Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 16 March 2024

An emphatic 4-0 home victory against Brimscombe and Thrupp saw Royal Wootton Bassett Town take another big, decisive step towards securing a Hellenic League Premier Division playoff place.

Bassett's dynamic playmaking duo of Alfie Presley and Tommy Ouldridge proved far too much for their visitors to handle on an afternoon when Sam Collier's side seemed in control from start to finish.

Presley netted twice, while Ouldridge scored direct from a corner and played a vital role in setting up two other goals.

Brimscombe have been a bogey side for Bassett in previous seasons. But this year they have hardly laid a glove on Bassett. Collier's team triumphed 3-1 away from home at the start of November and comfortably wrapped up a season double in the return fixture.

It did take time for Bassett to forge ahead, but shortly after Kyle Tooze thumped a tight angled shot against the woodwork, the hosts went ahead five minutes before the break.

Ouldridge steered a low cross into the six yard box and Brimscombe 'keeper Gavin Jones was only able to parry into the feet of a lurking Presley. And Bassett's top scorer took one touch to steady himself before curling into the top corner from close range.

That lead held until midway through the second half. Bassett were awarded a somewhat soft free kick on the left wing, which Ouldridge swung in and Louis Spalding rose highest, flicking a header beyond Jones who could do little but watch as the ball sailed into the corner.

Two became three when Ouldridge's in swinging corner was placed perfectly underneath the crossbar, and a flustered Jones - under pressure from an onrushing Sam Packer could only flap at the ball as it nestled into the net.

A Presley 25-yard daisycutter then completed the rout.

The playoff picture

While another big step towards confirming a playoff place, Sam Collier's side also received a welcome boost in their push for a top three placing (and a home playoff tie) courtesy of Highworth Town's surprise 1-1 draw at strugglers Thornbury Town.

Bassett now sit seven points clear of the Worthians who do still have four games in hand to play.

Elsewhere, Roman Glass St George (4-2 against Mangotsfield United), Slimbridge (3-1 against Fairford Town) and Cinderford Town (3-2 against Tuffley Rovers) all won.

A win for Bassett against Slimbridge when the teams meet later this month will ensure that Sam Collier's side finish above the Swans.

Fairford's loss means they are guaranteed to finish below Bassett, who will now at the very least end up in the top seven (unless Pershore Town win all of their remaining fixtures).

While one will go up automatically, Corsham Town (3-1 winners at Wantage Town) and Worcester City (who prevailed 2-1 at Hereford Pegasus) are now both assured of at least a playoff spot, with one more victory probably enough to ensure a top three placing.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 16th March 2024 at 18:35