ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town showed they had plenty in reserve as they came from three goals down to secure a draw with their Devizes Town counterparts.

Dave Terry, who oversees Bassett’s reserve team alongside Danny Groom, was close to pulling his hair out when he found his troops three goals behind with three-quarters of the game gone.

However, three substitutions sparked the visitors into life and after Carl Shephard had pulled two back, it was one the late additions, Aaron Labejja, who ensured that Bassett would return from Nursteed Road with a point.

Labejja, who was set to feature in Bassett’s friendly with Swindon Town last night, also had the chance to steal a win but was denied by the woodwork before Bassett then had a shot cleared off the line.

While the first part of the game left little to be desired for Terry, he was pleased with their application in the final 15 minutes and reckons the results shows that the side are developing from last season.

“We changed a few of the players for Saturday seeing as they were, no disrespect, near the bottom to see if the fringe players were up for it or not,” he said.

“It was a game of two halves and the weather didn’t help, but that is no excuse.

“We made three subs when we were three goals down and came back to 3-3, then we hit the post and missed a sitter.

“Was I happy with the performance for the first 75 minutes? No.

“The last 15 minutes, I was happy because it was a good comeback, they showed a lot of character for young kids and the progression is there.

“We do give goals away, which we are looking at going forward, but I am more than happy with the progression shown by the team. Last year we would have lost that game.

“We are definitely going in the right direction and there is a good foundation to work on.”

Meanwhile, league leaders Cricklade Town were run close at home to Corsham Town Reserves as a brace from Ben Carter secured them a 4-3 victory.

Wilts Calne Town ran riot at the Recreation Ground as they thumped Pewsey Vale Development 8-2, while Marlborough Town enjoyed an equally fruitful afternoon as they ran out 7-3 winners at home to Lydiard Millicent.

Wroughton remain level on points with the top two of Cricklade and Marlborough after a hat-trick from Glenn Armstrong saw off Shrewton United in a 3-2 success, with Craig Lewis netting a brace for the hosts.

Trowbridge Town and Ludgershall Sports shared the spoils in a six-goal affair at Axe and Cleaver Lane, while Bromham and Melksham Town Reserves also had to settle for a point apiece after their 2-2 draw.