Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 18s got back to winning ways in the Wiltshire League Floodlit Division with a 3-1 home triumph against Melksham Town.

Bassett were forced to come from behind as visitors Melksham went ahead. After Bassett gave the ball away Oliver Farrell strode forward to fire in a shot from the edge of the box that somehow eluded home keeper Tom Davis and nestled in the far bottom corner of the net.

However, the hosts were in front before half time courtesy of goals from Rhys Westlake and a fine Joe Simpkins finish.

Westlake should have levelled matters up when clean through on goal, but his shot went wide of the far post. He was not to be denied for long though as a defence splitting through ball from Joe Beavis put Westlake clear of the Melksham back line and this time he made no mistake to level matters up.

Westlake was also involved in the second goal for his side. His run down the left-hand side saw him get behind the Melksham defence with a nutmeg. While his attempted cross in was intercepted by a Melksham defender, the loose ball fell nicely to Simpkins who curled a shot into the top corner of the net for 2-1.

Joe Beavis then extended Bassett's lead early in the second half with a solo effort.

Melksham kept pushing to try and get back into the game creating several chances but were unable to get the breakthrough. Their cause was then not helped when they were reduced to nine men as ill-discipline saw two players pick up second yellow cards as Bassett secured their third league victory of the season.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 15th October 2023 at 22:34