saw Rudi Hopkins sweep just over and Cleary shoot just off target.

Bassett continued to threaten as the first half went on and an acrobatic parry from Clarke was necessary to tip a flicked Cleary header over the bar.

Then shortly before the interval Harry Messenger's clever pass picked out Gabe Reivers in behind the home defence but Clarke was quick off his line to parry at his feet and concede only a corner.

Chances were at a premium after the restart. However, the best opportunity of the half fell Bassett's way. Ollie Smith volleyed just wide of the left post after he ghosted into the box to connect with a Ben Cleary's low ball into the area.

It was a case of so near yet so far for Bassett come full time.

A performance worthy of at least a point yielded only a narrow defeat. Two more tests against promotion candidates are up next with Worcester Raiders visiting the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground next week before a visit to Roman Glass St George.

Produce a similar display to this one and Bassett should hopefully have something to show from a tough March run.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 14th March 2026 at 22:18