Bassett back to winning ways

Millie Powell and Hannah Gulliver made decisive contributions at either end of the pitch as Royal Wootton Bassett Town returned to South West Regional Women's Football League Division One North action in winning fashion, seeing off Paulton Rovers 2-0.

'Keeper Powell saved a penalty while forward Gulliver netted a brave as Bassett climbed back into fourth place in the table.

Overnight snow meant the game almost didn't go ahead. But a switch to the AGP at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground meant the contest didn't fall foul of the weather, with Bassett keen to get some competitive football under their belts ahead of next week's clash against second place Bitton.

Despite a frenetic start that saw action at both ends, the first half appeared as if it would end goalless.

But shortly before the interval Paulton were awarded a penalty after Jenna Woodland was brought down. However the visitors were unable to convert as Powell saved from Alisha Stuart.

Moments later Bassett were ahead as Gulliver found space on the edge of the box and fired home.

The second half was played out in a similar manner to the first.

Powell had to be alert on a few occasions to deny Stuart, Martha Slocombe and Emily Osborn.

Bassett, meanwhile, came close through Maddy Elliott and Mia Mugford before a dramatic save and header denied an Elliott double effort before Gulliver's follow up was blocked.

Laura Jefferies had a bite at the cherry from a free kick that was saved while Kat Bach saw a close range effort parried away as the hosts seemed destined to be unable to extend their lead.

Eventually however any Bassett nerves were settled when Mugford found Gulliver out wide with the Bassett forward brought to the ground as she entered the box. Gulliver dusted herself off to take the penalty and coolly found the net to seal the points.