Community Stadium, 30 September 2023

Royal Wootton Bassett Town came back from 2-0 down only to lose by the odd goal in five as their first ever visit to Pershore Town ended in defeat.

Bassett looked in deep trouble at half time as they trailed 2-0 following a Josh Willis double. However, goals from Tommy Ouldridge and Adam Corcoran pulled Bassett level with twenty minutes to go. Sam Collier's side were then denied what earlier would have seemed an unlikely point when Matt Nutt scored what proved to be the winner with six minutes left.

The long journey to Worcestershire to face last season's Hellenic League Division One champions was always going to be a difficult one. Pershore have made a solid start to life in their new surroundings, recording impressive wins including away at Cinderford Town and Westfields.

They bettered Bassett on this occasion too, leapfrogging their visitors to climb into fifth place in the process.

Pershore playmaker Willis proved the difference with his goals demonstrating both nerves of steel and audacity.

Willis gave his side the lead shortly after the quarter hour mark, coolly placing a penalty past Harry Pickering into the bottom corner of the net after Aidan Clark had been brought down.

He then doubled Pershore's lead with a wonder goal on 30 minutes, seeing Pickering off his line before scoring a stunning lobbed effort from range.

The Plums were therefore well in control with a bruised Bassett left to stew at half time.

But rather than crumble, Sam Collier's side fought back valiantly.

A defensive error shortly after the restart allowed them to get back into the match as Tommy Ouldridge pounced on a gift from the hosts before doing well to finish from an acute angle.

It took some time for the equaliser to come, but when it did it duly arrived in emphatic style. A corner was allowed to bounce in the box and the ball rose perfectly for captain Adam Corcoran who swivelled and rifled a powerful half volley into the back of the net.

However, having fought their way back onto level terms, Bassett soon found themselves behind once more though as a cross wasn't dealt with and Matt Nutt slotted home.

Pershore were then able to see out the match as Bassett fell to a third league defeat of the season.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 30th September 2023 at 20:07