Royal Wootton Bassett's F.A. Vase run continues for two more days at least courtesy of a stunning 20 yard strike from Steve Robertson earned Royal earning a replay to be played on Monday night.
Royal Wootton Bassett's F.A. Vase run continues for 2 more days at least. A stunning 20 yard strike from Steve Robertson earned Royal Wootton Bassett Town an F.A. Vase replay on a historic day that saw the official opening of the New Gerard Buxton Sports Ground. The result against a very good Binfield side certainly pleased the Bassett management and fans alike, especially given that the closing stages of normal time and all of extra-time had been played with just 10 men following a second yellow card for Sam Packer.
Whilst the management were happy with a well earned replay the Monday night scheduling for that replay did not generate the same response. Royal Wootton Bassett will have to travel to Binfield on Monday with a few key players missing as they are unable to change work commitments at such short notice. The good news is that manager Paul Braithwaite has a sizeable squad this season and will still be able to field a competitive side for this important game.
In this first encounter between the two sides things did not start too well for Bassett as they fell behind within two minutes of the start when Liam Ferdinand headed in from a corner. This was a poor goal to concede, especially so early on, but to be fair Bassett did not let this set-back get to them. That said, during the first 45 the Bassett side found it tough to hold onto the ball and the back four often found themselves having to hit the ball long for strikers Youngsam and Robinson to chase. Whilst Binfield were much the better side in the first half, having a lot of possession, they lacked a little bit of composure in front of goal. A very young side, they had a lot of pace and clever movement off the ball within their ranks and Bassett were pleased to get to the break just one goal down.
Whatever the management said at half time it seemed to do the trick as a much improved second half saw Bassett come more into the game. Steve Robertson was always the danger man and was ably supported by Kalum Youngsam, the latter given his opportunity following the departure of Nathan Gambling who had left Bassett to join Highworth Town during the week. The Bassett youngster chased lots of long balls pumped forward from the Bassett back four and also hassled the Binfield defence throughout. However, if anyone was going to score for Bassett it was likely to be top scorer Steve Robertson and so it proved and what a goal it was. Picking up the ball 20 yards out, he fired an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner of the Binfield net.
Following the goal Bassett started to get on top and at that stage it looked like a home win and a trip to Windsor in the next round was the likely outcome. Referee Christodoulou had whistled for a number of fouls throughout the game without showing any cards, with Binfield's striker James Knight in particular a persistent offender benefitting from the referee's leniency. However, 10 minutes from time he was given no option but to give a second yellow to Bassett's Sam Packer when Packer prevented a quick free kick being taken. Having already been booked the Bassett midfielder could not have been surprised to see another yellow followed by the obligatory red. Sensing blood Binfield stepped up their game and Bassett were now really up against it from a very lively and skilful Binfield side. All credit to the remaining 10 players who worked hard during those closing minutes to prevent the visitors finding a winner. It was the same story throughout the 30 minutes of extra time as the 10 men denied the visitors that second goal. To be honest neither side looked likely to score during the extra half hour as the expected onslaught from Binfield didn't happen. Dan Comer, Nathan Hawkins and George Drewitt, in particular were outstanding in extra time and ensured the game remained level. So a Monday night replay down in Berkshire it is, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Man of the Match: Kalum Youngsam - the youngster ran his socks off chasing the plethora of long balls sent his way and also looked Bassett's most dangerous option when running at the Binfield defence.
Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Tuesday 8th September 2015 at 20:52
