Royal Wootton Bassett Town suffered another heavy defeat as they fell to a 3-0 loss away at Highworth Town.

Just as Hallen were on Saturday, Highworth produced a clinical performance in front of goal as they convincingly claimed the derby spoils in Bassett's first visit to the Worthians' revamped Elms ground.

For Bassett, it means their regression in league form continues - with the game another clear lesson that you have take your chances when they come.

The game was ultimately decided in the opening twenty minutes of the second half - a period in which Bassett spurned three great chances and Highworth scored twice.

Bassett trailed going into the break courtesy of a well taken finish from Liam Lye-Owens - who came through Bassett's youth section - right on the stroke of half time.

At that stage, the game was finely poised.

Early on there had been little goalmouth action, instead being a midfield battle with tackles flying around in a typically charged derby.

Both teams then had good opportunities as the half neared its end, though it seemed as if they would go into the break deadlocked.

That was until Lye-Owens found the top corner from the edge of the box.

Jonny Aitkenhead got the reaction he would have been looking for as Bassett started the second half brightly with both Tommy Ouldridge and Louis Spalding coming agonisingly close.

But Highworth delivered a sucker punch on 55 minutes when an unmarked Leon Morrison headed in from a Liam Haines cross at the far post.

George Cook then struck narrowly wide for the visitors before Chaldon Valere forced a good save from Luke Purnell at the other end.

And a third soon arrived for the hosts on 66 minutes to well and truly kill the game off as Dayo Sonoiki slammed home from a Francis Abijo cut back.

Bassett could not summon a reply as they ended up well beaten with Highworth preserving their clean sheet.

In 19 competitive fixtures so far this season, Bassett have scored just 14 times. Those goals have come in nine games, with opponents having now blanked Bassett ten times.

And they need to resolve their struggles in front of goal if they are to inch their way up the table.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 20th October 2026 at 22:07