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100 Goals and Counting: Devizes B 5 – 7 Wootton Bassett (8 March 2008)
Facing their third away game on the bounce a depleted Wootton Bassett side made it three wins in a row away at Devizes this weekend, taking their season’s goal tally to 100 in the process.
With Bassett already guaranteed promotion and Devizes safe from relegation the game could have descended into a dull affair. However, both teams took the opportunity to increase their goal tallies. Devizes took the early initiative, winning a free hit on the edge of the Bassett D. A Bassett defender was adjudged to have not retreated the full five metres and the hit was upgraded to a penalty corner. The clinical set piece sent the Bassett defenders scrambling the wrong way and gave the home side an early lead. Bassett appeared to be shocked by the early goal and were soon reduced to 10 men following an out of character discussion with the home umpires. The following 10 minutes saw the 10 men of Bassett rally to take control of the match. Kyle Barnes struck first to level the scores, lifting the ball over the oncoming Devizes ‘keeper. Next it was the turn of Grant Kirkup to beat the Devizes defence from a penalty corner. Man of the match Dan Stanley then added a third following an exchange of passes with Mark Turner on the left wing. Devizes hit back from another short corner before Barnes added Bassett’s fourth. Kirkup then made it five with a powerful drag flick from a penalty corner to take the half time score to 5 – 2 in the away side’s favour.
With Bassett back at full strength the second half initially looked like being a cruise for the away side. Stanley added Bassett’s sixth early on and came close to completing his hat-trick when ex Devizes player Dale Titcombe sent him through on goal. However, a spirited performance from Devizes’ younger contingent saw Bassett’s goal coming under threat. Devizes added the next three goals to make a game of it, the first two coming from penalty corners and the third following a skilful passage of play down the left wing. With only a minute of the game left, and only a goal in it, Devizes took their ‘keeper off and played with 11 outfield players. Bassett went straight on the attack, with a mazy run from Turner. His final ball into the D found an outstretched Barnes at the far post, diving in to complete his hat-trick and score Bassett’s 100th league goal of the season.
3rd Place for the 2nd XI: Wootton Bassett A 7 – 0 Devizes C
Bassett’s 2nd XI moved up to third place in Wilts and NE Somerset 2 on Saturday following a 7 – 0 defeat of Devizes C.
The young Devizes side started well, creating chances on both wings and winning a string of short corners against their Wiltshire rivals. Bassett’s inability to pass the ball around the midfield led to them creating very few chances in the first half, Kristian Mansfield coming closest following a strong run from Luke Salisbury on the right wing.
The second half was an entirely different match. Bassett’s slick passing quickly wore down the Devizes defence and it wasn’t long before club coach and talisman Pete Sammon swept the ball home to give Bassett the lead. In his first game back following a season long injury, man of the match Callum Black then made it two following an exchange of passes with Ross Pinnuck. Pinnuck then made it 3 – 0 following a slick link up with Sammon on the edge of the D. Bassett added their fourth goal in 10 minutes when Sammon struck low past the Devizes ‘keeper. The shell shocked Devizes side regrouped and found their passing game. However, with Bassett hungry for goals Devizes quickly found themselves on the back foot again. Mike Davies used his pace and skill to break into the D and find Sammon on hand at the far post to complete his hat-trick. Sammon then made it six before Pinnuck rounded off the result when Tom Ponting and Max Brennan linked up to send him through on goal.
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Bassett through to Semi-Final: North Wilts 0 – 6 Wootton Bassett (2 March 2008)
On Sunday the 2nd of March Bassett put out a mix of 1st and 2nd XI players to contest the quarter final of the Wiltshire Vase knockout competition.
The first half started at walking pace, with Bassett’s players still feeling the effects of Saturday’s crunch league matches. The breakthrough finally came when a well worked short corner fell to Grant Kirkup for his second goal in two days. Two minutes later Bassett doubled their lead when a slick passing move, involving most of the team, sent Martin Bray through for his second goal of the season. With half time approaching North Wilts came back at Bassett winning a series of short corners forcing blocks from defender Sam Snell and lively ‘keeper Paul Warren.
The second half saw Bassett instantly increasing their lead, Mark Tolley firing home the penalty stroke to make up for Saturday’s miss! Mark Turner then dived in at the far post to add a forth and centre back Dan Jeffery got in on the act, firing home a cross at the near post. Kyle Barnes then added the sixth from a short corner to secure the 6 – 0 victory and sees Bassett safely through to a semi-final matchup with Wilts & NE Somerset champions West Wilts.
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Promotion Secured: Swindon A 2 – 4 Wootton Bassett (1 March 2008)
Facing the meanest defence in the league Bassett realised that this trip to third placed Swindon would be a tough encounter. However, just to increase the drama of their promotion chase, Bassett decided to make it even more difficult, going 2 – 0 down in the first half. In truth Bassett dominated the first 15 minutes of the game but could not find the opener. A head injury to midfielder Grant Kirkup led to play being stopped. With two Bassett players still off the field when play restarted Swindon seized the opportunity and scored directly from the resulting free-hit. Five minutes later Swindon scored again, this time from a short corner following an infringement spotted outside of the D. The bemused Bassett side then went back on the attack but, with their confidence rocked, could not pull a goal back before the half time break.
Bassett took the opportunity to reorganise at half time, with almost immediate effect. A surging run into the D from Mark Turner picked out Matt Jakubiec at the far post, only for his shot to be saved off the line by a Swindon foot. The resulting penalty stroke was well saved by the in form Swindon ‘keeper. Only a minute later Bassett were back in the Swindon D, this time winning a penalty corner, Kirkup on hand to provide the finishing touch. From the restart Bassett pressed Swindon back deep into their own half and quickly regained possession. Another penalty corner followed, Kyle Barnes this time firing the ball home with a powerful drive. Then, with the second half only five minutes old, Bassett took the lead through a Mark Skivington strike from the top of the D. The remainder of the match saw Bassett looking to further extend their lead with Turner, Barnes and Jakubiec all going close. With five minutes to go Bassett finally put the game beyond doubt when a Mark Tolley run from the midfield sent Jakubiec through for his fifteenth goal of the season.
The 4 – 2 win gives Bassett a ten point lead over the third placed side with only two games to play, securing promotion to the Avon division for next season. Next week Bassett travel to Devizes for a 4pm start at Devizes leisure centre.
Wilts & NE Somerset 2: Wootton Bassett A 1 – 0 West Wilts E
Wootton Bassett’s 2nd XI continued their impressive first season in the league with a 1 – 0 win over West Wilts on Saturday. In a cagey affair Bassett created the majority of the first half chances, man of the match John Sharp pushing forward out of defence at every available opportunity. It took until the second half for Bassett to finally take the lead, Dale Titcombe firing a powerful flick into the net following a short corner. The end of the match saw Bassett looking to increase their lead, but to no avail.
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Wootton Bassett 3 – 3 West Wilts B (23 Feb 2008)
This was always likely to be a tough game, facing the quick pass and move hockey of the league leaders. However, as the first half got into full swing it was clear that Bassett were on top. Winning a string of short corners early in the game, Bassett couldn’t find the incisive finishing that has boosted them throughout the season. The first chance fell to Mark Skivington, hitting the post from a deflected short corner. A couple of minutes later, with Bassett still on the attack, Grant Kirkup had drag flick saved by the inform West Wilts ‘keeper. Eventually the pressure wore off and following ten minutes of sustained attack Matt Jakubiec picked up a lose ball and slammed into the goal to give the home side a 1 – 0 lead. Knowing that a one goal lead was never going to be enough against the Warminster side who have scored 95 goals this season Bassett went straight back into attack mode but could not find the second crucial goal. A rare break down in the attack led to a clinical West Wilts break away goal, the ball sent down the right wing and into the Bassett D for the striker to fire home. Two minutes later and the away team repeated the feat, this time breaking straight through the middle of the pitch.
Bassett regrouped, rang the substitutions, and retook control of the game. The running of Dan Stanley on the left wing had been causing problems for the Wilts defence all game. An attack down the left involving Stanley and Kirkup set up a chance in the D, Kyle Barnes on hand to dive in at the far post and level the scores at 2 – 2. And on the stroke of half time it was Barnes again, rounding the ‘keeper and flicking the ball high into the net.
The second half started as the first had finished, with Bassett back on the attack keen to increase their lead. Stu Bell, Mark Tolley and Dan Stanley all had chances to send Bassett two goals clear. However, the all out attack took its toll and Bassett’s concentration slipped for a period of five minutes. Wilts took full advantage, camping out around the Bassett D. The defence held firm until a mazy run into the D from a Wilts defender found a foot to gift Wilts their only short corner of the game. The resulting set play led to a miss hit shot bobbling around the ‘keeper only to find a West Wilts stick on hand to divert the ball home.
The final fifteen minutes of the game were a frantic affair as Bassett threw everything at the visitors. First it was Barnes’ chance to complete his hat-trick, firing a ball inches over the cross bar. Next it was Kirkup’s turn to have another shot skilfully saved by the Wilts ‘keeper. As the end of the game approach Bassett had one more chance to secure all three points as a Jakubiec shot was saved off the line and rebounded underneath the ‘keeper. The resulting short corner led to Kirkup’s best chance of the game. His shot appeared to be going into the corner of the goal, but, with half of the Bassett team already celebrating, the spin took the ball just wide of the post.
City of Bath D 3 – 5 Wootton Bassett A
It took Bassett time to get use to the slow pitch, however 20 minutes into the game, some great passing and on & off the ball movement found David Beal to squeeze the ball home. Moments later quick passing throughout the team found Robin Cook to score his first goal of the season. After the second goal Bassett soon went 3 up with a defence spitting ball by Mark Turner and aN early low shot by Luke Salisbury. Just before the half ended Bassett went 4 goals to the good with the pace and movement of Salisbury and slick passing of Turner for Salisbury to receive the ball in the D and flick the ball into the roof of the net.
The second half saw Bath going straight onto the attack and pull a goal back to make it 4-1. Bassett then extended there lead with a cross from Man of the match Ali Sammon for David Beal to deflect the ball home. Two more goals for Bath made the final score 5-3.
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Bath Buccs. G 1 – 6 Wootton Bassett (16 Feb 2008)
Wootton Bassett took on Bath Buccs “strings” in what would prove to be an exciting match up. Bassett, missing their usual back three, fielded a young side boasting 6 players under the age of 18. Straight from the word go Bassett put the Bath goal under pressure. The pace of Matt Jakubiec, Kristian Mansfield and Kyle Barnes sliced through the Bath defence at will in the opening few minutes of the encounter. Barnes quickly opened the scoring with a typically calm finish under the Buccs keeper. From the restart Bassett regained possession and forced a short corner. The well rehearsed Bassett set play led to a fine save from the Bath keeper, Mark Skivington on hand to pick up the rebound and take the score to 2 - 0.
As the game calmed down, Bath began to win some possession. Following a Bath attack Bassett won a 16 yard hit out. Ali Wood threaded the ball through to Grant Kirkup who slipped it to Mansfield on the right wing. With Bassett on the counter attack Mansfield burst into the D and found the in form Jakubiec waiting at the back post to put the 3rd goal away.
Any hopes of a Bath come back were soon dismissed as Barnes fired home his second of the match to take the score to 4-0. With half time approaching Bassett created further chances. A foot on the goal line led to a penalty stroke, the resulting flick sailing inches wide. On the stroke of half time Barnes picked up the ball and, from a seemingly impossible angle, managed to loop the ball over the Buccs defence with a reverse stick strike, only to see his effort rebound off the cross bar.
The second half kicked off with Bath appearing to be inspired by the half time team talk. The home side created numerous chances until they finally found the break through. A defensive mix up forced ‘keeper Paul Warren into a brilliant save, only for Bath’s star player to send the rebound flying into the roof of the net.
Bath’s joy didn’t last long as Bassett’s Mark Tolley picked up the ball and took on several defenders, finishing with a calm push into the bottom corner. 10 minutes later Barnes completed his hat-trick with a back post tap in.
Wootton Bassett A 0 – 0 Swindon C
Facing a Swindon side intent on defending in numbers Bassett continually pushed for a winner. However, the away team’s tactics stifled Bassett’s attacking play and forced the game to a 0 – 0 draw. Despite the disappointing result Bassett will be spurred on by the performance of their younger contingent, Daniel Metson winning the man of the match award.
The draw leaves Bassett 8 points behind second placed Swindon B with a game in hand. With a tough away trip to Bath next weekend Bassett know that a win is required to keep alive any remaining hopes of promotion.
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Wootton Bassett 7 – 2 Shepton Mallet A (9 Feb 2008)
Having lost for only the third time this season last weekend Bassett faced a tough game against Shepton Mallet on Saturday. The opening minutes were a nervous affair for the home side, aware that they had to protect their defence against a Shepton side coming off a win over league leaders West Wilts last weekend. The visitors were passing the ball around quickly and closing Bassett down when they lost possession. As the half wore on Bassett grew in confidence and started attacking the goal of the away side. Stu Bell and Dan Stanley were consistently causing problems for the Shepton defence on the left wing. However, it took a link up between man of the match James Wright and Kyle Barnes to create the first goal, Matt Jakubiec providing the finishing touch at the far post. Three minutes later Bassett won a free hit on the edge of the D, Mark Tolley slipped the ball to his right for Mark Skivington to drive it home. Firmly in control of the game now, Bassett piled on the pressure and added a further two goals before half time. Stanley swept in the third and Wright added the forth on the stroke of half time with a skilful trap, turn and shot into the corner of the goal.
4 - 0 up at half time Bassett were conscious that their opponents were capable of scoring quick goals. Needing to put the game beyond doubt Bassett maintained their attacking play as Barnes shot low, picked up his rebound and lifted it over the ‘keeper to take the score to 5 – 0. As in previous weeks Bassett then eased off, slowing to a walking pace on occasion. This allowed the visitors back into the game and two skilful goals quickly followed from the young Shepton midfielder. Stunned by the two goals Bassett struggled to regain their composure until Grant Kirkup picked up the ball, beat his marker and struck the ball low to the ‘keepers right to take the game beyond doubt. With the final whistle approaching Barnes put a gloss on the result, adding Bassett’s seventh of the game and his 36th goal in 17 league games this season.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, S.Snell, M.Bray, S.Bell, A.Wood, G.Kirkup, M.Tolley, M.Skivington (c), D.Stanley, M.Jakubiec, K.Barnes, J.Wright
Scorers: M.Jakubiec, M.Skivington, D.Stanley, J.Wright, K.Barnes (2), G.Kirkup Player of the Match: J.Wright
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City of Bath B 5 – 4 Wootton Bassett (2 Feb 2008)
Bassett started poorly, conceding a short corner and the opening goal straight from the start of the match. Finding it difficult to settle into their usual passing game, the unusually bumpy pitch caused problems for the away side. As the half wore on Bassett picked up their game with some strong running from Grant Kirkup and Dan Stanley. Eventually the scores were levelled with a Kirkup strike from a short corner. Bath hit straight back and retook the lead following a mazy run from their right winger. Bassett lifted their game again and sent shots either side of the goal, but could not level the scores. A few minutes later the ball broke lose within the D and Mark Tolley pounced to drive the ball home and level the scores. Bassett then took the lead through a well worked short corner, Kirkup again providing the finishing touch. As half time approached Bath won a free hit on the edge of the Bassett D and forced the ball into the goal at the far post. On the stroke of half time, with Bassett back in control of the match Bath broke away and retook the lead.
With the score at 4 – 3 Bassett had to go on the attack. With Kyle Barnes and Matt Jakubiec causing problems up front it looked as though the attacking play may pay off. However, with the pace in the Bath side it was always a risky strategy and Bassett were again hit on the break to give the home side a two goal lead. Bassett went back on the attack and brought the score back to 5 – 4 when Barnes and Jakubiec sliced through the defence with a clinical 1-2, Jakubiec providing the finishing touch. With full time approaching both teams attacked looking for one final goal. Bassett had a late short corner, but could not convert, and slumped to their third away defeat of the season.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, S.Snell, M.Bray, S.Bell, A.Wood, G.Kirkup, M.Tolley, M.Skivington (c), D.Stanley, M.Jakubiec, K.Barnes, J.Wright
Scorers: G.Kirkup (2), M.Tolley, M.Jakubiec Player of the Match: S.Snell
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Wootton Bassett 5 – 3 Mendip (26 Jan 2008)
Playing with a much stronger team than earlier on in the season, Mendip quickly gained possession of the ball and started playing their trademark passing hockey. Kyle Barnes and Matt Jakubiec worked hard up front to deny the visitors any time on the ball and it wasn’t long before Bassett took control of the ball and the game. Playing a very quick game against their more experienced rivals, Bassett repeatedly found themselves in the opposition’s D but could not find a first goal. As half time approached Bassett won a series of penalty corners, and, after trying several different routines, finally found the back of the net when Grant Kirkup fired the ball home following a slick 1-2 with Dan Stanley. Despite increasing the pressure in the run up to the break the score remained at 1 – 0 and Bassett were on track for their third consecutive clean sheet.
Following the half time team talks both teams came out on the attack. It was Bassett who struck first when Stanley crossed the ball into the path of the oncoming Barnes for his first of the game. Less than two minutes later Bassett’s hopes of a clean sheet were washed away as Mendip fired the ball home from a rare break. Bassett then secured the match with three goals in four minutes. The first a Mark Tolley flick from the penalty spot following a foul on the goal line. A minute later Barnes picked up the ball with his back to goal, turned to his left, and fired the ball through a gap at the near post. Following the restart Barnes again found himself through on goal to put the game beyond doubt, scoring his 34th goal in the league this season, a Wootton Bassett club record. With the game sewn up Bassett pushed further forward, conscious that the league could be decided on goal difference this season. However, they pushed too far up the pitch and didn’t do their goal difference any favours by conceding two late goals to bring the final score to 5 – 3.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, M.Bray, S.Snell, A.Wood, S.Bell, G.Kirkup, M.Tolley, D.Stanley, M.Skivington (c), M.Jakubiec, K.Barnes, M.Brennan
Scorers: K.Barnes (3), G.Kirkup, M.Tolley Player of the Match: M.Bray
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A perfect start to the New Year: Wootton Bassett 4 – 0 Bath Buccs. H (12 Jan 2008)
Having slipped up away from home to Buccs H earlier in the season Bassett were expecting a tough encounter against their Bath rivals. The well organised opposition started off strongly with some quick passing around the midfield. Bassett then stepped up their game, not allowing the Bath players any time on the ball. This tactic quickly paid off as the home side starting creating chances from both wings. The first goal came from a free hit on the edge of the D, the ball was crossed in hard with Kyle Barnes applying the finishing touch. Minutes later Bassett were back on the attack with Dan Jeffery and Grant Kirkup linking up in the midfield. The two combined to thread the ball through to Barnes, who set up Matt Jakubiec to give Bassett a 2 – 0 lead going into half time.
The second half saw Bassett ease off and allow Buccs more time on the ball. The away team then piled on the pressure, winning a number of short corners. This had the effect of waking up the Bassett side. A series of short corners saw Kirkup, Jeffery and Barnes sending shots narrowly wide before Barnes finally put the result beyond doubt with a powerful strike. With full time approaching Dan Stanley picked up the ball in midfield and skilfully threaded the ball up to Barnes. Barnes and Jaukubiec exchanged passed before Jakubiec applied the final touch to give Bassett a deserved 4 – 0 victory.
Wootton Bassett 1st XI: P.Warren, S.Snell, M.Bray, S.Bell, A.Wood, G.Kirkup, D.Jeffery, M.Skivington (c), D.Stanley, K.Barnes, M.Jakubiec
Scorers: K.Barnes (2), M.Jakubiec (2) Player of the Match: K.Barnes
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Disappointment for Bassett: Chippenham A 4 - 3 Wootton Bassett (8 Dec 2007)
Wootton Bassett lost for only the second time this season in a tough away game at Chippenham on Saturday.
The visitors struggled to come to terms with a slow pitch and Chippenham took an early lead through a well worked short corner following a Bassett error. Eventually after 20 minutes Kyle Barnes beat two defenders and drove the ball low past the oncoming keeper for an equaliser. As half time approached both sides found their form. Chippenham, playing with four up front, put several shots just wide of the post, and at the other end Bassett won successive short corners, but could not convert. The home side then won a penalty stroke but it was well saved by Bassett keeper Paul Warren. Two minutes later however Chippenham did retake the lead with a strong strike from the top of the D, but Bassett responded instantly, levelling the scores, Barnes again providing the finishing touch. Then, on the stroke of half time, Bassett had a chance to take the lead from a short corner, but play was stopped just as Barnes was winding up to complete his hat-trick.
The home side again got off to a good start in the second half, putting the Bassett defence under constant pressure. However, the defence held firm and Bassett picked up their game. Grant Kirkup threaded a ball through to Mike Davies to round the keeper and slot the ball home, only for the goal to be disallowed for a foot. Kirkup himself then went close with a strike from a short corner only for Chippenham to clear their lines and win a long corner at the other end. A difficult ball was hit hard into the D at knee height, and skilfully deflected into the goal by a Chippenham striker to give the home side a 3-2 lead.
Chippenham kept up the pressure forcing Bassett back into their own half for long periods until Kirkup picked up the ball in his own half, drove through the midfield and defence before powering the ball into the bottom corner for 3-3.
It looked as though the scores would remain level, but, as the game reached the final few minutes, a reckless tackle on Mark Tolley produced a free hit for Bassett. The resulting attack left the visitors short at the back and Chippenham broke swiftly out of defence to score the winner right at the close.
Bassett remain in second place in Wilts & NE Somerset 1, but know that they will have to play much better when the league resumes after Christmas if they intend to stay there.
Wootton Bassett 1st XI: P.Warren, A.Wood, S.Bell, S.Snell, M.Skivington (c), M.Tolley, G.Kirkup, R.Pinnuck, J.Wright, M.Davies, K.Barnes, M.Brennan
Scorers: K.Barnes (2), G.Kirkup Man of the Match: G.Kirkup
Wootton Bassett A 1 - 3 Swindon B
Bassett’s second string took on Swindon in a battle for second place in Wilts & NE Somerset 2.
In driving rain and with floodlights on, both sides took time to find their form and it was Bassett that eventually managed to string enough passes together to force a free hit just outside the Swindon D. It was taken quickly by Kristian Mansfield to Pete Sammon who tucked the ball around the keeper for 1-0.
Bassett then sat back on their lead and Swindon took full advantage, drawing the home side’s defence and switching the ball to an unmarked forward to strike cleanly into the back of the net. Swindon’s second goal was a repeat of the first for 2-1 just before half time.
Bassett reorganised at half time in an attempt to step up the pace and penetrate Swindon’s defence. Accurate passes from Dale Titcombe and Dave Mutton began to give Bassett some options but no final touch was applied. Man of the match Dave Gardner drove forward from right midfield, pressurising the Swindon full backs and driving the team to work harder, but to no avail as successive attacks broke down on the edge of the opponents’ D.
As the final whistle approached, Bassett continued to press for an equaliser, and a Swindon break found the Bassett defence out-numbered allowing the visitors to walk in a simple goal to seal a 3-1 victory - a crucial result that opens up a five point gap at the half way stage of the season. .
Wootton Bassett A: I.Wood (c), N.Sharp, D.Mutton, J.Sharp, D.Gardner, P.Vines, D.Titcombe, M.Turner, K.Mansfield, P.Sammon, T.Ponting, L.Salisbury, J.Showering.
Scorer: P.Sammon. Man of the Match: D.Gardner
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Goal glut as Bassett sides run riot: City of Bath C 1 – 9 Wootton Bassett (1 Dec 2007)
Wootton Bassett’s victory over City of Bath on Saturday emphasised the gulf between a team pressing for promotion and one lying in last place in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 1.
Bassett’s stronger running and sharper passing produced immediate results and Kyle Barnes ran through to slot home the opener after 5 minutes. This was followed by two goals from Mike Davies and another from Barnes for 4-0 at half time.
In the second half the visitors maintained the pressure on a beleaguered Bath team. Both Barnes and Davies scored twice to bring their personal tallies to four apiece, before Dan Stanley added Basset’s ninth of the game. Then a rare Bath attack punctured the Bassett defence and the resulting short corner was converted past Paul Warren for a consolation goal for the home side right on the final whistle.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, S.Bell, S.Snell, R.Pinnuck, G.Kirkup (c), J.Wright, D.Stanley, M.Turner, K.Barnes, M.Davies, K.Mansfield.
Scorers: M.Davies (4), K.Barnes (4), D.Stanley Man of the Match: J.Wright
Wootton Bassett A 10 – 0 Shepton Mallett B
Bassett’s second string continued their run with a convincing win over Shepton Mallet, lying bottom of W&NES 2 on Saturday.
Shepton started the match with a man short and immediately Bassett took full advantage.
It was only a matter of time before the first Bassett goal and Ali Wood provided, with a deflection into the roof of the net on 12 minutes. Bassett dominated the match in worsening weather conditions, but goals came at regular intervals through Pete Sammon, Mark Tolley, Tom Ponting and Dave Mutton with his first goal for the club.
Bassett maintained the pressure in the second half with five further goals to seal the victory.
Wootton Bassett A: I.Wood (c), D.Mutton, J.Sharp, D.Metson, P.Vines, D.Titcombe, M.Tolley, A.Wood, A.Sammon, P.Sammon, T.Ponting, J.Brown.
Scorers: A.Wood (2), P.Sammon (2), T. Ponting (2), D.Mutton (2), M.Tolley (2). Man of Match: D.Titcombe, D.Metson
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Four goals for Barnes in mauling: Wootton Bassett 8 - 1 Devizes B (24 Nov 2007)
Wootton Bassett recorded their biggest win of the season on Saturday, defeating third-placed Devizes 8 – 1 in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 1.
Devizes started strongly, taking the game to Bassett in an attempt to break through before the home side could settle. Their quick passing around the midfield denied Bassett possession for the first few minutes, before Bassett tightened their control and closed down Devizes space to play the ball. The first goal came after only five minutes when a direct ball into the D was diverted across the face of goal for Dan Stanley to sweep it home at the back post. Two minutes later Bassett were back on the attack with Kyle Barnes beating two defenders before sending the shot low to the keepers left. Devizes then came back into the game, winning a free hit on the edge of the Bassett D. The ball was drilled through the entire defence and skilfully chipped over the keeper to take the score to 2 – 1.
That was really Devizes last sniff at goal. The next Bassett goal came from Mark Turner as he received the ball, faked to pass and sent the keeper the wrong way. Minutes later Barnes was on the score sheet again, picking up a rebound and firing it into the net, before man of the match, Mark Tolley, burst through the midfield into the D to hit a powerful shot into the corner. Barnes then completed his hat trick before half time with another mazy run through the Devizes defence, once again beating the keeper to leave the half time score at 6 – 1.
Bassett added a further two goals in the second half, the first a strong sweep from James Wright. Barnes then added his fourth of the day, and twentieth in only 10 league games this season, when he picked up a rebound from a short corner and slammed it past the oncoming keeper. The winning margin reflects Bassett’s dominance of the game and is testament to how they have improved with every game this season.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, S.Bell, S.Snell, A.Wood, M.Skivington (c), M.Tolley, G.Kirkup, J.Wright, D.Stanley, M.Turner, K.Barnes, M.Brennan
Scorers: K.Barnes (4), M.Tolley, J.Wright, D.Stanley, M.Turner Man of the Match: M.Tolley
Devizes C 2 - 5 Wootton Bassett A
Bassett 2nd XI were entertained by a Devises team lying mid table in Wilts & NE Somerset 2. Devizes gave Bassett plenty of space to play in midfield and the visitors took full advantage, controlling the game from the start with some quick accurate passing. Some quick movement on and of the ball from the midfield produced an early goal from Pete Sammon as he slotted the ball home leaving the keeper motionless. Shortly after the first goal Bassett won a short corner. A powerful drag from Kristian Mansfield was controlled by Sammon and passed to Luke Salisbury who slotted the ball home for 2 – 0 at half time.
Following the break, Devises began to create some chances but then Bassett won a second short corner. Mansfield took the corner, Sammon shot wide of the near post for Mansfield running in to into goal. Devises regained some composure and counter-attacked, wrong-footing the Bassett defence into conceding a penalty flick after the ball was stopped by a defender’s foot on the line. A well taken P flick found the corner and Devises where back in the game.
Dale Titcombe and Ali Sammon again marshalled the Bassett midfield forcing Devizes to concede several short corners. Eventually the pressure told and the home side conceded a penalty flick whuich was well converted by Pete Sammon for his second goal of the game. Devises responded immediately when one of their young players picked the ball up in midfield and took on several defenders to score a fabulous goal.
However, Bassett soon had another short corner and Tom Ponting fired it inside the near post. The 5-2 win consolidates Bassett’s position in third place at the half way stage of the season, keeping open their thoughts of promotion.
Wootton Bassett A: I.Wood (c), D.Mutton, N.Sharp, J.Sharp, R.Cook, D.Titcombe, A.Sammon, T.Ponting, L.Salisbury, K.Mansfield, P.Sammon, P.Vines, J.Showering, D.Metson.
Scorers: P.Sammon (2), K.Mansfield, L.Salisbury, T.Ponting
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Kirkup's strike bags the points: Wootton Bassett 1 – 0 Swindon A (17 Nov 2007)
Wootton Bassett got straight back to their winning ways on Saturday with a strong performance to defeat local rivals Swindon.
With Swindon’s defensive record Bassett knew that this was going to be a tough encounter. However, the home side came out strongly and played for possession throughout the first half of the match. Stu Bell and Dan Stanley linked up on the left wing on numerous occasions to cause the visitors problems and Grant Kirkup and Max Brennan’s partnership was looking powerful in midfield. As expected, Swindon’s defence held firm and it took until the 20th minute for Bassett to finally break the deadlock. A foul on the edge of the D brought a Bassett free hit, taken quickly by Kirkup. A series of stick tackles in the D lead to a Bassett short corner which was fired home by Kirkup to give the home side a narrow lead going into half time.
The second half saw a different side to both teams’ games. Bassett were organised in defence and causing problems upfront with the pace and running of Kyle Barnes. Swindon were regularly on the attack with some slick passing through the midfield. However, the Bassett defence, lead by youngster Ali Wood, absorbed all pressure that came its way and never looked like being beaten. Towards the end of the match Swindon threw everything they had at Bassett but still could not find an equaliser and risked being hit on the counter attack. The 1 – 0 win was a very good result for Bassett and with their two nearest rivals dropping points Bassett can once again concentrate on catching West Wilts at the top of Wilts & NE Somerset 1.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, S.Bell, S.Snell, A.Wood, M.Skivington (c), G.Kirkup, M.Brennan, R.Pinnuck, D.Stanley, M.Jakubiec, K.Barnes
Scorer: G.Kirkup Man of the Match: P.Warren
West Wilts E 4 – 5 Wootton Bassett A
Bassett’s 2nd XI secured an important victory over West Wilts at Warminster on Saturday.
Bassett got off to a shaky start, conceding two early goals from short corners before regaining their composure. They battled back and gradually started to exert some control over the midfield, eventually releasing the ball to Pete Sammon to swivel and slide the ball past the goalkeeper. 2-1 to West Wilts at half time.
Wilts switched their forward line and initially wrong-footed the visitor’s defence at the start of the second half. But Bassett quickly regained the initiative with Luke Salisbury on the right, combining well with Mark Turner before receiving the return ball in the D to squeeze home Bassett’s equaliser. Several further attacks were thwarted by the Wilts goalkeeper until Dale Titcombe put the visitors into the lead from a short corner. Sammon extended this lead, only to see Wilts pull one back shortly afterwards.
There then followed a brilliant piece of individual skill from Mark Turner who dribbled the ball into the Wilts D and reverse swept a shot into the top right corner of the goal for 5-3. Wilts were visibly stunned but then, with ten minutes to go, a well-worked free hit on the edge of the Basset area was deflected in to reduce the deficit to one.
Bassett repelled one final West Wilts attack, after conceding a short corner right on the final whistle, for a hard-fought victory that takes their winning run to five in a row and moves them into third place in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2.
Wootton Bassett A: I.Wood (c), D.Gardner, D.Mutton, N.Sharp, J.Sharp, D.Titcombe, R.Cook, M.Turner, K.Mansfield, P.Sammon, T.Ponting, L.Salisbury.
Scorers: P.Sammon (2), L.Salisbury, D.Titcombe, M.Turner Man of the Match: M.Turner
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Late goal frustrates Bassett: West Wilts B 4 – 3 Wootton Bassett (10 Nov 2007)
A controversial end to an epic game brought Bassett 1st team’s unbeaten run to an end at West Wilts on Saturday.
Wootton Bassett made the trip down to Warminster for a first vs second place encounter in Wilts and NE Somerset Division 1. Playing in their changed white strip, Bassett were slow to start and quickly found themselves a goal down. A mazy run from the Wilts right winger led to a short corner which was converted with a crisp strike into the corner of the Bassett goal. This was the wake up call that Bassett needed. The remainder of the half saw the visitors constantly on the attack with Wilts only threatening occasionally with quick breaks. Eventually Bassett found the break through when Jack Showering and Grant Kirkup combined in the middle to thread a ball through for Kyle Barnes to sweep past the oncoming keeper.
The second half saw Bassett further pressurising the Wilts defence and creating a number of chances up front through the pace of Barnes and Matt Jakubiec. However, they were then reduced to 10 men when a stick tackle by a Wilts defender led to a Bassett player being sin binned for ten minutes. Wilts took full advantage and scored two goals, both from short corners, to take the score to 3 – 1.
Back up to full strength, the visitors went straight back on the attack, when an incident following another foul on a Bassett player resulted in a second yellow card being brandished and Bassett were again reduced to ten men. This time, however, they did not let it affect them as they won numerous free hits around the Wilts D and Jakubiec deflected Mark Tolley’s free hit into the goal to bring the score to 3 – 2. Two minutes later Tolley levelled the scores with a strong flick from a short corner.
The final five minutes of the game was end to end, with both teams coming close to claiming the win. With two minutes to go Bassett keeper Paul Warren pulled off a series of fine saves only for the umpire to adjudge that he had illegally palmed the ball away. West Wilts took full advantage as a miss-hit shot bobbled over the sticks of several Bassett defenders on its way into goal. Right on the final whistle Bassett won another short corner but could not convert and West Wilts came away with the win, to open up a five point lead at the top of the Division.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, D.Jeffery, S.Snell, S.Bell, M.Tolley, A.Wood, G.Kirkup, M.Skivington (c), D.Stanley, M.Jakubiec, K.Barnes, M.Brennan, J.Showering
Scorers: K.Barnes, M.Jakubiec, M.Tolley Man of the Match: P.Warren
Wootton Bassett A 1 – 0 City of Bath D
Wootton Bassett entered this match with confidence high, unbeaten in their last three games in Wilts & NE Somerset 2.
It started as Bassett had hoped, with strong pressure and some good chances. Several well placed crosses into the D went begging, with no-one quite close enough to force the ball home. After 20 minutes with the score still 0-0, Robin Cook broke into the D. His shot was blocked by the Bath keeper, but he ran onto the rebound and swept it towards goal, only for a defender to stop it on the line with his foot. Ali Sammon stepped up to take the penalty flick, but the keeper was too good for him and Bassett failed to take advantage.
Shortly afterwards, Sammon made amends with a well struck shot inside the far post to give Bassett a deserved lead and finally some relief. The half continued much the same with Bassett forcing chance after chance but some good defending and agile goal-keeping from the visitors maintained the score 1-0 scoreline by half time.
The seconded half started where they had left off, with Bassett attacking strongly and Cook was thwarted for the second time when his goalbound shot was deflected wide, this time by his own team-mate. Bath finally countered and for the last ten minutes put the home side’s defence under pressure but, despite several crosses into the D, the Bassett defence held firm for the win that moves them into fourth place in Division 2.
Wootton Bassett A: I.Wood (c), D.Gardner, N.Sharp, J.Sharp, R.Cook, D.Titcombe, A.Sammon, M.Turner, K.Mansfield, P.Sammon, M.Davies, L.Salisbury.
Scorers: A.Sammon Man of the Match: J.Sharp
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“Six of one….”: Wootton Bassett 1st XI 6 - 2 Bath Buccs G (3 Nov 2007)
Wootton Bassett notched up their fifth win in a row in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 1 on Saturday, defeating Bath Buccs 6 – 2 at the Lime Kiln.
Bassett never looked like losing in this encounter. The young partnership of Kyle Barnes and Matt Jakubiec up front was far too much for the visitors to handle. Within five minutes Bassett found themselves a goal up as Barnes picked up a cross from Dan Stanley and fired it into the roof of the net. Two minutes later they were on the attack again and won a penalty corner. A well worked move set up Grant Kirkup to send Bassett two goals clear. As in previous weeks Bassett then took their foot off the accelerator and sat back on their lead. It didn’t take long before Buccs exploited Bassett’s complacency and pulled the score back to 2–1 through a quickly taken short corner. As the half time break approached the home side lifted their game and sent through Barnes to score his second of the match.
Bassett were more organised in the second half and it wasn’t long before Kirkup and Dan Jeffery combined to set up man of the match Dan Stanley for a tap in at the far post. Buccs pulled a second goal back through a short corner, but the home side were now controlling the game and secured the win with another two goals. Stanley scored his second of the game when he picked up a rebound and slammed the ball into the goal. Jakubiec then rounded off the 6 – 2 win with a brilliant individual goal, rounding the keeper to slot the ball home.
Good performances throughout the team, particularly some strong running and passing from the back pairing of Sam Snell and Stu Bell. This was especially encouraging for Bassett as they face a trip to the league leaders, West Wilts, next week.
Wootton Bassett 1st XI: P.Warren, S.Snell, M.Bray, S.Bell, M.Tolley, D.Jeffery, G.Kirkup, M.Skivington (c), D.Stanley, M.Jakubiec, K.Barnes, A.Wood, R.Pinnuck.
Scorers: K.Barnes (2), D.Stanley (2), G.Kirkup, M.Jakubiec Man of the Match: D.Stanley
“…and half a dozen of another”: Swindon C 0 - 6 Wootton Bassett A
Bassett’s second string faced a key test against Swindon C, level on points in Wilts & NE Somerset 2 at the start of the day. After a scrappy opening five minutes, with neither side able to find time on the ball, Bassett soon brought on John Sharp giving them more width and triggering more fluent play from the visitors.
Bassett were now able to pressure the Swindon defence and this soon led to their opening goal when a crisp pass from Max Brennan into the D found Curt Postil unmarked and able to sweep the ball home easily. A second followed after a poor 16 yard hit out from Swindon was intercepted by Brennan and slotted back into the path of Kristian Mansfield to slot home the goal. Bassett were now in total control and with after some swift passing and good skills on the right, a teasing cross into the goal mouth found Mansfield’s stick for what will probably be the easiest goal of his career.
Swindon stepped up a gear at the start of the second half and had their first real glimpse of goal as a well struck cross just evaded their forward’s stick. As the midfield players on both sides battled for supremacy, Bassett’s superior fitness seemed to hold sway and Dan McCarthy increasingly caused problems for Swindon’s defence, finally winning a short corner when he was fouled as he broke into the D. The short corner was taken quickly and a powerful drag shot from Dale Titcombe was re-directed into the goal by Mansfield for his hat-trick.
Swindon were now beaten and, as their heads began to drop, Bassett took full advantage. Some good one-two passing on the right of midfield was followed by a powerful cross from Titcombe that found Pete Sammon who rifled into the top corner. The final goal came from father and son, when Ali Sammon won a tackle and slotted an inch perfect pass through to father Pete Sammon who slid the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner. A strong performance and a well deserved three points for Wootton Bassett.
Wootton Bassett A: I.Wood (c), D.Mutton, J.Showering, N.Sharp, J.Sharp, D.Titcombe, D.McCarthy, M.Brennan, A.Sammon, M.Turner, K.Mansfield, C.Postil, P.Sammon, M.Thompson.
Scorers: K.Mansfield (3), P.Sammon (2), C.Postil Man of the Match: K.Mansfield
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Barnes storms four: Shepton Mallet A 4 - 6 Wootton Bassett 1st XI (27 Oct 2007)
Bassett battled through to win in 6 – 4 in an epic away match at Shepton Mallet on Saturday.
Bassett made a good start to the game with a quick goal from Kyle Barnes, followed two minutes later by another from young debutant Mark Turner. They then appeared to sit back on their lead and Shepton, with pace and skill up front, quickly managed to expose this complacency, scoring three quick goals to take the score to 3 - 2 in favour of the home side. Bassett rallied, and resumed playing their usual passing game, with Max Brennan and Grant Kirkup threading balls through to Barnes and Matt Jakubiec up front. Eventually a foul on Jakubiec brought a Bassett penalty corner. The well worked routine gave Kirkup a clear shot on goal which he drilled low into the corner to level the scores before half time.
Bassett came out much the stronger team after the break. Their passing and movement in midfield prevented Shepton a single touch of the ball for long periods of play. One such passing move created the angle for Kirkup to cross the ball into the D, and Barnes then fired the ball into the roof of the net to give Bassett a slender 4 – 3 lead. However, the Somerset team came straight back at Bassett and through a free hit on the edge of the D levelled the scores again at 4 – 4. The final twenty minutes saw Bassett constantly on the attack, winning a string of penalty corners and sending shots flying inches wide of both posts. Bassett finally retook the lead when centre back Dan Jeffery drilled a ball into the D for Barnes to deflect into the goal for his hat-trick. Two minutes later the result was put beyond doubt when Jakubiec sliced through the Shepton defence to set up Barnes’ fourth goal of the game and give Bassett a crucial 6 – 4 win.
The win is Bassett’s fourth in a row and maintains their second spot in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 1.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, D.Jeffery, S.Snell, S.Bell, M.Skivington (c), G.Kirkup, M.Brennan, D.Stanley, R.Pinnuck, M.Jakubiec, K.Barnes, M.Turner.
Scorers: K.Barnes (4), M.Turner, G.Kirkup Man of the Match: M.Brennan
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Bassett confidence running high: Wootton Bassett 2 - 0 City of Bath B (20 Oct 2007)
Wootton Bassett maintained their winning run with a 2 – 0 defeat of City of Bath on Saturday to retain second spot in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 1.
Bassett struggled to find their form in the first five minutes of the match, but a timely reorganisation had them playing quick, passing hockey. For the next half hour Bassett dominated play, their Bath rivals hardly being allowed a touch of the ball. It wasn’t until the thirtieth minute, however, that Bassett managed to take the lead. Grant Kirkup and Mark Skivington combined on the right wing to send a cross in for Kyle Barnes to fire home.
The second half started as the first had finished with Bassett passing the ball around the midfield. Ali Wood and Dan Stanley were linking up well on the left wing to regularly create chances up front, however the second goal came from Mike Davies on the right. He picked up an interception on the half way line and sprinted forward, beating the Bath defence for pace. Davies then rounded two defenders before being taken down from behind, however, even this didn’t stop him scoring as he bounced forward and swept the ball into the goal. The 2 - 0 win and good team performance is a much needed boost for Bassett as they go into a tough run of fixtures leading up to the Christmas break.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, M.Bray, J.Showering, A.Wood, D.Jeffery, G.Kirkup, M.Skivington (c), D.Stanley, M.Davies, R.Pinnuck, K.Barens, M.Brennan
Scorers: K.Barnes, M.Davies Man of the Match: M.Bray
Sammon hat-trick: Chippenham B 1 - 4 Wooton Bassett A
Bassett’s 2nd XI scored an important win in Division 2 beating an experienced Chippenham side at Hardenhuish.
Despite probably the team’s worst performance of the season, with some untidy passing, they consistently managed to breach the home side’s defence for Pete Sammon to grab a hat-trick (and draw level in the club top scorer table with Kyle Barnes).
Chippenham’s keeper then made numerous saves to frustrate the Bassett attack, before they finally got a goal back from a short corner. However Bassett came straight back at them and a determined run from midfield brought a rare goal from Dale Titcombe for 4-1 at the close.
Wootton Bassett 2nd XI: I.Wood, N.Sharp, D.Gardner, J.Sharp, R.Cook (c), A.Sammon, D.Titcombe, L.Salisbury, M.Turner, P.Vines, K.Mansfield, M.Thompson,
Scorers: P.Sammon (3), D.Titcombe Man of the Match: N.Sharp
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Kyle's brace ends the Mendip hoodoo: Mendip 1 – 2 Wootton Bassett 1st XI (13 Oct 2006)
Wootton Bassett continued their unbeaten start to the season in with an important away win over Mendip on Saturday. After the Somerset side’s impressive unbeaten run at the end of the last season, this was always going to be a tough match for Bassett. In fact they hadn’t won at Mendip for three years.
Missing five regular players, Bassett quickly gained control of the game and pushed Mendip deep into their own half for the first 20 minutes of the match. However, the home side’s defence was well organised and held firm until Mike Davies played a powerful cross into the D for Kyle Barnes to round the keeper and power the ball home from an almost impossible angle. Mendip then found their attacking form and started passing the ball around the midfield. The Bassett defence, led by Dan Jeffery, remained solid and it took a brilliant one-two move into the D to create Mendip’s equaliser. Not happy at being level in a game they were dominating Bassett turned up the pressure. Barnes and Matt Jakubiec created numerous opportunities in front of goal but found the Mendip keeper in fine form. Then, on the stroke of half time Barnes broke free from midfield, beat three defenders and slipped the ball to Jakubiec on his right. Jakubiec shot low to the keeper’s left and Barnes swooped in to send the rebound home, giving Bassett a narrow 2 – 1 lead at half time.
Bassett tightened up the defence in the second half. Man of the Match Ali Wood prevented any Mendip attacks from their right wing and Sam Snell, as always, put in a fine performance on the other side of the defence. Mendip only created one more chance in the match when a powerful shot looped up off a defender’s stick and Paul Warren leapt to his left to tip the ball over the bar. Bassett then closed the game down, preventing Mendip making any progress into the final quarter of the pitch for the last ten minutes. The result maintains Bassett’s second place in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 1 and maintains the pressure on West Wilts at the top of the table.
Wootton Bassett 1st XI: P.Warren, D.Jeffery, S.Snell, A.Wood, M.Skivington (c), G.Kirkup, M.Brennan, M.Davies, D.Stanley, M.Jakubiec, K.Barnes
Scorers: K.Barnes (2) Man of the Match: A.Wood
Wootton Bassett 2nd XI 9 – 0 Bath Buccs i
Bassett Mens 2nd XI faced a tough home match against top of the league Bath Buccs on Saturday. However, in their first season in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2, Bassett finally realised the promise they have shown in recent weeks and easily despatched the league leaders with a 9 – 0 win.
Bassett went straight on the attack in this match and quickly found themselves in the lead. The trend continued with Bassett adding more goals to their tally. Any Bath attacks were absorbed by the Bassett defence and quickly converted into attack by Luke Salisbury and Kristian Mansfield on the wings. Pete Sammon had another prolific match, adding four goals to his season total. Man of the match Mark Turner added a further three and Matt Thompson, usually a goalkeeper, scored two more to give Bassett an impressive 9 – 0 win.
Wootton Bassett 2ndt XI: I.Wood (c), N.Sharp, D.Gardner, J.Sharp, D.Titcombe, M.Turner, K.Mansfield, L.Salisbury, P.Sammon, M.Thompson, A.Sammon, D.Metson
Scorers: P.Sammon (4), M.Turner (3), M.Thompson (2) Man of the Match: M.Turner
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Bell rings up big win for Bassett: Wootton Bassett 7 - 0 West Wilts C (6 Oct 2007)
It was clear from the start of this encounter that Bassett were too strong for their Warminster rivals. The first ten minutes of the match were frantic, with Bassett sending shots either side of the West Wilts goal. In form striker Kyle Barnes got the scoreline moving with a reverse sweep from the edge of the D and then Grant Kirkup added a second, before turning provider for Barnes’ second of the match. With half time approaching Bassett pushed for a fourth but could not find the break through.
The scoring continued afte
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