Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 9 December 2023

Although conceding a late equaliser, Royal Wootton Bassett Town picked up a potentially vital point against fellow Hellenic League Premier Division playoff contenders Pershore Town as the sides drew 1-1 at the Sustain Stadium.

The draw certainly came against the odds for Sam Collier's side given the Bassett manager's selection woes.

The Bassett boss already knew he would have to do without Dave Bampton as the veteran defender's suspension kicked in after his sending off against Highworth Town in the Wiltshire Premier Shield.

A stomach bug then robbed Collier of the services of Alfie Presley, Jordan Morris and - not long before kick off - Louis Spalding.

Assistant manager Alan Griffin was therefore forced into another start. And, shorn of replacements, Collier was grateful for the fact that the Development team were also at home, with their earlier 2pm kick off allowing him to name four substitutes - not that they would be able to provide fresh legs given their involvement in the Wiltshire League Premier Division fixture against Pewsey Vale.

The first half then passed without either team managing to break the deadlock.

That may have eased the stress the Bassett boss was feeling. But six minutes into the second half, Bailey Gallagher was dismissed for a late lunge, reducing the hosts to ten men and thus putting them at even more of a disadvantage.

However, Bassett dug deep - and the intelligence of Sam Packer, drawing a foul in the box, gave them the opportunity to go ahead. Th ever calm Jack Hobson-McVeigh then swept his penalty into the left corner, beyond the reach of Pershore 'keeper Eddie Cox, who guessed correctly, to make it 1-0.

Playing shorthanded, Bassett clung on to their lead and seemed as though they would successfully see the game out.

They were ultimately denied all three points though as, with three minutes of time remaining, Pershore substitute Connor Mort took control of a throw in, cut inside and fired a stunning long range strike past Rob Brown.

That late equaliser felt like a punch in the gut given how close Bassett were to a mightily impressive triumph. In the long run though, this result - because of the circumstances - could be hugely vital for the team's playoff hopes.

With Highworth Town losing away at Hereford Pegasus and Worcester Raiders throwing away a 3-0 lead to fall to a 4-3 defeat at home against Brimscombe and Thrupp, Bassett also gained ground on those sides they are battling with for a top five finish.

Grinding out a results with the odds stacked against them, this was a draw Bassett can be more than content with.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 9th December 2023 at 20:07