Mundy Playing Fields, 10 October 2023
Royal Wootton Bassett Town put an end to their recent run of disappointing results as Sam Collier's side edged out Thornbury Town 2-1.
A week after twice coming from behind to snatch a point off their opponents, first half goals from Sam Packer and Alfie Presley made sure that this time Bassett were playing from in front.
And while Joe McLaughlin scored for the second week in a row for Thornbury, Bassett dug deep enough to hold on to all three points and secure their first win in four Hellenic League Premier Division fixtures.
In the teams' initial meeting, Bassett were short of their best. This time out though they were improved and were well worth their half time lead.
They took the lead 21 minutes in. A dangerous Jack Hobson-McVeigh ricocheted off the crossbar and into the left corner where Dave Bampton was first to arrive to the loose ball. The veteran defender then recycled play, his teasing cross being met by Packer's fine glancing header that found the right corner.
Presley, in his first game back in blue and yellow after brief early season pit stops with Corsham Town and Abingdon United, then doubled the advantage in stoppage time. A misjudged header from a home defender saw Jowan Partridge's clearance fall at the forward's feet. Presley then raced almost half the length of the pitch before burying a low drive into the bottom corner beyond Thornbury 'keeper Rudy Stilgoe.
As has become something of a frustrating habit in recent weeks, Bassett made life for themselves somewhat difficult in the second period - and Thornbury were able to pull a goal back early in the second period.
A swift move down the right side opened up the Bassett defence before a cut back to Luke Franklin on the edge of the box. His shot took a wicked deflection that deceived Bassett 'keeper Harry Pickering, who was unable to grasp hold of the ball and McLaughlin was on hand to stab home.
The hosts then pressed to get back on level terms and Bassett were holding on towards the end. But they did enough to see the game out and return to winning ways.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 10th October 2023 at 23:50
