Wootton Bassett humiliated 4-1 on their own ground by Trowbridge the previous week bounced back in great style with a brilliant 3-1 away win over Ferndale, the Division 2 leaders in the Wilts County League. And the man most responsible for the change of fortune was Phil Keep, who demolished Ferndale's previously unbeaten home record with a hat-trick. It did not topple Ferndale from the top of their perch but kept Wootton Bassett only one point behind with a game in hand. Ferndale put up a great fight and almost took the lead when only a magnificent diving save by Paul Comer prevented Basil Coates from scoring. But Wootton Bassett were more direct in their approach work and their keen tackling often caught Ferndale's players in possession. They had one goal disallowed before Keep opened their account from a 30th minute corner. And good defence in face of a determined Ferndale fight back gave them a 1-0 half time lead.

A 54th minute penalty successfully taken by Keep put Wootton Bassett two up. Then Ferndale's determination to stop the game sliding from their grasp brought them a 71st minute goal by Coates. But this Wootton Bassett's day and Keep sealed it for them when he completed his hat-trick ten minutes later. Of course the prizes dangling in front of the Division 2 clubs are not only honours and trophies but promotion to Division 1 as well. And a splendid fight made all the closer by Wootton Bassett's win is developing.

Credit: Swindon Football Pink
Last modified on Wednesday 6th January 2021 at 17:17