KGD Stadium, 30 December 2023

The first of Royal Wootton Bassett Town's two visits to Hereford in three days saw Sam Collier's side claim an entertaining 3-2 victory away against fellow Hellenic League Premier Division playoff hopefuls Pegasus.

A back and forth opening period saw Bassett twice take the lead only for the hosts to claw themselves back on level terms.

The teams then appeared set to share the spoils in the second half. However there was to be late drama when leading scorer Alfie Presley popped up with what proved to be the match winner ten minutes from time as Bassett bounced back from their disappointing midweek derby defeat against Highworth Town at the earliest opportunity.

Raring to get back to winning ways, Sam Collier's side got off to a flying start courtesy of young star Jowan Partridge, who charging forward from full back, scored an outstanding solo goal with the game just two minutes old.

Bassett's lead lasted no more than a dozen minutes though as Jordan Williamson equalised with a strike from just beyond the area.

Quickly though the visitors went ahead again when Sam Packer headed in at the far post.

Following such a lively start the game eventually settled down - and it seemed as though Bassett would go into the break with their noses in front.

But Williamson earned Pegasus a free kick twenty yards from goal and after dusting himself down, he curled a sweet low effort past the wall and into the bottom right corner past an outstretched Rob Brown to once again level things up.

The second half would then only produce one goal. And it fell to Presley whose eighth of the season - coming with too little time for Pegasus to muster a third equaliser - brought Bassett an important three points.

They will now be aiming for the same outcome again when they return to Hereford in less than 48 hours, this time to face Hereford Lads Club.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 30th December 2023 at 18:13