This was another good win for Bassett in the league after their disappointment of losing to Marlborough in the Senior Cup the week before. The first half of Saturday's game was a scrappy affair, though, with both midfields cancelling each other out. The play was end to end with neither keeper being bothered much. Only thing worth recording was Bassett's first goal - for a sweeter goal will not be seen at Rylands Way for some time. Amateurs' keeper Williams didn't like it much though as his No 9 McMahon scored it! Diving to his left, the keeper could only party the ball after Vincent fired the ball into his body before it began to roll out of the six-yard area. In steamed McMahon who, trying to put the ball over the bar, smashed it into the top comer.
Bassett took charge in the second half, especially when Vincent, Ashford and Newnham started going on runs. They gave the midfield targets by pulling Amateurs deſence all over the place. It also left space for wide men Newton and Franklin to operate. Things got to the Amateurs defence and they started to niggle which led to the sending-off of Mark Roper. His first offence was a bad tackle on Robbie Newnham and he then aimed a kick at Paul Davis. Now one man short, Bassett soon exploited it. On 76 minutes, Jeremy Newton got away on the left and his cross found an unmarked Ashford who, with only Williams to beat, gave the keeper no chance.
Amateurs did try to come back but Bassett's defence of Hale, Giles Davis and Green were too good for them. Then came Ashford's second on 87 minutes. Again, good running by Vincent, Newnham and Ashford saw the latter once more on his own. This time, he lobbed Williams with the keeper being left unprotected. A minute late, Newnham made it four. A fierce drive from 20 yards ended in the corner of the net. Again, Williams had no chance. This was a good team performance and, apart from those already mentioned, Jason Trevarthen had a good game. He harassed and worried Amateurs midfield to the extent that they never got going.
Credit: John Reynolds
Last modified on Monday 25th January 2021 at 15:15
