Royal Wootton Bassett Town stung by Windsor comeback

After a dominant opening 45 minutes, Bassett were 2-0 up before they further stretched their lead as Matt Bennett scored alongside Bradley Pagliaroli’s brace.

Things were going well for the away side up until the hour mark, where a 10-minute spell saw the hosts retaliate with three quickfire goals of their own.

With the game in the balance, the momentum remained with the home side as they pinched a winner with four minutes remaining, to make it 4-3.

Collier admitted his team were devastated by the defeat, but insisted there was plenty to take from the game.

“For 60 minutes we had a game plan and it went to plan, but not only that, it went beyond what we were expecting,” said Collier.

“We were fantastic. We set up to be organised and tight so we were harder to beat because we knew they were a good side.

“We knew they were sharp and good on the ball, we set up perfectly well but we did have five players missing.

“The side we had out was very young. Every time we went forward we scored, we were a threat and went into half time at 2-0.

“Then we scored again and you think the game is over but unfortunately, they scored through a mistake and then a wonder goal so it was 3-2 with 25 minutes to go.

“We had two 17-year-olds in the back four and they were a little but naïve, so overall it was extremely disappointing.

“I’m disappointed for the players because they did such a great job and we were a consistent threat to them.

“It’s hard to get the message out to the players. Once you cross the white line you have to manage the game yourself because there is only so much advice we can give and there is only so much shouting we can do as management.”

Elsewhere, Fairford Town were unable to return to winning ways as they were beaten 3-1 by Reading City.

Their only goal of the game came through John Thomas.

In the Hellenic League Division One West, New College were beaten 4-1 at home by Easington Sports.