Wootton Bassett 2 – 0 Gillingham

After last week’s defeat Bassett were looking to bounce back to their usual performance and pick up three points against Gillingham. Bassett got off to a strong start with an early opening goal from Emma Collison when her initial strike got a deflection off of a Gilllingham defender sending the ball looping over the remaining defenders and past the confused keeper! The home side held the majority of possession in the first half showing great team work and confident play in both defence and attack. The Bassett attack had lots of chances on goal but the Gillingham defence managed to prevent them getting the crucial final touch on countless occasions and the score stayed 1-0 at half time.
Gillingham came out stronger in the second half and had a few chances from short corners but these were neatly dealt with by Meg Emms in goal and the rest of the Bassett defence. Katy Cox and Eleanor Hayward on the wings were causing problems for Gillingham with their quick pace and they set up many opportunities for Bassett to try to add to the scoreline. Abi Iles got Bassett’s second goal when she got a great touch on a ball fired in from Collison which beat the outstretched keeper to slot just inside the far post. Some great transfer work from Tegan Buchanan, Becky Thomas, Helen Wright and Tracy Fieldsend made the Gillingham side frustrated and unable to string together many more attacks. Bassett maintained great pressure throughout the match and were happy with the final 2-0 score line. Bassett defender Becky Parkhurst was voted player of the match for her great commitment and accurate tackles as left and right back. Bassett look to continue their success away at Wimbourne next Saturday.