Bassett suffer another agonising semi final set back
Royal Wootton Bassett Town fell just short in a thrilling Wiltshire Premier Shield semi final against Swindon Supermarine, losing 4-3 having staked out an early 2-0 lead.
A topsy turvy encounter ultimately hinged on the final few minutes of a first half that Bassett had controlled, yet which ultimately ended with the teams going into the break all square as Supermarine scored two quick goals to draw level.
Marine then made the most of bringing a strong bench as they took control of the match after the restart. That allowed them to move in front and, despite a late Bassett flurry, the Southern League side held on for victory.
It was therefore another case of so near yet so far for this Bassett side - who fell to a 3-2 loss against the same opponents at the same stage last year.
Bassett had led early. Marine 'keeper Daniel Brabham was quickly brought into action, making two saves in the opening exchanges. He made a third to deny Alfie Presley, but the rebound fell to Jowan Partridge who made no mistake.
Presley then doubled Bassett's advantage just before the half hour mark with an emphatic half-volley finish.
Bassett let their guard down as the half wore down though and Marine got a goal back through Gabe Rievers, who - perhaps appearing to benefit from being in an offside position, curled into the top corner from close range.
And an unfortunate error from Oliver Phillips soon allowed them to level as an Anton Dworzak drive bounced in over the Bassett 'keeper.
Bassett had enough chances to be out of sight. Instead the teams turned round all square. And Marine then seized on that good fortune as they took initiative.
Lucias Vine picked out the bottom corner on 65 minutes before Rievers bundled in a fourth shortly after.
There was still time for Bassett to mount a desperate late comeback attempt.
And Finn Hopkins restored hope, finishing well after beating three defenders to score a fine solo goal.
Bassett proceeded to bombard the Marine goal late on, but they ultimately withstood the late pressure - largely thanks to Brabham who was alert to make a string of point blank saves.
This was a game from which Bassett deserved more on the basis of the attacking endeavour they showed.
But an agonising semi final defeat is what they were left with after a valiant semi final effort.