The weather during this game was atrocious, an incessant downpour making the conditions very bad. There was only a small attendance, and sufficient room was found in the stand to accommodate all the spectators.

Melksham were aggressive at the start and played good football, though the slippery state of the ground made ball control very difficult. After ten minutes Melksham opened the score, a shot by Riddick hitting the upright and Page, in making a desperate effort to clear, put the ball through his own goal. The visitors broke away and forced a corner which was easily cleared, and Meaden, getting possession on the left, sent across a centre which was headed through by Welch. Still maintaining the pressure Melksham went further ahead after some very fine approach work, Riddick finishing the movement by scoring with a low shot. The Visitors then took the game in hand, and by swinging the ball about soon obtained a goal, Gleed scoring with an excellent shot. Encouraged by this success Wootton Bassett played with determination and Perry further reduced the arrears with a good effort. The home defence now had plenty to do, and the visitors' efforts were again rewarded when Perry scored another good goal to equalise. Just before half- time Melksham attacked hotly, but Wootton Bassett retaliated and only the whistle for half-time prevented them taking the lead.

After the interval the home team out-played their opponents and pressed continuously. Waite in goal making many fine saves. Barton gave Melksham the lead from close in, which was soon increased by Riddick with a first-time shot from a centre by Jordan. This was followed by a penalty, awarded for a foul, and Meaden made no mistake from the spot kick. With the game well in hand Melksham kept up the attack and Wellman scored a fine goal.

Teams:

Melksham Matthew, Mitchell, Gale; Hughes, Wellman, Langdon: Barton, Wells, Riddick, Welch, Meaden.

Woolton Bassett - Waite: Page, Drury: Brown. Clark, Fry: Chequers, Perry, Embling, Gleed, Beazley.

Credit: Wiltshire Times 6 February 1937
Last modified on Sunday 7th March 2021 at 22:06