MATT Nutt's first goal of the season handed Pershore Town a late winner on Saturday as they overcame Royal Wootton Bassett Town 3-2 in the Hellenic League Premier. 

Josh Willis' penalty and an incredible 40-yard lob had the hosts 2-0 up and cruising at the break, before the visitors' second-half comeback threatened to take points off Lewis Marston's men.

Goals from Tommy Ouldridge and Adam Corcoran pulled Bassett level with twenty minutes to go but Nutt secured a late win with five minutes to go. 

The result saw Pershore rise to fifth in the table, a single point behind Wednesday night's opponents and rivals Worcester Raiders.

And their preparation for that game was ideal, against a Bassett side who started the weekend above the Plums in the standings.

Willis gave his side the lead shortly after the quarter-hour mark, coolly placing a penalty past Harry Pickering after Aidan Clark had been brought down in the box.

He then doubled Pershore's lead with a wonder goal on 30 minutes, seeing Pickering off his line and lobbing the ball into the net from just inside the Bassett half.

The Plums were well in control, with a bruised Bassett fearing the worst in the second-half.

But, to their credit, they did not lie down and roll over. They battled their way back into the match and a defensive error from Pershore allowed Ouldridge to fire home on the angle to make it 2-1.

It took some time for the equaliser to come, but when it did it arrived in emphatic style. A corner was allowed to bounce in the box and the ball rose perfectly for captain Corcoran, who swivelled and rifled a powerful half-volley into the back of the net.

But Pershore would have the final say as a cross into the box was not dealt with and Nutt was on hand to add the finishing touches and secure another win for Pershore.

They now head to Sixways on Wednesday for a highly-anticipated clash with Raiders (7.45PM kick-off).