Royal Wootton Bassett Town ended a run of five straight defeats as they shared the spoils with Mangotsfield United following an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Despite ending their run of negative results, there was still some degree of frustration for Jonny Aitkenhead's side, who led for most of the game only to concede a second equaliser with quarter of an hour to go.

Nevertheless, the Bassett boss saw his side produce another impressive display, with the result putting Bassett in position to draw on level on points with rivals Highworth Town if they win their derby encounter on Monday.

A lively start saw the teams trade three goals in the opening twenty minutes.

Bassett took the lead in the game's eleventh minute when a deflected Ed Taylor strike looped in over home 'keeper Ethan Selway for the diminutive playmaker's second goal of the season.

Mangotsfield struck back instantly as Josh Dempsey headed in from a corner, with set pieces proving again to be Bassett's Achilles heel after conceding in similar style last week against Roman Glass St George.

But the visitors soon restored their advantage - and it was a lead they were deserving of.

After seizing on a defensive error, the ball found its way into the feet of Ollie Smith who curled into the top corner with a fine effort.

Following such an eventful start the game eventually settled down. But there were still chances for both sides. And twice before the interval the veteran Lewis Powell came close for the hosts only to be foiled by Callum Godfrey in the Bassett goal.

Powell would eventually get the better of Godfrey, reacting quickest to pounce on a spill from the 'keeper to bundle in his team's second equaliser with 76 minutes on the clock.

Within minutes Bassett almost restored their lead again only for Selway to pull off a brave save to deny leading scorer Ben Cleary.

Bassett therefore had to settle for a point. But it was a well earned one and puts Bassett on a positive footing heading into Monday's Easter derby.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 4th April 2026 at 21:01