A POLISHED defensive performance delighted Royal Wootton Bassett manager Sam Collier, who was relieved to watch his team return to winning form as they defeated Binfield 1-0 at home.

Nick Stanley headed Bassett’s only goal of the game as they recorded their first win since mid-December and made up for their loss to Abingdon the week before.

Perhaps of greater satisfaction to Collier though was his side’s defensive form.

Bassett’s 1-0 win marked their first clean sheet in three months – the last time they achieved a clean sheet was against Lydney on November 13.

Despite this, Collier believed Saturday’s win was a result that was coming for his side – as he failed to pick many differences between performances in recent weeks and what he witnessed against Binfield.

“I’m really pleased, it was a fantastic victory for us,” said Collier.

“It was very much like the last couple of weeks to be honest, but this time we kept it close and were exceptional in defence.

“And going forward we were always a threat. We stayed in the game, and knew that we were creating opportunities.

“We were clinical and defensively very good – that was the most pleasing element of our game.

“We haven’t been keeping many clean sheets this season, but our clean sheet on Saturday was fully deserved.

“We made a couple of changes, and it paid off. They didn’t cause many threats, but of the times they did press us we managed to stop them.”

The result ensures Bassett remain sixth in the division with 42 points from 30 games.

Frustratingly, Bassett now face a free weekend before travelling to Ascot on March 2.

It’s one of five games that Collier’s men face in March, and he believes recent additions have done plenty to boost Bassett’s desire to play.

He added: “We’ve got a weekend off, but we have Ascot away the following weekend.

“It’s a chance to freshen the legs, but it’s also typical. When you want the games to come, they aren’t there.

“The lads are eager to play again – we had three make debuts and they’re ready to go out and do it again.

“We’ll dust ourselves down though and be ready when that next challenge comes.

“I’m chuffed with how the season is going in general though, it’s very pleasing.”

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Fairford Town defeated Flackwell Heath 2-1 while Shrivenham enjoyed a weekend off.

In Division One West, Swindon New College were thumped 7-1 at Cheltenham Saracens, while Malmesbury Victoria saw their Supplementary Cup hopes ended in a 2-0 defeat at Stockenchurch.