Royal Wootton Bassett Town's Hellenic League Premier Division campaign fizzled out with a 2-0 derby defeat away against Fairford Town.

A pair of Sol Pryce goals earned Fairford a scrappy win, with the result meaning Bassett finish the season 16th after going winless in their last nine games, having taken just two points from an available 27.

To end the campaign with such a record is certainly disappointing - especially given the outstanding run that Jonny Aitkenhead's side went on in the ten games prior to that when they racked up 23 points that pretty much secured their Hellenic League Premier Division status.

Bassett have nonetheless been highly competitive in their final, barren series of games. Yet, as was the case against Fairford, they lacked the cunning necessary to see off more experienced, wily opposition.

Chances had been relatively few and far between in the opening period. But Fairford wound up in front going into the break as Sol Pryce rose to flick home Henry Birkett free kick with a glancing header.

Pryce then made it two around the hour mark. Receiving a pass from Charlie Holliday, he spun past Jack Coward before racing through on goal and slamming the ball beyond Harrison Ellis.

Bassett failed to summon much of a response to either goal, with the best chance they had being a curling effort from Rudi Hopkins that Ben Mitchell comfortably held.

Fairford then twice came close to extending their lead but fortunately for Bassett Holliday and Roan Young both blazed over when well placed.

It wasn't the way Bassett had hoped for to end the season. But it perhaps encapsulated a campaign in which the team have showed plenty of promise yet often struggled to get results.

There is plenty of space for this exciting young team to grow though. And with a full year now under the belts, next season is the time to properly kick on.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 18th April 2026 at 22:13