Wootton Bassett v Stratton Reading Room
These teams met at Wootton Bassett on Saturday last before a good number of spectators. Leighfield winning the toss choose to play with the sun at his back. After some give-and-take play the home lot pressed, Hurst testing Walker, who cleared, and Goddard getting possession beat him with a close shot, thus giving Bassett the lead. The visitors now had a turn, and after a nice bit of pressing between Bowles and Bailey, the former shot over. From the kick-out Patsy got away and gave Walker a shot which he had to put out for a corner. Goddard taking the kick placed it well into goal, Patsy, heading, passed Walker, placing Bassett two up. This seemed to rouse Stratton, and they came away with a rush, and Bowles sent in a good shot which Wallis cleared. Again, they tested him, but Hunt, with a big kick, transferred play to the other end, when Iles made a nice run, and passed to Hunt, who shot into Walker's hands, and from a scrimmage in goal, Curtis banged the ball into the net. Shortly after Walker was beaten for the fourth time, and at half time the scores stood Wootton Bassett 4 Stratton 0.
In the second half the home team took matters easy, having the lead of four goals, but Stratton soon made them liven up, their forwards combining very well. Stratton came down the field, and Moulden drove in a shot which hit the side of the net. Again they came, and Bowles centered, the ball going into the net. Then the home forwards went to work, and Page beat Walker for the fifth time. Stratton well plucked up, but found Keene, Boulter and Curtis a little too good. Play was getting rather dull, but Patsy scored again before the finish, and when the whistle blew the game resulted in a win for Bassett by 6 goals to 1. Hunt played a safe game at back; Boulter and Keene played a good game at half: while Page, Iles and Hunt were good in the forward line. Mr Plaister gave great satisfaction as referee, and the linesmen were Mr S. Lawrence and A.N. Other.
Credit: Swindon Advertiser Thursday 21 September 1899
Last modified on Thursday 8th April 2021 at 12:00
