It is hard to find the right words to describe this Bassett performance - poor would be an understatement. Apart from their goal Bassett Town were unable to string more than two passes together and giving away too much possession to a Bishop Cleeve side they should have buried on Saturday.

Managers Moloney and Hawkins have some 'sorting' to do Although one school of thought has it that if you can play as badly as this and still get a point, things can't be that bad. But surely Bassett would have been crucified by a better side

As in previous games, they did not get off to the brightest of starts. And, although they tried to play football, passes went astray which resulted in Bassett's attacks being broken up all too easily. Through all this, Cleeve looked the more likely to score, Walker and Mellor forcing saves from keeper Stevens. But it was the best move on the game - the only move - that brought Bassett's goal. Playing lovely one touch football from mid-way in their own half, the ball was worked to the unmarked Wayne Taylor who took it around keeper Power to score in the 24th minute. Then it was back downhill unable to capitalise on their lead.

The game was no better in the second half and, right at the start Cleeve, equalised. After only three minutes into the half, a 'route one, ball found Wilkes through. Despite his shot being superbly saved by Stevens, he could only watch in anguish as the ball rolled to Dave Mellor who fired into an empty net to bring Cleeve level. And 1-1 was exactly how it was going to stay. Hopefully, Bassett will not play as poorly as this again while surely Cleeve will not be as lucky to get a point on their next meeting.

Credit: Wilts & Glos Standard
Last modified on Thursday 31st December 2020 at 20:39