ROYAL Wootton Bassett narrowly avoided a Wiltshire Senior Cup upset on Wednesday when Steven Yeardley grabbed a 90th-minute winner against Purton.

Bassett took the lead against their Division One West opponents in the 27th minute as Steve Robertson applied a left-footed finish.

However, their lead didn’t last long as two minutes later Purton’s Joe Hiscock sent a looping header into the back of the net, before Matt Bennett gave them a slender lead going into the break.

Order was restored just after the hour mark as Ali Diouf poked home an equaliser and Bassett had the final word when Yeardley scored in the dying minutes.

“I think the lads purely underrated Purton. They thought it would be an easy win and they didn’t really come out an apply themselves, which was disappointing to see,” said the Bassett boss.

“We conceded two very sloppy goals but we had enough chances in the first 15 minutes where we could have been three or four up.

“We let them get back into it and have a little bit of hope so when we got to half-time, we were on the ropes a little bit.

“But thankfully we came out in the second half with a different approach to it and managed to get the goals for a victory.”

Hunter will now turn his attention back to the league as his side entertain Premier Division rivals Bracknell Town.

“They’ve made a good start so it will be a difficult test but I’m looking forward to it. We just need to be on form,” said Hunter.

“We know on our day we can get something from it. I’m certainly looking for a reaction and I’d like to see them bounce back and show the quality I know they have.”

Elsewhere, Highworth Town’s county cup opponents Shrewton Town pulled out of their game as they were unable to raise a side, meaning Jeff Roberts’ men are well rested for their trip to Thatcham Town.