Wootton Bassett Reserves playing their first home game of the year entertained Sanford Reserves in a Division 3 league match, on a damp and very misty day. Visibility was so poor the referee was unsure whether the game could be played at all, but the mist lifted enough to allow the game to proceed. Bassett Reserves attempting to extend their unbeaten league run to eight matches started the first half very lively and soon took control of the game playing some good team football, and restricting Sanford to only the occasional attack. What attacks were made by Sanford were dealt with well by the Bassett defence. Midway through the first half a ball well won in midfield , played to Bell, who beat the offside trap and chipped the ball over the Sanford keeper to put Bassett into the lead. Persistent play by Bassett put a lot of pressure on the Sanford defence and their persistency paid off when they were awarded a free kick outside the Sanford penalty area. A well placed kick found Karn, who had no difficulty in beating the keeper with a well taken goal, his first since his recent move from Pinehurst. On numerous occasions this season Bassett Reserves have relaxed when two goals in the lead, but today they never relaxed and maintained their concentration well, and finished the half 2-0.

But that was short lived, because within minutes of the second half resuming Sanford who are not a team to give up, in their first attack of the second half, pulled one goal back. Neat play on their right resulted in a shot on goal, and Twine in the Bassett goal completely misjudging the flight of the ball, could not prevent it crossing the line, even though he managed to get one hand to it. Bassett were able to overcome this setback and knuckled down to create more chances for themselves, but were not able to convert them. But Karn and Bell came close on a few occasions. Bell who again beat the offside trap, found himself with only the Sanford keeper to beat. He rounded the stranded keeper only to see his attempt on goal go wide of the post. The mist by this time had reduced visibility considerably, but the referee allowed the game to continue. Neither Bassett nor Sanford created many more chances and at the final whistle Bassett had maintained their lead and had extended their unbeaten run to eight games. A fairly good display by Bassett Reserves on a day marred by poor visibility and despite the one minor setback early in the second half, were able to maintain their second place in Division 3.

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Tuesday 17th November 2020 at 21:32