Home campaign ends in defeat

Royal Wootton Bassett Town fell to a 3-0 defeat against Wantage Town in their final home Hellenic League Premier Division game of the campaign.

Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 7th April 2018

Royal Wootton Bassett Town were unable to end their home campaign on a high as familiar faces returned to haunt them in a 3-0 loss against Wantage Town.

Mirroring the score when the teams met in Oxfordshire earlier in the season, Bassett were again humbled by the Alfredians, who have historically had their number.

After a couple of half chances fell Wantage's way, the first real opportunity of the game fell to Dale Richards when he dispossessed Brad Cox and flew beyond Chris Jackson. However, 'keeper Curtis Meare came off his line to close the angle enough, forcing Richards to hit wide.

Wantage eventually took the lead seven minutes before the break. Ex-Bassett man Harvey Scholes worked his way down the right wing before squaring inside to Jack Dunmall. The forward initially slipped, but had enough time to recover his footing and proceeded to curl a low strike into the bottom left corner.

Scholes then doubled the visitors' advantage just after the hour. Stepping up to take a free kick right on the edge of the area, he curled a delightful effort into the top corner beyond Ian Gill.

Bassett did manage a response but saw Brad Cox block Dave Coleman's tight angled effort on the line, while Ben Lodge was lively once introduced as a substitute.

However, Wantage soon had their third. And it came from Steve Robertson - Bassett's leading striker for the past two seasons. The forward saw an initial shot blocked by Steve Yeardley, but was able to pounce on the rebound and toe poke the ball into the net at the near post.