Radcot Road, 8 May 2021

After an indifferent run of form in the latter half of their group stage fixtures, Royal Wootton Bassett Town bounced back with an impressive display in their Bluefin Sports Hellenic League Challenge Cup last sixteen tie away against Clanfield as Sam Collier's side deservedly triumphed 2-0.

First half goals from Rhys Wells and TJ Bohane proved enough for Bassett to book their place in the quarter finals as they neutralised a Clanfield side who, on the basis of their group stage form, were very much a threat.

The Robins had won all six of their fixtures, racking up 25 goals while conceding just six times.

But they were silenced by Bassett, who produced arguably their most complete performance of the competition.

Across the entire pitch, Bassett were impressive.

The back four were solid, offering the hosts little as Clanfield had to wait for the game's closing stages before mustering a chance of note. Bassett's midfield controlled proceedings, with Chris Taylor dictating play. Meanwhile, up front Bohane's hold up play stood out with the enegertic Wells and Zac Skinner causing problems with their clever running.

Wells was the player who broke the deadlock, producing an assured finish on 23 minutes - his fifth goal of the Challenge Cup campaign - after beating the offside trap and latching onto a Skinner through ball.

Bohane then doubled Bassett's advantage as half time neared, producing a neat finish following good build up play involving Taylor and Matt Berry-Hargreaves to take his personal tally for the season to ten goals.

With just two other Hellenic Premier sides - Bishop's Cleeve and Holmer Green - advancing to the quarter finals, it promises to be an open competition with there being every chance for Bassett to progress even further.

A repeat of this performance next weekend, and Collier's troops may well find themselves just a game away from a place in the final.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 8th May 2021 at 19:13