Fog brings comeback attempt to premature end

Sixways Stadium, 21 January 2023

For the second time in six weeks, Royal Wootton Bassett Town suffered the frustration of seeing a match abandoned due to fog. This time it was Bassett's visit to Worcester Raiders that was brought to a premature end, with Sam Collier's side trailing 2-1 at the point at which the game was halted.

While Bassett's home fixture against Tuffley on 30 November was abandoned shortly before half time, a matter of minutes remained in the game against Raiders when play was stopped. Nonetheless, it should be expected that - as with the Tuffley fixture - the game will have to be replayed, particularly given that the final outcome was still in the balance.

Raiders had been well on top at half time, having deservedly earned a 2-0 lead going into the break. However, an early second half goal brought Bassett right back into the match and they subsequently went in eager search of an equaliser.

The hosts took the lead shortly after the quarter hour mark when, awarded what from Bassett's perspective was a soft penalty, Jordan Murphy converted from the spot.

Raiders' then doubled their advantage on 29 minutes. Murphy was again involved as his run inside from the wing opened up the Bassett defence and, after Matt Crowther could only parry from a firm shot from the edge of the box, Manny Olaloko was on hand to tap in from close range.

Bassett therefore faced an uphill task in the second half to try and rescue something from the game.

But they came back out with intent, Collier's half time team talk having seemingly lit a spark.

Raiders were put under a significant amount of pressure early on, with Jack Hobson-McVeigh steering a free just wide of the post and Alfie Presley heading narrowly over.

Soon enough, Bassett were duly rewarded for their lively start to the half as Bailey Gallagher fired into the bottom corner beyond Ryan Young.

That goal set up a potentially enthralling final half hour, with Bassett searching for a second comeback result against the Raiders this season, after they twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw at the Sustain Stadium in November.

But an increasingly thick fog descended over the Sixways Stadium that severely reduced visibility.

The officials erred over whether to carry on or stop the match, though play initially continued with Crowther doing well to deny Murphy and keep the score at 2-1.

Eventually, however, play was abandoned - the introduction of an orange match ball not being enough to satisfy the referee that the game could be finished.