ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town were forced to come from behind before eventually claiming a 2-1 victory in their FA Vase clash against Ampthill Town.

Rich Hunter’s Hellenic League Premier Division side were hit on the counter early on as Sam Holmes signed off a sweeping move by the visitors.

Although they trailed at the break, Bassett were level soon after the restart as Sam Collier was on hand to finish the job when Ampthill failed to deal with Gio Wrona’s corner.

With the game drawing to a close, Bassett were given a golden opportunity to get their noses in front when Rory Sproule was fouled by the visiting keeper.

The experienced Steve Yeardly stepped up and showed no worries from the spot to seal a narrow win.

Manager Hunter was particularly pleased with the character shown by his side to come back from a goal down to pinch a win.

“It was a really good win and it was difficult conditions for both sides with the heavy wind,” he said.

“In the first half, we were against the wind, which was difficult. We had to defend a lot at times and we struggled to clear our lines.

“Other than that, I thought we had the majority of possession. We created a lot of chances and just couldn’t convert any of them.

“Ampthill got a breakaway goal after a long ball cleared the whole of the back four and a quick striker raced in to score.

“In the second half, they were pinned in. They couldn’t get out and we were able to dominate the game.”

Highworth Town were also in Vase action but they were unable to progress as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Sholing.

The Worthians played out a goalless first 45 minutes before TJ Cuthbertson drilled home from 25 yards to give the visitors the lead.

Just under 10 minutes later, Highworth were further behind as Daniel Mason rolled home before Lee Wort added his name to the scoresheet with 15 minutes to play.

Both teams were then reduced to 10 men as the Worthians’ Ross Adams and Sholing’s Pete Castle saw red after the game boiled over before Callum Parsons popped up with nothing more than a consolation goal deep into injury time.

  • JODY Bevan had a birthday to forget as his Fairford Town side slumped to the foot of the Hellenic League Premier Division table following a 1-0 home defeat to Woodley United.

Meanwhile, in Division One West, Shrivenham claimed a 4-2 home victory over Pewsey Vale.

Josh Fowler chipped in with the perfect hat-trick for the hosts, while Rob Lincoln added a fourth for Gareth Davies’ men.