Their visit to high flying Westfields may have appeared daunting on paper - especially in the wake of Wednesday's heavy home derby defeat against Cirencester Town.

But thanks to a gritty display that was full of character, Royal Wootton Bassett Town pulled off a coup to win 1-0 - and continue their fine run of form away against their Hereford-based rivals.

In just his second appearance since signing from Calne Town, Ed Oatley proved to be the matchwinner thanks to his long range strike three before the interval.

It came at a crucial time. And it gave Bassett all that they ultimately needed to win away for the first time this season.

Bassett were worthy winners too, disrupting Westfields - who started the day in second place in the Hellenic League Premier Division (and who remain third despite the result) - to the extent that were never able to find any real rhythm. And that helped deliver a clean sheet for a second consecutive Saturday.

Although the teams started the day at opposite ends of the table, there was little to choose between them, especially in an opening half that saw both sides have their moments without threatening too much.

Bassett had been the side with the clearest opportunities with Alfie Presley seeing a deflected shot go narrowly wide and Jack Hobson-McVeigh forcing Matt Gwynne into a low parry with a long range effort.

But, with time winding down before half time, Oatley struck in style.

Presley punished Westfields for some sloppy play as they sought to go short from a free kick inside their own half. Winning the ball back on the right touchline, he quickly fed a pass into the path of Oatley who confidently swept a low left foot drive from 25 yards beyond a diving Gwynne and into the bottom left corner.

Having to chase the game, Westfields sought to apply plenty of pressure following the restart. But Bassett were able to absorb it and see off their hosts.

Indeed, clear cut opportunities were limited for Westfields in the second half. Early on James Baldwin drilled narrowly wide from the edge of the area after Bassett failed to fully clear from a corner while Tyrese Sibanda had a goal chalked off for offside on the hour.

Bassett almost doubled their advantage when a counter ended with Finn Hopkins's whistling low effort from the left edge flashing just past the right post.

Sibanda then saw a deflected effort go into the side netting with ten minutes to go before Will Dallaway curled straight into the hands of Josh Sawyer with their last real chance.

Otherwise the hosts found it difficult to break Bassett down.

AllPay Park is certainly not the easiest place in the Hellenic League Premier Division for visiting teams to play. But Bassett have found it a happy hunting ground of late - and are now unbeaten in their last five trips, with four victories (including this latest win) to their names.

This was therefore an impressive win for Jonny Aitkenhead's side - and a big one too as they look to turn the corner.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 20th September 2026 at 11:29