Wootton Bassett   5 - 1   Bristol University B         (12 December 2009)

Following last weekend's disappointing draw, and with the first team back to full strength, Bassett were looking for a much improved performance against the league leaders.

The game started at a frantic pace with both teams trying to stamp their authority on the match. With Bristol Uni closing players down at speed Bassett showed great composure and played the ball around the back bringing Neil Baldwin and Ali Wood into the game. Eventually the passing play paid off when John Macleod clipped a pass through his legs to send Kyle Barnes through on goal. His first effort was well saved by the Bristol keeper but Barnes picked up the rebound and slotted the ball home to give the hosts an early lead. Bristol had a number of chances to equalise from short corners but a couple of fine saves from Paul Warren kept them out. Bassett then lost their defensive dynamo Stu Bell to injury when a stray strike lifted up and caught him on the hand. Midfielder Ali Sammon was drafted in to the back four to cover and produced a man of the match performance. The midfield trio of Mark Tolley, Tom Sharp and John Macleod began to take control of the game as the half wore on. Chances followed for Mark Turner and Sammon but neither could convert to extend the home side's lead. As half time approached a brilliant team effort culminated in Barnes squaring the ball for Kristian Mansfield to sweep into the net and give the hosts a 2 - 0 lead at the break.

The second half began with the Uni team making all the early running. Bassett's defence held firm and pushed Bristol back into their own half. As the visitors played the ball around the back Barnes robbed the centre back, rounded the keeper and scored to give the home side a 3 - 0 lead. Bristol came back at Bassett again and pushed forward in search of a goal. The attacking play put the Bassett defense under pressure but ultimately left them short at the back. Mark Turner capitalised first with a well taken break away goal and a couple of minutes later Barnes completed his hat-trick with another fine solo effort. As the final minutes approached, and with Bassett leading 5 - 0, the league leaders scored a consolation goal from a short corner to deny Warren his first clean sheet of the season.

The win leaves Bassett in 6th place in the Avon Divison with two games in hand to the teams above them. Next weekend Bassett have two rearranged fixtures; away at Old Bristolians on Saturday and a 1pm start at St.Joseph's Catholic College on Sunday against West Wilts.

Scorers: Kyle Barnes (3), Kristian Mansfield, Mark Turner.      Man of the Match: Ali Sammon.
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, A.Wood, N.Baldwin, M.Skivington (c), S.Bell, M.Tolley, T.Sharp, J.Macleod, K.Mansfield, M.Turner, K.Barnes, P.Law, A.Sammon


Swindon C  0 - 1  Wootton Bassett A

Bassett’s second string maintained their hold on top spot in Wilts & NE Somerset 2 with a victory over Swindon C on Saturday.

Bassett dominated the game from the start and eventually a through pass found Jakeem Lee to shoot and score mid-way through the first half. However, despite continued pressure, they were unable to increase their lead as Swindon keeper Goff thwarted all further attempts on goal.

The final score belied the one-sided nature of the game, but Bassett’s 1-0 win was very comfortable and means at the mid-season break they have only dropped three points.

Scorer: Jakeem Lee.    Man of the Match: Dan Metson & Jack Showering.
Team: L.Baldry, T.Ponting, D.Gardner, D.Metson, T.Cappon, G.Kirkup, L.Salisbury (c), J.Showering, M.Daniell, J.Lee, R.Appleby, S.Sykes, J.Nunns, B.Tompkins.
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Team Bath Buccs E  1 - 1  Wootton Bassett           (5 December 2009)

In Avon Division, Wootton Bassett travelled to second-placed Bath Buccs on Saturday missing a number of key players and fielding their youngest team of the season. The youngsters acquitted themselves well and ground out a 1 - 1 draw in a fairly scrappy match.

The match started with Bassett on top. However, Bath's defence held firm and limited the visitors front line to only a few chances. As the half wore on Buccs more physical game began to bring them back into the match and they won a number of penalty corners. Bassett again raised their game and pegged the opposition back into their own half but conceded a soft goal when Buccs broke out of defence and scored from the top of the D. A flurry of chances fell to Bassett talisman Kyle Barnes towards the end of the half and he finally levelled the score on the stroke of half time with a deflected effort from a tight angle.

The second half began under fading light and the game seemed to follow the same course with neither team creating much. Bassett thought they had won a penalty stroke when a cross from Tom Sharp was turned towards the goal by Kristian Mansfield, only for the effort to be kicked off the line by the Buccs defender. However, this went unnoticed by the umpire who awarded a 16 yard hit out instead. Some great defending from man of the match Max Brennan kept the opposition at bay as full time approached and the game ended in an inevitable draw. Bassett will be looking for a much improved performance next weekend with a number of their key players returning.

Scorer: Kyle Barnes.   Man of the Match: Max Brennan
Team: P.Warren, A.Wood, M.Brennan, J.Showering, R.Pinnuck, M.Skivington (c), T.Sharp, K.Mansfield, M.Turner, J.Lee, K.Barnes, P.Law, M.Daniell


West Wilts E  2 - 5  Wootton Bassett A

With only six of their regular players available, Bassett’s second string secured another valuable three points against West Wilts to maintain their top spot in Wilts & NE Somerset 2.

Early goals from Sean Sykes and JP Terry settled the visitors and a Grant Kirkup strike from a short corner gave them a 3-0 lead at half time.

After the break they increased their lead through a second goal from Sykes. But, although rarely threatened in the first half, Bassett’s inexperienced line-up were then caught pressing too far forward and conceded several short corners from which West Wilts scored two goals in quick succession. Bassett responded with the best move of the game - A diagonal pass from man of the match Glyn Rowe, found Sykes who drew a defender and slipped the perfect pass to Rob Appleby to score powerfully in the corner. With nerves now calmed Bassett ran out comfortable 5-2 winners.

Scorers: Sean Sykes (2), Grant Kirkup, JP Terry, Rob Appleby.   Man of the Match: Glyn Rowe.
Team: T.Williamson, D.Metson, D.Gardner (c), T.Ponting, T.Marmoy, H.Waggett, D.Beale, G.Kirkup, G.Rowe, S.Sykes, JP.Terry, J.Nunns, R.Appleby.
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Bassett Blitz:   Mendip  2 - 7  Wootton Bassett          (28 November 2009)

Bassett’s 1st XI had an early start on a bleak November at bottom of the league Mendip in Avon Division on Saturday.

Bassett started fast and following a spell of quick link up play between Jakeem Lee and Kyle Barnes, Ross Pinnuck was on hand to slot home the first goal in under five minutes. Mendip came back quickly and equalised through a short corner but the visitors kept up the pressure and a good move down the wing left Kyle Barnes one on one with the keeper which he converted through a rifling shot into the roof of the net. Mendip then struggled to clear the ball out of their half with both Pinnuck and Barnes coming close to scoring with sliding efforts at the back post. Finally the break through came with a slick passing move which left the two centre forwards passing the ball around the keeper to give Barnes his second and Bassett a 3-1 lead at the break.

In the second half Mendip were handicapped after losing a player through injury. This restricted them to only sporadic attacks and Bassett took full advantage. From a well-worked short corner Pinnuck was on hand to smash the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net and shortly afterwards good interplay between Jakeem Lee and Barnes allowed Mark Turner to slip the ball under the keeper and put Bassett into an unassailable lead. However, after an uncharacteristic lapse in concentration at Bassett’s defence conceded a short corner from which Mendip scored. But that was quickly forgotten when Lee and Barnes linked up again for Lee to put the visitors 6-2 ahead. In the final minutes Ali Wood put a blistering strike though to Barnes on the back post to complete his hat-trick and round off the game. Man of the match went to Ross Pinnuck marking his successful return to the 1st team.

Scorers: Kyle Barnes (3), Ross Pinnuck (2), Jakeem Lee, Mark Turner.    Man of the Match: Ross Pinnuck.
Team: P.Warren, S.Bell, N.Baldwin, D.Jeffery (c), M.Tolley, J.McLeod, A.Wood, R.Pinnuck, M.Skivington, J.Lee, K.Barnes, A.Sammon, M.Turner.


Wootton Bassett A   7 - 0  Team Bath Buccs I

High flying Bassett were slow to impose themselves on a Bath team that seemed to have the greater desire to win. It was not until mid-way through the first half that they finally took the lead thanks to a superb finish from Jake Nunns. At half time the score was still 1-0 to the home side.

Shortly after the resumption Sean Sykes increased the lead with a good finish from close range. Bassett were desperate to extend their lead and looked ragged at times but eventually they were rewarded with goals in quick succession: a second from rising star Jake Nunns; a superb reverse shot from Matt Daniell; a good finish from Rob Appleby; and a further from Sykes to make it 6-0. Then, with the last move of the game, Bassett won a short corner from which a sublime drag flick by Kristian Mansfield on the edge of the D saw the ball fly into the roof of the net.

An emphatic victory that maintains the home side’s position atop Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2.

Scorers: Jake Nunns (2), Sean Sykes (2), Matt Daniell, Rob Appleby.   Man of the Match: Jack Showering.
Team: L.Baldry, D.Metson, T.Cappon, D.Gardner, T.Ponting, J.Showering, L.Salisbury (c) K.Mansfield, B.Tompkins, M.Daniell, S.Sykes, M.Davies, J.Nunns, R.Appleby.
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Bassett top the league:  Wootton Bassett A  4 - 1  Chippenham C           (21 November 2009)

Bassett 1sts game against Old Bristolians was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch, but all the other Bassett teams scored impressive victories in their respective leagues on Saturday.

Bassett A hosted Chippenham C in a top of the table clash in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 at Lime Kiln. The home side went straight on the attack, dominating the opening encounters. This paid off in only the second minute when captain Luke Salisbury found himself free in the D, turned and lifted the ball into the roof of the net. Chippenham responded quickly when a misplaced pass found one of their forwards to make the score 1-1. Their confidence high, the visitors started to dominate the midfield. They pushed Bassett back deep into their own half looking for a second but were shut out by the home side’s defence. Bassett countered and Salisbury found an unmarked Jake Nunns for an easy second. As half time approached, Bassett got a third when a sweetly taken reverse hit from Matt Daniell found the bottom right corner for 3-1 at the break.

Chippenham came all out at the start of the second half, with wave after wave of attacks. But they were unable to pull a goal back as Bassett’s back-line of Trevor Cappon and Dave Gardner stubbed out any attacks. As the half wore on Bassett put the result beyond doubt when a breakaway found Nunns who hammered the ball into the bottom left corner to make the final score 4-1.

The result consolidates Bassett’s lead In W&NES2. They are now three points clear of second placed Swindon and five clear of three teams on 19 points.

Scorers: Jake Nunns (2), Matt Daniell, Luke Salisbury.    Man of the Match: Jake Nunns.
Team: L.Baldry, D.Metson, T.Cappon, D.Gardner, T.Ponting, J.Showering, L.Salisbury (c) R.Pinnuck, B.Tompkins, M.Daniell, S.Sykes, G.Rowe, A.Hawkings, J.Nunns, R.Appleby.
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Bassett storms over City:    City of Bath D  1 - 9  Wootton Bassett A        (14 November 2009)

The early start for Luke Salisbury’s side was quickly forgotten. Arriving in Bath for this Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 clash, the team’s confidence was high, despite the hail and wind driving into their faces.

As soon as the whistle blew Bassett were dominating the ball, passing into space, and soon finding Matt Daniell on the wing. His powerful cross was met well by Sean Sykes to drive home for Bassett’s first goal. From the restart Bassett pounced to drive forward again as the weather worsened. Jake Nunns skilfully turned a Bath defender and shot from the top of the D, finding the bottom left hand corner. This was followed by another goal from Sykes, when a strike from the top of the D gave the keeper no chance. However the home side responded just before half time when a misplaced pass found a Bath attacker to pull a goal back.

The weather meant there was no appetite for an extended team talk during the break. From the restart the visitors dominated the midfield with precise passes from Trevor Capon, who managed to find Sykes again for his hat trick. Bassett kept a strong grip on the game, shutting out any opportunity for City to work a goal. At the back Tom Ponting threaded a long ball up to Glyn Rowe, who finished nicely to make it 5-1.

The final five minutes was spectacular, with Bassett punishing City with wave after wave of attacks. Daniell was waiting at the far post to put in the sixth, then a deflected ball that went high in the air was met by Rob Appleby to strike home at waste height and then, 30 seconds later, a fast attack presented Sykes with the ball again to make it eight. Finally, as full time approached, a beautiful sequence of passes between the midfield four found Daniell in front of goal to slip it back to Appleby for his second, and make the final score 9-1.

Luke Salisbury complimented his team’s performance, and said that the final five minutes were the best the team had played.

Scorers: Sean Sykes (4), Rob Appleby (2), Glyn Rowe, Matt Daniell, Jake Nunns.   Man of the Match: Matt Daniell
Team: L.Baldry, D,Metson, M.Daniell, R.Appleby, T.Capon, T.Ponting, G.Rowe, A.Hawkins, S.Sykes, J.Showering, M.Davies, L.Salisbury (c), R.Pinnuck, J.Nunns.
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Bristol UWE A   4 - 2   Wootton Bassett           (7 November 2009)

After knocking Shepton Mallet off the top of the Avon Division a week earlier Bassett hoped to repeat the feat against high flying Bristol UWE on Saturday.

Bassett started on the attack and dominated the opening encounters. Kyle Barnes went close with two attempts from difficult angles and Jakeem Lee broke through the defence to create a couple of chances up front. Following a period of sustained Bassett pressure UWE broke out of defence and won a short corner. The unusually bouncy pitch came into play as the short corner was converted with a bobbling strike. A second goal, also from a short corner, quickly followed. The two goals against the run of play affect Bassett and they never managed to regain their early attacking form in the first half.

After half time Bassett’s poor form continued and eventually gifted the home side a third goal, again from a short corner. As the final fifteen minutes approached Bassett finally picked themselves up and went back on the attack. Kristian Mansfield linked up with Barnes for the first goal, Barnes providing the finishing touch. Barnes was at it again two minutes later, pulling the score back to 3 - 2 following a good run from Lee. As the final whistle approached Bassett went in search of a winner with Dan Jeffery and Mark Skivington going close from short corners and Barnes almost completing his hat-trick. However, as Bassett committed players forward UWE finally put the result beyond doubt with a well taken break away goal.

Scorer: Kyle Barnes      Man of the Match: Ali Sammon, Max Brennan, Jakeem Lee
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, D.Jeffery (c), A.Wood, M.Brennan, N.Baldwin, A.Sammon, P.Law, J.Macleod, M.Skivington, K.Mansfield, K.Barnes, J.Lee, M.Turner
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Wootton Bassett   2 - 1   Shepton Mallet            (31 October 2009)

Following last weekend's impressive away win at Westbury, Bassett played host to top of the league Shepton Mallet on Saturday.

The first half began with both teams enjoying even possession bit neither creating any clear cut chances. As the half wore on Bassett gained the upper hand and began the onslaught on the away team's goal. Kyle Barnes went close to scoring the opener on numerous occasions but couldn't find his usual goal scoring form. Having wasted a string of short corners Bassett finally took the lead from open play when Patrick Law lifted the ball over the Shepton keeper, the shot hitting the cross bar and post before going in.

The second half started with Bassett back on top. A couple of mazy runs from Jakeem Lee set up chances for Ross Pinnuck and Barnes, but neither could add to the scoring. Debutant Ben Tompkins improved as the match wore on and sent a number of crosses in the D. Bassett eventually doubled their lead five minutes from the end when Barnes rounded the 'keeper and slotted the ball home. Shepton pulled a goal back in the last minute from a short corner to leave the final score at 2 - 1.

Scorers: Patrick Law, Kyle Barnes    Man of the Match: Patrick Law
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, A.Wood, M.Brennan, M.Skivington (c), M.Tolley, A.Sammon, P.Law, K.Mansfield, M.Turner, J.Lee, K.Barnes, R.Pinnuck, B.Tomkins


Swindon B   2 - 0   Wootton Bassett A

Bassett’s five game winning run came to an end at Isambard on Saturday when they faced Swindon B in their toughest match this season.

The game started well, with defenders Tom Ponting, Dan Metson and Trevor Cappon keeping the ball away from the D. Together with Matt Daniell, they successfully snuffed out the two short corners that Swindon managed. Clever passing got the ball into the opponents D on numerous occasions, but Bassett couldn’t capitalise, going into half time at 0-0.

The second half started with some good passing by Bassett but Swindon were soon back on the offensive, scoring from a rebound in a short corner. The visitors pushed hard to get a goal, but despite numerous incursions into the D by Sean Sykes and Jake Nunns failed to put any away. A second goal for Swindon came 10 minutes after the first, passing it around the defence and slotting in the goal. Man of the match Hugh Waggett and winger David Beale tried to link the ball back up with the attackers, but Bassett couldn’t penetrate the Swindon backline.

The result brings Swindon up to third place in Wilts & NE Somerset 2, whilst Bassett drop to second behind Chippenham on goal difference.

Man of the Match: High Waggett.
Team: T.Williamson, T.Ponting, D.Metson, T.Cappon, A.Hawkins, L.Salisbury, D.Beale, S.Sykes, J.Nunns, R.Appleby, M.Daniell, H.Waggett, G.Kirkup.
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Bassett within 15 minutes of 3rd round of England Hockey Vase           (25  October 2009)

Wootton Bassett 1st XI  1 - 3  Tunbridge Wells 1st XI

A strong, but depleted, Bassett side brushed off the cobwebs from Saturday’s win to face Tunbridge Wells in the 2nd round of the England Hockey Vase on Sunday.

Bassett started promisingly, rising to the occaision, and showing that they can up their game when faced with much stronger opposition than the Avon Division has to offer. Bassett easily held their own in defence and looked threatening in attack with Matt Daniell sending an early shot inces wide. Following a commanding save by Paul Warren an altercation ensued leaving Bassett down to 10 men and without a keeper. Ali Wood bravely stepped in and, with a make shift defence and Ali wearing only a helmet in goal, Bassett held their opposition at bay for the full 10 minute sin-bin period. As Tunbridge threw everyone forward Bassett came close to taking the lead when man of the match Jakeem Lee hit the post after beating the keeper. As the crowd got more and more into the game Bassett returned to full strength and immediatley turned up the pressure on the visitors. Chris Chesterfield fired Bassett into a well deserved lead following a powerful run and cross from John Macleod, and the crowd cheered!

Enevitably the skilful opposition went all out on the attack in the second half. Bassett kept them at bay thanks to solid defensive efforts from captain Dan Jeffery, Ali Wood, Neil Baldwin and Jack Showering at the back. As the half wore on Bassett threatened to extend their lead through some solid linkup play between Macleod and Patrick Law in midfield. Shortly aftwards Jeffery thought he had scored from a well stuck short corner, only to see his effort saved off the line by a well placed defender. With fifteen minutes to go, and Bassett still a goal to the good, it started to look as though Bassett could hold out for the win. Continued pressure from the away side finally dashed these hopes when a short corner was awarded following a Tunbridge counter attack. At the short corner Matt Daniell was struck in the body from point blank range by an attempted drag flick. With Daniell still on the floor the rebound was then bundled home to give the away side the equaliser they had worked for. Not wanting the game to go to extra time Bassett pressed for a winner but, in doing so, were left short at the back. Tunbridge Wells took the lead from open play with ten minutes remaining and added a third in the daying moments as Bassett threw everyone forward in search of an equaliser.

The Bassett players left the pitch with their heads held high knowing that they had put in a good performance and almost beaten a team from a much higher league.

Scorer: Chris Chesterfield     Man of the Match: Jakeem Lee
Team: P.Warren, D.Jeffery (c), N.Baldwin, A.Wood, M.Skivington, J.Showering, P.Law, J.Macleod, C.Chesterfield, M.Daniell, R.Pinnuck, J.Lee, G.Kirkup
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Unbeaten Saturday for Bassett’s five league sides             (24 October 2009)

Westbury & UB B  1 - 3  Wootton Bassett 1st XI

After a stuttering start to the season Wootton Bassett finally found their game on Saturday with an impressive first half display away from home in the West of England and Wales Avon Division.

Keen to make up for last weekend's poor performance Bassett sprinted out of the blocks against an organised Westbury side on Saturday. Early chances fell to forwards Kyle Barnes and John Macleod, but neither were converted. Ten minutes in Bassett took the lead when Kristian Mansfield's shot was saved off the line and Kyle Barnes pounced to slot home the rebound. Bassett maintained their pressure on the home side's goal winning a series of short corners as the half wore on. Eventually one paid off when Dan Jeffery's strike was saved and Mark Skivington pounced to hammer home the rebound. Playing their best hockey of the season, and with a two goal advantage, Bassett looked like the most likely team to score next. However, errors began to creep in and the home side worked their way back into the match. A mix up in defence led to a one on one between the Westbury centre forward and Bassett 'keeper Paul Warren. Warren slid out and took the ball but was adjudged to have fouled the forward in the process. The resulting penalty stroke was spectacularly saved by Warren, diving high to his left and palming the ball away from goal. As half time approached Westbury upped the pressure and finally pulled a goal back when a skilful solo run drew in three Bassett players and left a Westbury player free at the far post to slot the ball home.

A stern half time team talk from captain Dan Jeffery left Bassett in no doubt of their task for the second half. Despite the driving rain Bassett strung together a few silky passing moves and won another series of short corners. Jeffery finally put the result beyond doubt with a pin point strike from a short corner. As the game approached its climax Bassett began to sit back more and more but never looked in danger of conceding and held out for a 3 - 1 win.

Scorers: Kyle Barnes, Mark Skivington, Dan Jeffery         Man of the Match: Paul Warren
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, D.Jeffery (c), M.Brennan, A.Wood, M.Skivington, M.Tolley, P.Law, J.Macleod, K.Mansfield, M.Turner, K.Barnes, R.Pinnuck, M.Edgar

Wootton Bassett 2nd XI  3 - 1  West Wilts D

Bassett’s impressive start to the league season continued with a 3-1 win over West Wilts D on Saturday.

A quick one-two passing move found Luke Salisbury free in the D, but with the narrow angle he could only find the outside of the post. Midway through the half Bassett’s attack broke down and West Wilts took full advantage with a quick counter-attack to leave the half time score at 1-0 to the visitors.

After a stern team talk, Bassett raced out of the blocks and scored within a minute of the re-start. Jack Showering found an unmarked Sean Sykes who squeeze the ball into the net. Bassett were denied a second when Jakeem Lee was clean through but played the ball against the post. Minutes later Bassett took the lead when Grant Kirkup’s shot from a short corner found the bottom right corner. With Bassett’s confidence growing they looked for a third to kill off the game but left themselves short at the back. Wilts had another quick counter but were denied by some last ditch tacking from man of the match Neil Baldwin. Baldwin then played the ball straight up the pitch an Bassett won a penalty stroke. The stroke was converted by captain Luke Salisbury to put the result beyond doubt. With Bassett two goals clear the confidence in the team was high. Bassett retained possession for most of the final 10 minutes of the game with some quick passing moves. Both teams had one final chance as the final whistle approached. Kirkup’s low shot rebounded off the post to safety to leave the final score at 3 – 1 to the home side. With five wins from five games Bassett’s perfect start to the season continues in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2.

Scorers: Sean Sykes, Grant Kirkup, Luke Salisbury       Man of the Match: Neil Baldwin
Wootton Bassett: L. Baldry, D. Kelly, N. Baldwin, T. Ponting, A. Hawkings, J. Showering, L. Salisbury (c), G. Kirkup, D. Beale, S. Sykes, J. Lee, J.P. Terry, J. Nunns, M. Davies, G. Rowe
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Wootton Bassett  1 - 2  North Wilts                     (17 October 2009)

A last minute goal snatched victory for North Wilts in this West of England Avon Division local derby at Lime Kiln on Saturday.

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. Mid-way 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 slotting 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. On the rare occasions that North Wilts broke out of defence Max Brennan and Dan Jeffery cleared up with keeper Warren sliding out to clear his lines when needed. Man of the match, and first team debutant, Neil Baldwin became more involved as the second half progressed, linking up well with the midfield to win a number of short corners. 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 with only minutes left, handed the away side a victory that neither team deserved.

Scorer: K.Mansfield    Man of the Match: N.Baldwin
Team: P.Warren, D.Jeffery (c), M.Brennan, N.Baldwin, M.Skivington, M.Tolley, A.Sammon, A.Wood, K.Mansfield, M.Turner, K.Barnes, R.Pinnuck, M.Daniell, P.Law


North Wilts A  1 - 3  Wootton Bassett A

Bassett’s 2nd string continued their unbeaten start to their Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 season, against local rivals North Wilts at Dorcan.

The visitors got off to a strong start pinning North Wilts into their own half for much of the first period. Despite continuous pressure, an experienced home defence kept Bassett at bay until Sean Sykes forced the ball home after 15 minutes and Rob Appleby made it 2-0 to Bassett by the break.

North Wilts threw more players forward after the re-start limiting Bassett’s ability to link up to their forward line from mid-field. Finally a slick passing move penetrated the home side’s defence allowing Luke Salisbury to slot home. As Bassett coasted towards victory, Lee Baldry in goal was denied another clean sheet when a last minute short corner allowed North Wilts a consolation goal.

Scorers: S.Sykes R.Appleby, L.Salisbury.    Man of the Match: G.Rowe & D.Beale.
Team: L.Baldry, D.Metson’ D.Gardner. T.Ponting, A.Hawkins, G.Rowe, L.Salisbury (c), J.Nunns, M.Bray, S.Sykes, R.Appleby, D.Beale, G.Kirkup, J.Lee.
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Bassett men on the march

Swindon A  4 - 5  Wootton Bassett 1st XI           (10 October 2009)

Bassett notched up their first win of the new season in a scrappy away game at Swindon in West of England Avon Division on Saturday.

Bassett put the home side under pressure from the start and had Swindon struggling to get out of their own half. The early pressure paid off after 10 minutes when Kyle Barnes fired in from the top of the D. Instead of capitalising on their lead Bassett sat back and sloppy passing allowed Swindon back into the game. Mid-way through the half the home side won a string of short corners and eventually one led to a clear shot on goal, which was lifted straight into the stomach of Stu Bell. Goalie Paul Warren managed to get a hand to the resulting penalty stroke, but couldn't get a strong enough touch to keep it out. Swindon kept up the pressure on the Bassett goal and took the lead when a lose ball into the D found the centre forward wide open at the far post. Bassett lifted themselves and started creating more chances up front. An infringement following a penalty corner led to a Bassett penalty stroke, but Barnes was unable to convert, but he made up for the miss two minutes later when his reverse stick flick from close range sent the 'keeper and defenders the wrong way and levelled the scores at 2 - 2.

Bassett took the lead shortly after half time when John Macleod's powerful flick found its way into the roof of the net. The visitors now started passing the ball around more freely, playing with more confidence. Their next goal involved almost the entire team as a long corner on the right was played back to the defence, up to the left wing and into the D for Barnes to fire the ball into the top corner and complete his hat-trick. Swindon pulled the score back to 4 - 3 with a well struck reverse stick strike from the top of the D, before Ross Pinnuck restored the two goal advantage with a deflected goal at the far post. As the final whistle approached Swindon threw everyone forward and forced home a fourth to make the final minutes a nervy affair for Bassett. However, Bassett held out to take the 5 - 4 win and all three points.

Scorers: K.Barnes (3), J.Macleod, R.Pinnuck     Man of the Match: K.Barnes
Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, S.Bell, D.Jeffery (c), A.Wood, M.Skivington, R.Pinnuck, A.Sammon, J.Macleod, K.Mansfield, J.Lee, K.Barnes, G.Kirkup, M.Daniell


Wootton Bassett A  3 - 0  Chippenham D

Bassett's 2nd string continued their unbeaten start to their Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 season, beating local rivals Chippenham at Lime Kiln.

Bassett pushed back and immediately put pressure on the Chippenham defence. This possession eventually resulted in a reverse stick shot goal by Dave.Beale but, despite continuous pressure on the visitors’ defence, the score remained 1-0 at the break.

The second half started more evenly and Chippenham gained in confidence, until mid-way through Jake Nunns scored putting Bassett into a more comfortable lead. A few minutes later, Rob Appleby ran through to slot home to make it 3-0. The final whistle blew with Bassett gaining their third win this season.

Scorers: D.Beale, J.Nunns, R.Appleby.    Man of the Match: J.Nunns
Team: L.Baldry, D.Metson’ D.Gardner. H.Waggett, A.Hawkins, G.Rowe, M.Davies, J.Showering, L.Salisbury (c), J.Nunns, M.Bray, S.Sykes, R.Appleby, D.Beale
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Lydney  0 - 4  Wootton Bassett Mens 1st XI         (26 September 2009)

Bassett's 1st XI continued their impressive pre-season form with a 4 - 0 away win against Lydney, a team that plays two leagues above Bassett in North Division 1.

The home side put Bassett under pressure straight from the starting whistle with some impressive individual skills. However, Bassett's back line held firm and denied the home side any clear chances. Gradually Bassett found their improved passing game and started to penetrate the Lydney midfield and prolific goal scorer Kyle Barnes slotted in a first half hat-trick. Lydney came back as half time approached putting Bassett under a sustained spell of pressure but a slick passing move between Grant Kirkup and Mark Skivington to break out of defence, found Ali Wood who beat the last defender and smashed the ball home from a seemingly impossible angle for 4-0 at the break.

The second half began as the first had finished with both teams creating chances but neither side could find the net. Lydney again raised their game as the final whistle approached but man of the match Dan Jeffery swept up at the back and in form 'keeper Paul Warren pulled off the necessary acrobatics to preserve a fine clean sheet.

Bassett start their Avon league campaign with a home match against Bath University next Saturday in confident mood following a successful pre-season campaign that has seen Bassett score twelve goals in two away matches.


Bassett open account against local rivals

Wootton Bassett Mens 2nd XI  8 - 1  Swindon C

Wootton Bassett mens second string overpowered local rivals Swindon to kick off their season in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 at Lime Kiln on Saturday.

Bassett found themselves two up inside two minutes. The first was scored by Sean Sykes, who turned smartly before finishing under the keeper and a minute later, captain Luke Salisbury fired into the right corner after exchanging passes on the left wing. Jack Showering then found space in the D to flick the ball through a crowd of players and the keeper’s legs for a third and, as half time approached, Salisbury went on a mazy run through the heart of the Swindon defence and square for JP Terry to roll the ball into an empty goal. 4-0 at half time.

After the break Bassett started where they left off with Sykes getting his second of the game from close range and Jake Nunns scoring in similar fashion on his league debut. Bassett’s seventh came from Mike Davies after he drilled in a low shot from a short corner and then the goal of the game brought the score to 8-0 when after good interchange between the forwards, allowed Patrick Law (another debutant) a free run at goal to strike the ball sweetly into the roof of the net. The only disappointment of the afternoon for Bassett came in the dying minutes when Swindon scored on the break to prevent the clean sheet. Final score Wootton Bassett 8-1 Swindon.

Salisbury was extremely pleased with his team’s performance. “If we can keep up this good form, we will be strong contenders for promotion come the end of the season.”
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Cirencester  3 - 8  Wootton Bassett 1st XI          (19 September 2009)

Wootton Bassett's men's 1st XI kicked off their season with a goal fest away at Cirencester on Saturday.

The home team's slow pitch proved a great leveler in the opening encounters, with neither team able to create much in the way of goal scoring chances. Fifteen minutes in Bassett finally took the lead when Kyle Barnes broke through and slotted the ball home. The home team responded quickly with a superb individual goal struck into the top corner of Lee Baldry's goal. Five minutes later the home team took the lead from a short corner. Having finally grown accustomed to the pitch Bassett finally began to pile on the pressure. The equaliser came from a short corner, Jakeem Lee deflecting Dan Jeffery's shot past the 'keeper. Lee was at it again five minutes later, this time linking up with Barnes to give Bassett the lead. On the stroke of half time Barnes fire home his second to give Bassett a 4 - 2 lead at the break.

The second half started just as slowly as the first with neither team seizing the initiative. Eventually Barnes took the game by the scruff of the neck and scored two individual goals in quick succession to put the game beyond doubt. Kristian Mansfield then drove down the left wing and squared a cross for Barnes' fifth. The double hat-trick was completed when Barnes fired a soundly struck undercut from the top of the D into the top corner of Cirencester's goal. The home team never gave up and their efforts paid off when they scrambled home a last minute goal to leave the final score at 8 - 3 to the away side.

Scorers: Kyle Barnes (6), Jakemm Lee (2).  Man of the Match: Jakeem Lee, Kyle arnes, Tom Ponting
Team: L.Baldry, D.Jeffery (c), A.Wood, M.Skivington, S.Bell, A.Sammon, G.Kirkup, M.Turner, K.Mansfield, M.Daniell, K.Barnes, J.Lee, H.Wagget, T.Ponting, M.Brennan

Wootton Bassett 3rds  3 - 2  Witney
Wootton Bassett 3rds had a their first pre-season friendly at home to a tough Witney side, Bassett coming out 3-2 winners.

On a sizzling hot day Bassett knew the ball had to do all the work, only having 11 players. The game started at a slow pace with the ball been pass around in the midfield both teams trying to find where the weak points are. The game came to life after the 25min when a slick one two between Jake Nunns and Rob Appleby left Rob one on one with the Goalkeeper and calmly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 1-0 to Bassett. Witney regrouped and made the scores level at half time.

The second half Witney came all out and got a early goal then a player was left unmarked on the back post for an easy finish, with Witney looking for a 3rd, Bassett got a second goal then Luke picked up the ball in his own 23 and sprinted the whole pitch to hammer the ball into the bottom left corner. Nearing the end of the match Bassett got the winner when some quick passing in midfield found Jake unmarked in the D and a first time hit found the bottom corner of the goal to make Bassett 3-2 winners.

An all round great performance from a very young Bassett side and something to look forward to in the future.

Scorers: Rob Appleby, Luke Salisbury, Jake Nunns.   Man of the Match: Tom Williamson.
Team: T. Williamson, D. Gardner, E. Daniell, S. Pope, T. Mormoy, A. Lyons, Rob. Appleby, L. Salisbury (c), M. Henshaw, Rich, Appleby, J. Nunns 
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