A LAST-MINUTE goal snatched a 2-1 victory for North Wilts in their West of England Avon Division local derby against Wootton Bassett at Lime Kiln.

Bassett started the game on the back foot with North Wilts applying the early pressure. However, the home defence stood firm and prevented any clear opportunities for the visitors.

Midway through the half the game evened out with both teams having chances from short corners.

A North Wilts pass through the middle resulted in a mix up among the Bassett defence and, believing that the whistle had been blown for an infringement, they stopped, only to see the visitors’ centre forward slot the ball underneath onrushing keeper Paul Warren.

The goal forced Bassett to raise their game and for the remainder of the half they heaped the pressure on the Wilts goal, but to no avail.

The second half began as the first had finished with Bassett making the early running. Eventually Bassett made a short corner pay off when Kristian Mansfield’s reverse flick from a rebound found the back of the net.

As the final whistle approached Bassett pushed for a winner and ultimately left themselves short at the back. Following a sustained spell of Bassett pressure North Wilts broke free and won a short corner. The resulting strike found the back of the net and handed the away side a victory that neither team deserved.

  • Bassett’s second string continued their unbeaten start to their Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 season with a 3-1 win against local rivals North Wilts at Dorcan.

Sean Sykes forced the ball home after 15 minutes and Rob Appleby made it 2-0 to Bassett by the break.

Luke Salisbury slotted home after the break before North Wilts grabbed a consolation goal.

  • In Severn Division 1, Bassett’s Ladies 2nd narrowly lose out 2-1 to Hereford.

Judith Brown scored Bassett’s goal but Hereford persistence won them a penalty flick equalling the score on the stroke of half time. The hosts went on to score the winning goal in the second half.

  • A keenly contested local derby resulted in a good 5-2 win for Swindon against Marlborough.

Swindon started the better side and put on an exhibition in how to take chances in the first half.

The forwards stretched the away side’s defence, enabling the midfield to take advantage of the spaces created.

This resulted in four goals from open play in the first half which were very well crafted and executed. The second half was a different story, however, with Marlborough fighting back.

Swindon failed to maintain possession as they had in the first and will look to their away game against Swansea next week to build on their performance.

Goals for Swindon came from Mike Smith (2), Jonny Scrase, Tommy Goldsmith and Matt Salmon.