Thornhill Park, 13 April 2024

A second 2-1 come from behind win of the season against Slimbridge - their first ever victory away against the Swans - means that Royal Wootton Bassett Town have done all they can to secure a home Hellenic League Premier Division playoff semi final.

Now Bassett have to play the waiting game to see how Highworth Town get on in their final league fixture of the season against Corsham Town. Highworth will definitely be Bassett's semi final opponents - but the venue is still to be confirmed.

Anything less than a win for the Worthians against Corsham will mean a derby date with the highest of stakes at the Sustain Stadium.

Regardless of where the match takes place though, Sam Collier's side will be confident that they can get the result they need to get through to the final. Highworth - winners of both league meetings - will be very tough opponents.

But their victory at Slimbridge - like that against Cinderford Town last week - demonstrated Bassett's quality and why they are deservedly a playoff side.

The first half in Gloucestershire was one of limited chances.

James Foster was called into action early on when he denied George Neill after he had played a give-and-go with Jack Smith.

But it wasn't until the half hour mark that he was called into action a second time as he again kept Neill out to make up for a scuffed clearance that fell straight to the forward.

Bassett's only real of the opportunity of the half fell to Elliott Dugan who shot over. And Foster was again needed on the stroke of half time to tip over a Rudi McKinnon free kick.

Slimbridge were then in the ascendancy early in the second half, and Foster was forced into another great save to keep out Smith's 20-yard drive.

McKinnon eventually got the better of him midway through the half though to put the hosts ahead.

Bassett's response was rapid, however, and an Alfie Presley brace quickly turned the game around.

Bassett's leading scorer first put away a penalty before heading home four minutes later to put the visitors in front.

That left Slimbridge in need of a goal to strengthen their position in the table. But they'll have to make do with a slender two point advantage over Cinderford (who have two games left to play) for the final playoff spot, the Swans' frustrations having shown when captain Myron Turner saw a stoppage time shot blocked on the line.

Bassett now (more or less) know their fate. Bring on Highworth for what should be a playoff derby cracker - whether at the Sustain Stadium or Save On Tyres Stadium.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 13th April 2024 at 23:25