The Football Pink, October 5th 1957

Wootton Bassett gained an early advantage with a 13th minute goal from left-winger Chris Simpkins, who took advantage of a Paulton defensive error.

The visitors were faster and more dangerous and just before the interval they scored a second gift goal.

Edwards, in the home goal, failed to hold a harmless-looking shot from Chris Simpkins and centre-forward Tyler was on the spot to tap in number two.

Lynett and Doyle scored for Paulton in the second half.

Extra time is being played.

The Football Pink, October 12th 1957 (by Moonraker)

Never was the cup of victory so rudely snatched from anyone's lips as happened to Wootton Bassett Town in their FA Amateur Cup replay at Paulton last week-end.

With only four minutes remaining Bassett were leading by two goals to nil. No wonder secretary Percy Stone thought to himself "That's that; it should be safe enough now", and took himself off from his watching spot behind the goal to make his way to the dressing rooms.

Yet, before he had gone as far as the halfway line Paulton had scored the two goals necessary to force extra-time to be played.

Thus, for the second time in two weeks Wootton Bassett had sacrificed a two-goal lead.

Extra-time proved Wootton Bassett's undoing for Paulton added two more goals during this period and so qualified to visit Corsham in the first qualifying one.

Had the Wootton Bassett forwards played as well as their defence the Town would surely have won. Yet it was that part of the team which gave them most satisfaction at the time of its selection. They still had Peter Teetgen and then were able to include Chris Simpkins as well.

On this occasion anticipation never reached the stage of realisation and the forward line, as a whole, had one of its poorest days, certainly its poorest this season. They were not capable of keeping the ball upfield enough to give their defence a break.

It Was Inevitable

The best defence in the world wilts under such conditions and that probably accounts for Paulton's late equalising goals. It was noticeable during the previous ten minutes or so that Wootton Bassett's defence was tiring ever since an extra strain was put upon it by the injury sustained by Dave Gillett which took him up to a limping wing position from that of right-back.

Of course it had to be him of all players to whom the "gift" chance of a lifetime came right at the start of the extra-time. There was David, ball and all, with an open goal staring him in the face and him without the strength to take advantage of it, such as his injury. Bad luck Dave!

The most disappointed man in the Wiltshire team must have been Roy Read, for the goalkeeper brought off several brilliant saves and handled every possible ball with confidence.

On the other hand surely the most delighted must have been Paulton's secretary Bidwell. He had good cause, for the player who clinched the game for Paulton by scoring their fourth goal was left-winger Bidwell – player-secretary.

The Evening Advertiser, Monday October 7th 1957

It looks as though Wootton Bassett Town players need a half time pick-me-up. When they entertained Paulton Rovers in the FA Amateur Cup a week ago, they led 2-0 at the interval but fell away to be held to a 2-2 draw.

Their replay at Paulton on Saturday, took on the same pattern. Wootton Bassett led 2-0 at half time, but the score was again 2-2 after 90 minutes, and the Somerset side scored twice in extra-time to qualify for a visit to Corsham (conquerors of Westbury) in the next round.

Chris Simpkins and Tyler scored Wootton Bassett's goals.

Last modified on Monday 22nd June 2015 at 23:38