ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town Reserves have a bright future ahead of them according to manager Dave Terry after they dispatched league-leading Shrewton in a nine goal thriller.

Bassett took a two-goal advantage early on when Carl Shepherd and Lewis Tidy struck for the hosts, however, went into the break trailing 3-2 at Gerrard Buxton Sports Ground.

Shrewton doubled their advantage after the break but a change in formation to three up front paid dividends of Terry’s side.

Jack Covey reduced the deficit before Steve Yeardley hauled the hosts back level with 10 minutes to go.

An own goal wrapped up the recovery to give Bassett a 5-4 win and Terry says his young players will now be giving first team manager Paul Braithwaite a headache in the close season.

“The future is looking pretty good,” he said.

“Where we have a few older heads and we are bringing through the younger lads around them.

“It was absolutely superb because we had good young lads coming through who wanted to work hard for the team.

“It is a case of trying to keep hold of them but I have said to Paul that there are three or four players who can make the step up.

“I have spoken to Paul and there is no point taking them and leaving them on the bench, so we are making life hard for him.

“You’ve got to believe in these young lads and give them 20 minutes to show what they can do.

“We would love to keep them in the reserves and develop them but at the same time they have got to move up and it is about getting that balance right.”

That result played into the hands of Trowbridge Town who are chasing Shrewton for top spot.

Kieran Baggs’ side were comfortable 3-0 winners away to Corsham Town Reserves, a result that puts the four points off the summit with five games in hand over Shrewton who have completed their schedule.

Meanwhile, Melksham Town Reserves put six past Vale of Pewsey without reply and Marlborough Town also netted six in their 6-1 demolition of Sarum Youth.