BASSETT were knocked off the top of the Davis Wood League Avon Division for the first time since October after being on the receiving end of their worst defeat of the season.
Shepton went straight on the attack from the first whistle and when Paul Warren, the Bassett keeper, was adjudged to have fouled his own defender, a well-struck shot from the corner deflected in off Neil Baldwin’s face with only a minute gone. Bassett regrouped, creating some good passing moves but with Mallet content to play on the break, a mazy midfield breakaway run led to more controversy as Shepton were awarded a free hit on the edge of the D.
The resulting free hit found a striker in the D who appeared to strike the ball after the umpire's whistle had been blown for an earlier infringement. The umpires consulted and awarded the goal. The second half began with Bassett applying more pressure on their main rivals for the title.
The breakthrough came when centre back Si Griffiths played a pinpoint pass onto the stick of Kristian Mansfield in the D and he deflected the ball past the keeper.
Bassett continued their attacking play, but struggled to break through and as they pushed forward for the equaliser Shepton continued to create chances on the break.
Warren, in goal, was in fine form and snuffed out a number of one-on-one. Eventually, however, Shepton were awarded another penalty corner which was well converted, this time deflecting in off Baldwin's shoulder.
As Bassett went forward again they were hit by a fourth goal on the break. At 4-1 down, Bassett's heads dropped and this ultimately led to a mix up that gifted Shepton a fifth and finally put the result beyond doubt.
The defeat leaves Bassett in second place in the Avon Division, two points behind Shepton with two matches remaining.
Wins in their last two matches will see them promoted to North Division Two.
Bassett: P Warren, S Griffiths, S Bell, N Baldwin, M Tolley, M Skivington, D Stanley, D Jeffery (c), J Macleod, K Mansfield, M Daniell, A Law, J Lee.
MORE HOCKEY REPORTS & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD
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