The Whites played their full part in a terrific, end-to-end contest with Royal Wootton Bassett but were ultimately left empty handed by their long-standing vulnerability at set-pieces.
The fighting spirit that largely deserted the Colts during the autumn appears to be back and a depleted line-up came from behind three times against a side still very much in the hunt for the North Wilts League Division 1 title before going 4-3 up for a brief spell. Four of Bassett’s goals came either directly from or as a result of the Colts’ inability to clear corners, however, and the visitors found themselves edged out by the odd goal in nine at the final whistle.
Tom filled in admirably for Max between the posts and did not deserve to pick the ball out of his net five times. He made some superb saves during the second half and advanced from his line well throughout a very open contest.
Bassett were always lively going forward on a magnificent playing surface at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground but Bradley came out on top in his personal duel with one of the league’s best players, denying him the opportunity to add his name to the scoresheet. Luke S and Josh also produced solid performances at the back and used possession sensibly, as did Liam F, who forged an effective partnership with Matthew in midfield.
Tame defending at a corner inside the first ten minutes allowed Bassett to open the scoring with a free header that went in off a post and, at that point, it was no more than the home team deserved as the Colts made a tentative start. But they grew into the match as the half wore on and Brandon went close to an equaliser after forcing a defensive mistake through some determined play on the right.
It was all-square, though, when Matthew found Toby on the left and his piercing cross-field ball gave Callum the chance to gallop clear and beat the keeper at his near post. Callum and Toby were then denied by good saves before Bassett took a 2-1 interval lead through a scrambled finish after Colts failed three times to clear their lines at a corner.
It was the visitors’ turn to benefit from a set-piece mistake soon after the restart, however, when Bradley’s fine delivery from the right slipped through the keeper’s hands and Matthew levelled matters from close range.
Colts allowed a Bassett player to waltz past a number of weak challenges to make it 3-2 soon afterwards but the goal rush was not over. Callum won and confidently converted a penalty for the away side's third equaliser before Liam sent George through on goal and he finished well to put them ahead for the only time in the afternoon.
That lead did not last long and Bassett struck twice – both from corners – to claim an advantage that they did not relinquish. They had plenty of chances to add to their lead, but Colts kept plugging away and Callum found the side-netting after rounding the keeper before Toby’s shot from distance in the final minute was parried and then hacked to safety.