HIGHWORTH Town suffered a heavy defeat ahead of Saturday’s FA Vase semi final first leg against North Shields as they were soundly beaten 5-1 by Wootton Bassett Town in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division tonight.

Bassett made a fine start and were a goal to the good after just two minutes as Dan Bailey’s drive went past Highworth keeper Gary Stevens.

They doubled their lead shortly afterwards as Steve Robertson finished a good team move.

TJ Bohane halved the deficit before the interval as he fired home a penalty for Highworth.

Bassett put the game to bed in the second half as Nathan Gambling finished and then added another from the penalty spot, with Highworth reduced to 10 men.

Gambling completed his hat-trick with last kick of the game.