Cooper sets example in Quarrymen’s win

Corsham Town captain Mark Cooper led by example with a man of the match performance to help the Quarrymen to a narrow victory at Royal Wootton Bassett Town.

With the sides level at the break, the game looked to be heading for a draw before Daniel Price bundled the ball over the line as the game entered stoppage time to secure all three points.

After passing a pitch inspection, the game between third and second in the Hellenic League Premier Division went ahead and got off to an extremely fast start as James Rusby gave Corsham a third-minute lead from his free-kick, only to see Kyle Tooze equalise seconds later on the follow-up from a shot against the post.

Corsham thought they had retaken the lead when a shot from the back post appeared to go over the line, but wasn’t given by the officials. Despite the frustration, Corsham continued to play their part in a really entertaining contest, largely taking place in the middle of the park.

The visitors made a triple-change at the break as Leon Greenland, Matt Jones and Gary Higdon all entered the fray, however it did little to change the pattern of play as neither goalkeeper was really tested.

As the game entered its final ten minutes, Corsham began to pressure the Bassett defence with a peppering of crosses, before a Bassett break was halted by Nathan Davis and earned him a yellow card. Alfie Presley volleyed over for the host, before good football down the left saw Ethan Hill cross to substitute Jacob Cook who headed back across goal, however George Box was unable to get enough power on his effort to beat the goalkeeper.

As the clocked ticked in stoppage time, Price looked to have got the telling touch from a scramble to see Corsham to victory.

The win moves Corsham nine points clear of Bassett, with two games in hand. The Quarrymen had also moved level with leaders Worcester City before one of their four scheduled games in hand on Tuesday night.

■ SOMERSET LEAGUE Pat Davison was on the scoresheet for Keynsham Town Reserves as they drew 1-1 at home to Stockwood Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Keynsham controlled the Premier Division clash throughout, but were unable to find a winner.

■ CHIP & BATH LEAGUE The only action to survive the weather came in Division Two as Olympic Victoria struck three times in the second half to see off hosts Marshfield 4-0. Christopher Rogers, Davide Specian, Tom Woofenden and substitute Lawrence Room were all on target for Victoria in the victory.

Griffin were handed a home walkover by Forest Renegades to move top of the table by a point from Corsham Rovers. Combe Down are four points behind Griffin in third, but have two games in hand on the top two.

■ WOMEN’S LEAGUES Corsham Town stormed through to the semi finals of the Wiltshire County Women’s Girls’ League Cup after scoring five goals in each half to despatch hosts Trowbridge Wanderers.

Martha Atkinson and Shannon Redhouse both claimed hat-tricks for Corsham, while Gabby Menghini managed a brace alongside goals for Chantalle Church and Lucy-anne Skinner.

Corsham will now visit Swindon Supermarine in the final four on March 17.