ROYAL Wootton Bassett Town gritted their teeth and hauled themselves to a fine away victory at Highmoor-Ibis on Saturday.

Goals from Dale Richards and Steve Robertson, as well as a determined defensive display in difficult conditions, delivered a second successive three-point haul for Rich Hunter’s men, who are ninth in the Hellenic League Premier Division.

A boggy, difficult pitch made matters difficult for both defences from the off, and home goalkeeper Omari Holmes was called into action to deny Robertson with seven minutes on the clock.

At the other end, Highmore’s Jamie Pearcey drew a save from Bassett keeper Curtis Meare, who also had to deal with a header from Alfie Grant.

With 18 minutes on the clock, Richards latched on to Lewis Thompson’s disguised through-ball and cut inside onto his favoured left foot before firing low from the edge of the penalty area, only to see be denied by the post.

However, he did soon open the scoring after linking up with Thompson and Robertson, who teased the ball to the far post where, after a brief scramble, Richards bundled the ball over the line.

Going behind drew Highmoor into action and Harry Grant’s curling attempt had to be knocked away by Meare and the Bassett goalie had to come to the fore once again to save with his feet from the unmarked Liam Gavin, Matt Cheetham scrambling away the follow-up effort.

Just before half-time, Richards let fly after getting on the end of Robertson’s chipped pass but his strike clipped the top of the crossbar.

Bassett successfully dug in after half-time as Highmoor turned the screw and they grabbed a vital second goal when they broke on the counter and Richards set Robertson free, the striker rounding goalie Holmes and tapping home to make it 2-0.