Corsham curse continues in derby bookended by drama
Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 2 March 2024
A last minute goal saw Royal Wootton Bassett Town fall to a 2-1 defeat in an enthralling Hellenic League Premier Division derby against Corsham Town.
The top of the table clash pitting second against third more than lived up to its billing as both teams gave their all in a nail-biting, frantic contest. But Sam Collier and his side were left empty-handed and having to face up to a seventh loss in all competitions against Corsham across the past three seasons.
The game - watched by a bumper crowd boosted by the fact that most other games in the division and local area had fallen foul of the weather - was bookended by drama.
Corsham grabbed the lead as early as the third minute as James Rusby rifled a free kick into the top corner beyond Rob Brown.
But Bassett were instantly back on level terms as Kyle Tooze seized on a rebound after a Louis Spalding shot wrong-footed visiting 'keeper Alfie Kelsey and came back out off the post.
The game's third and decisive goal then came in the final minute of the allotted 90. Corsham captain Mark Cooper bundled the ball in.
That was a suckerpunch for Bassett who rose to the occasion and performed excellently all afternoon.
A draw would certainly have been a fairer outcome, while Bassett will have felt they could have won the game too.
Between the early and late drama, the game was evenly and hotly contested.
Chances were rather limited but they were there for both teams.
Corsham felt aggrieved on the quarter hour mark that they didn't have a goal awarded as Bassett cleared off the line.
Later as time wound down Alfie Presley volleyed narrowly over while substitute George Box brought a save out of Brown at the other end.
A winner seemed as though it would elude both sides - but then Cooper delivered a dagger to Bassett hearts.
Once again, Corsham proved to be Bassett's nemesis.
For Bassett there's the small consolation that - unlike earlier in the season when thumped 7-1 away from home - they pushed Corsham all the way. But, with just one point from their last three games, Bassett's grasp of a playoff place is now starting to appear slightly more tenuous.
The good news is that Bassett are in a position where they already have points on the board with others playing catch up, while there are still plenty of games remaining that the chasing pack have to play against each other.
But Collier and his team still need to boost their points total to be certain they will make it to the playoffs.
And with their final three fixtures pitting them against likely champions Worcester City before tricky trips to Slimbridge and Cinderford Town, Bassett's next two home fixtures against Fairford Town and Brimscombe and Thrupp now arguably take on the status of must-win games.
The pressure is on. But this team have the ability to deliver. Match the performance against Corsham (even if it may have ended in defeat), and Bassett should pull through.