PAUL Braithwaite’s new-look Wootton Bassett Town outfit were given a harsh introduction to the Hellenic League top flight as they were crushed 6-1 at Binfield on Saturday.

The home side, among the favourirtes to challenge for league honours this season, showed no mercy to Braithwaite’s new line-up, who battled well despite the scoreline.

Bassett fell behind after 11 minutes as Dave Woozley fired home following Carl Withers’ header.

The visitors’ full-back Pete Sykes cleared off the line from Ian Davies’ header, but it was 2-0 when Joish Warren was allowed space and then cut inside to fire home from 20 yards.

Dale Richards had a strike for Bassett ruled out for offside before half time and then was denied a penalty.

However, Richards continued to cause problems and did earn a spot-kick after going down following a pass from Nathan Gambling.

Gambling stepped up and boosted Bassett’s hopes by scoring from the spot-kick.

Bassett though soon on the back foot again as Jack Broome’s run ended with him finding Davies who scored.

Adam Dickens’ long-range effort pushed the score to 4-1 and it was five when Davies netted another, before Callum Whitty scored the sixth.