A THREE-goal South West Women’s Premier Division defeat to Callington in September coincided with Royal Wootton Bassett’s worst performance since Jonny House has been at the club, according to the joint boss.

You can therefore bet that House and co-manager James Goddard will be expecting a reaction on Sunday when Ladies visit the Cornish side with the aim of retaining their spot at the top of the division with two rounds of fixtures remaining until Christmas.

Defeat will see Callington re-claim top spot, while a win would confirm Bassett’s spot at the top of the 10-team division entering the new year.

House said: “We were far from our best when Callington beat us earlier this season. It was our poorest performance since I have been at the club.

“We never got going, even though we went ahead. Callington are tough opponents and by far the best team to visit us in a competitive environment.

“That possibly took us by surprise. In the long run, it may have done us some good.

“Maybe that defeat acted as a wakeup call. But if we’re at our best, we can match them and win three points – which is what we want.”

Last Sunday, Ladies had to show fight and character for the first time this season when coming from behind to defeat Middlezoy Rovers 3-2 in a dramatic contest at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground.

Trailing 2-1 at half time, Hayley Huckin scored from the spot to equalise before her 87th minute header fired Bassett to a timely win in a game which could’ve gone either way.

House insists Bassett’s fine margin win epitomises his squad’s promotion winning potential. But he won’t get too carried away with less than half of the season complete.

He added: “It was a tough game (against Middlezoy), both teams moved the ball around well – it was good to go a goal ahead albeit as a result of a mistake,

“Credit to Middlezoy, they upped their intensity in the second half and caused us great problems. We had to show character and fight, we haven’t had to display that before because we have always led games.

“To come from behind was really pleasing. Last season, we felt we won the title because we possessed the ability to win games even when we didn’t play well.

“It’s good to see those traits creeping back in ahead of what will be a tough Christmas period.

“We absolutely did not expect to be top.

“We were quietly confident we’d do okay – we back ourselves as coaches and as a group of players.

“We knew our recruitment was good, and we hoped to be doing well. But no one predicted being top.”