WOOTTON Bassett Town maintained their impressive start to life in the Hellenic Premier Division with victory over local rivals Highworth Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Dave Turner’s newly-promoted side are unbeaten after notching up their third win of the season, thanks to two goals either side of half-time.

Bassett took the lead after 14 minutes through Liam Edmonson, who flicked the ball home after Shaun Carter helped on Matty Bown’s corner.

The game was made safe midway through the second-period, when Highworth keeper Kurtis Sharkey lunged at Bassett’s Phil Tearle, leaving the referee with no choice but to point at the penalty spot.

Defender Jon Beeden stepped up to dispatch the spot-kick and seal another three points for Turner’s men.

“Everything is going the right way at the moment and long may it stay that way,” said the Bassett boss.

“It was a very tough game against Highworth and if both sides had taken their chances, it could well have finished 3-2 to them.

“I’m sure that we’ll go through sticky patches this season, where the results aren’t going for us but with the players we’ve got, I’m sure we’ll come through that.”

On Saturday, Bassett secured their progress in the FA Cup, with a 1-0 win away to Toolstation League First Division outfit Almondsbury UWE.

Striker Sam Collier got the game’s only goal after 25 minutes, setting up a First Round Qualifying tie with the Wessex League’s Hamble ASSC on September 18.

“The most important thing is that it brought a little bit of money into the club, which is really important,” said Turner.

“It wasn’t the best performance but we came away with the 1-0 win and we’re through to the next round.”

Turner’s Bassett travel to Bracknell Town this weekend.