Twerton Park, 8 October 2023

After six wins in all competitions to begin the new campaign, Royal Wootton Bassett Town lost their unbeaten record as they conceded a 92nd minute winner in a 2-1 defeat away against Bath City.

Bath had scored early on through Abby Gray with Bassett finally equalising ten minutes from time courtesy of captain Laura Jefferies' free kick. However, an entertaining encounter would not end with the points shared as Amy Key put the hosts back in front with next to no time remaining for Adam Wood's side to generate another reply.

Bath were quick out of the blocks, creating the game's opening chance as early as the third minute when Tara Taylor struck over from range following a neat move. Key's deflected corner then was just out of reach for Mils Bellotti as Bassett found themselves under early pressure.

And ultimately Bath were rewarded. Key delivered another fine corner and Gray was on hand to head home from close range.

Bassett almost generated an instant reply as a flowing move down the right side led to a ball in the box, which the in form Hannah Gulliver almost converted. However, last ditch defending from home defender Ashley Harris made her task more difficult and 'keeper Sadie Farley was able to safely gather the ball.

After such a hectic start, Bassett were able to finally establish a foothold, and the game settled down into more of a midfield battle.

But there was to be plenty of goalmouth action in the final minutes of the half with both teams coming close to netting the game's second goal.

Millie Powell was forced to scramble the ball away after Bellotti's free kick delivery from deep almost bounced over her. Then at the other end, Gulliver saw an effort from the edge of the area deflected narrowly wide.

The second half began somewhat slowly, the best opportunity falling early on to Bassett's Darcy Cox who, deciding to shoot from distance, placed wide.

On the hour, a bustling run from Taylor opened up space but her long range effort was comfortably dealt with by Powell. Ten minutes later, Taylor had done another go after latching onto Rhy Jefferies' through ball, however she could only find the side netting with a snap effort.

Having survived those scares, Bassett then got back on terms with ten minutes remaining. Producing a trademark towering free kick from 35 yards, Jefferies sent the ball over Farley and into the top corner.

Coming so late in the game, Bassett would have hoped that goal would be enough for a point. But Bath had other ideas.

With the game already into injury time, Harris' defence splitting through ball set free Key and she coolly lifted over Powell and into the back of the net.

Having suffered their first setback of the season, Bassett will quickly aim to get back to winning ways when they host Weymouth next Sunday. The first of three consecutive fixtures, including the Women's FA Cup third qualifying round tie against AFC Stoneham, at the Sustain Stadium, Adam Wood and his side will be hoping to make the most of home advantage.

That's something they have not enjoyed much of yet, with five of their opening six fixtures having been on the road - a fact that makes Bassett's start to the campaign so far so impressive, however frustrating it may be to have fallen to defeat for the first time.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 8th October 2023 at 19:28