Flying Monk Ground, 7th August 2012

Midway through the first half of Wootton Bassett Town's opening fixture away at Malmesbury Victoria and the visiting side found themselves down to ten men. Again. But unlike in the exact same situation last season Dave Turner's team did not lose their heads.

Instead they knuckled down, rode out the remainder of the opening period before controlling the match following the restart and triumphing 2-0. It was the winning start that had been craved.

'Keeper James Domm was the unfortunate figure to receive his marching orders, having been harshly adjudged to have handled outside his box. Losing the man between the sticks could have spelt disaster. But Turner had planned perfectly for such a situation, bringing Stewart Thompson along as a fourth substitute. At no point last season were either glovemen fit at the same time. This night they were, and thankfully so.

Centre midfielder - and emergency 'keeper in Bassett's final fixture of last season - Richie Carter was the man sacrificed. And with one fewer body out on pitch the going was tough, Malmesbury in the ascendancy but unable to capitalise before the break.

Allowed to regroup, the visitors charged out of the blocks and went ahead on 52 minutes. Steve Yeardley, in his first competitive match back in the Bassett blue and yellow, was the man to get it, timing his run perfectly before guiding a header home.

Shaun Terry then ensured it would be a happy return to the fold for a second familiar face. With fifteen minutes to go he settled the matter, providing a simple finish after good build up play. The last time he had struck for the first team was on 14th March 2009, his 26th that season. He may fall short of matching that tally this year, but it's a fine way for the veteran forward to begin his campaign.

And, other than Domm's sending off, it was a fine way for Bassett to begin their quest for a Division One West promotion place.

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