This 1-3 defeat was not such a bad result for Bassett, considering they had a depleted side out and played for most of the game with 10 men after Garry Cook was sent off in the first half. Right from the start, the visitors were up against it. Ardley have a far better side than their league position indicates so Bassett had to be on their metal in defence. But, in the last line of defence there was always Paul Stevens in goal. He's had a superb season and his handling and clearing his lines on this occasion had no faults.

And so the first half, it became a battle of the midfield with Arldey winning most of it, only to lose out in the final third of the pitch. Then, in the 38th minute, Bassett went behind to a superb goal. Ardley, who had played to their wide men, particularly on the right, resulted in Toviel's cross to the far post finding the head of Rory Barrett whose nod went back across goal just found the inside of a post.

Bassett started the second half strongly and justice was done inside three minutes. A through ball from Nigel Parker found Karl Little. Confronted by two defenders, he beat them both before placing his shot into the net wide of keeper Wild's left hand.

Two minutes later. Bassett were behind again. A hit-and-hope cross, watched by four Bassett defenders, fell to the feet of Paul Darch who said 'thanks very much' and promptly put the ball into the corner of the net. Bassett then had to try for an equaliser by throwing men forward and that is when they were caught short. A long ball from Faulkener found Andy Parsons clear and the linesman, who had signalled for virtually everything else, kept his flag down to allow Parsons to go on and score Ardley's third. It left Bassett then having to try to pull one back until one brilliant save by Stevens and one kicked off the line by Harrison saved Bassett going further behind.

The second leg will, hopefully, see Bassett back again at full strength and they may be able to still pull back a two goal deficit.

Credit: Wilts & Glos Standard
Last modified on Friday 1st January 2021 at 13:22