Swindon Advertiser Report

A grim struggle was witnessed at Wood Farm between Wroughton and Wootton Bassett Town, and a draw (4-4) was a fitting result. Wroughton had no fewer than six of their Borough League side doing duty, and I was particularly impressed with the whole-hearted enthusiasm displayed by these leads (writes "Scrutator").

Wootton Bassett were without Waite, their goalkeeper, but Rex, who deputised, played so well that it is doubtful if they suffered any handicap. In fact, the whole team gave a very creditable display. The visitors were first to score, W. Ogbourne getting in a smashing shot which gave the home goalkeeper no chance. The lead was short-lived, for Wilmer headed through to put the Villagers on terms. Then the home team smartened up and took the lead through "Babe" Jones, but the point should never have been allowed, for A. Osman was unquestionably offside when he received possession. Jones put Wroughton further ahead with a capital shot, but Wroughton were fortunate in being 3-1 in front at the interval.

In the second half Bassett played gamely. S. J. Titcombe reduced the arrears, and from a penalty for "hands" Clarke equalised. Almost immediately S. J. Titcombe put Bassett ahead, but Wroughton fought back and Wilmer equalised with the best shot of the match.

North Wilts Herald Report

The Swindon and District League game at Wood Farm, Wroughton, between the local seniors and Wootton Bassett Town was noteworthy more for the unceasing endeavour of the players this for any special qualities of football skill. A draw was a fair result, eight goals being equally shared. The home team included six of the Borough League side and the wholehearted enthusiasm displayed by these lads was praiseworthy. Wootton Bassett were without their clever goalkeeper, Waite, who was ill but Rex, who deputised, played so well that it was doubtful it the side suffered any handicap. The whole of the visiting team gave a very creditable display.

Five minutes from the start Wootton Bassett took the lead, W. Ogbourne giving Bathe no chance with a swift shot. Wroughton gradually gained the upper hand, and, after Wilmer had equalised, Jones put them ahead. This point should not have been allowed, for A. Osman was unquestionably offside but was allowed to go on and test Rex. The latter saved, but could not hold the ball, and Jones, dashing in, easily netted. Jones put Wroughton further ahead before the internal.

Wroughton attacked strongly on resuming, and the sound defensive work of Chequer and Clarke alone prevented the visitors falling further into arrears. In the subsequent play, Wootton Bassett proved the stronger side and S.J. Titcombe reduced the arrears. From a penalty for "hands" Clarke equalised. Bathe saved Clarke's first shot but could not get the ball away as he lay on the ground and the scorer came into collision with the Wroughton goalkeeper when at the second attempt he shot through. Immediately afterwards S. J. Titcombe put the visitors ahead with a capital shot.

Wroughton appeared to be letting the game slip from their grip, but they fought back, and Wilmer levelled the scores with the best shot of the match. It was anybody's game up to the finish.

The game revealed some promising young talent in the Wroughton side, Kinneir at full back should develop into sound defender, and T. Dance, L. Stratford and C. Stratford also shone. Among the forwards Jones and Wilmer were outstanding. R. James was clever, too and was unlucky that he did not score. Bathe, in goal, could not be blamed for either shot that beat him. S. J. Titcombe (the Greenhill lad) and W. J. Ogbourne were Wootton Bennett's best forwards, and in Chequer and Clarke they have two sound defenders. The halves were not a great force, but they worked doggedly.

The Town's team to meet Colbourne's Athletic in a Swindon and District League match tomorrow will be: S. Rex; A.S. Beale and H. Clarke; S.J. Titcombe, W. Ogbourne and A. Compton; F.C.W. Drury, H. Bartlett, L.W. Chequers, W.J. Ogbourne and F. Munns.

Credit: Sw. Advertiser 29 Jan 1934 & NW Herald 2 Feb 1934
Last modified on Monday 22nd February 2021 at 18:30