Old School Lane, 11 March 2023

First half goals from Bailey Gallagher and Alfie Presley earned Royal Wootton Bassett Town a vital 2-0 away win at Hereford Pegasus as Sam Collier's side completed a season double over their top half rivals.

Despite a 3-0 home win against Pegasus just three weeks ago, Bassett knew they would have to be at near to their best in the return fixture to take anything from the game.

And while not a perfect display, Bassett's performance proved enough for victory and an impressive eight league clean sheet.

Bassett took the lead just after the quarter hour mark in fine style as Gallagher produced a trademark cut inside from the left and curled a delightful shot from range into the top corner.

After a relatively even first half, it looked as though the visitors were going to go into the break with the slenderest of leads.

But Presley gave Bassett some breathing room, coolly slotting beyond home 'keeper James Behan when played through one-on-one.

The 2-0 advantage that gave Bassett then proved to be enough.

Bassett now sit five points ahead of Pegasus with a game in hand still to play. At this stage in the season, that should hopefully be enough of a gap to ensure Bassett finish above the Hereford-side.

The result also keeps Bassett in lockstep with Roman Glass St George - who they will need to get ahead of to claim a top six placing.

The teams will meet in three weeks. In the meantime, Bassett will be hoping to keep their charge up - beginning with Wednesday's visit to Worcester Raiders.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 11th March 2023 at 19:34