False start as Fairford thrive on opening night

Sustain Stadium, Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, 30 July 2024

That certainly wasn't the way Royal Wootton Bassett Town had hoped to start the 2024-25 Hellenic League Premier Division.

Last year's beaten playoff finalists suffered a heavy home reverse at the hands of local rivals Fairford Town, who ran out comfortable and deserved 3-0 winners on a night to forget for Sam Collier and his side.

Fairford found themselves in a commanding position at half time as the visitors raced into a 2-0 lead.

Harrison Edwards got the Reds going midway through the half, forcing a turnover in possession deep inside Bassett territory before blazing a left foot drive past Sam Jepson in the home goal.

Fairford dangerman Jamal Lawrence then made it two on the stroke of half time. Receiving a pass from Henry Birkett near midfielder, he went on a surging run, bursting through the Bassett midfield and defence before producing a cool finish beneath the onrushing Jepson.

Any hopes Bassett had of getting back into the game were then dashed just before the hour as Lawrence seized on a lofted through ball, prodded past Jepson on the edge of the area before slotting home into an empty net.

Not even a consolation was forthcoming for Bassett. And to compound matters the hosts were reduced to ten men in the closing stages as captain Adam Corcoran was dismissed for a second yellow card.

Overall, this was an opening night to forget for Bassett as they were second best to a hungry and aggressive Fairford side who came out of the blocks with intent.

The good news is that this is just one game. And, if the level of performance that Bassett maintained through last season and into preseason is anything to by, this will just be a rare off night.