Wootton Bassett Town entertained Honeystreet in third round of the Cup on Saturday, and qualified for the next by two clear goals. The ground (at Wootton Bassett) was in a terrible condition and no one expected the game to proceed, the previous 24 hours' rain had flooded parts of the pitch and none of the lines were visible. Bassett were fielding a strong side, but Honeystreet were without O Whatley, H Whatley taking the centre-forward position, and S Jackson coming back into his old place on the left wing.

Honeystreet were favoured with the wind at the start. The Town, however, played doggedly, and should have taken an early lead. Phillimore made good saves, right on the goal line, from Morris, and Honeystreet then broke away. Bad luck seemed to prevent their getting a lead. This end of the pitch being under water to a depth of several inches, it was impossible to shoot unless close to goal. After 20 mins Wootton Bassett got the lead: the ball was worked up the right wing and the outside right centred over for Morris to score. The ball was said to have been passed over two feet behind the goal before it was middled. Honeystreet protested, but the referee was against it. The visitors continued to press, but without success. At the interval the score was: Wootton Bassett, 1 – Honeystreet, 0.

In the second half the home side had the advantage of the wind, and made good use of it. Neither goalkeeper was overworked for some time, but were in good form when called upon, Baily, Smith and Pope were working hard for Honeystreet. The home side continued to play well together, but were fortunate in still holding the lead. After end to end play in which Honeystreet often came near scoring, the Town came again: Saunders [believed to actually be Sandell] (outside left) made a grand run down the wing and scored splendidly. The visitors never gave up although in arrears, and deserved to have drawn. Twenty minutes from time the home team was awarded a penalty for a foul, but as there were no lines visible the referee ordered a free kick from where the foul occurred. Honeystreet blocked their goal and no score resulted. Owing to a late start the game finished in semi-darkness. Result: Wootton Bassett, 2 – Honeystreet, 0.

Credit: Wiltshire Gazette & Herald 4th December 1930
Last modified on Monday 15th February 2021 at 16:07