Apart from the first 15 mins of the second half, Bassett outplayed Purton. The thing that let them down and contributed to them only taking 1 point was again poor finishing and some fine saves from keeper Shipton. Again, Bassett's pace up front, Newton, Stoddart and Franklin caused Purton problems. Bassett started the game playing some good football and for a while it was one-way traffic, but it fell down in the last third of the pitch. One run and cross by Franklin saw the ball skim Dearlove's desperate jump with the defenders nowhere. Then a superb through ball saw Stoddart through on his own. He should have scored, but his shot brought the first of Shipton's fine saves. Then after 15 mins things went wrong for Bassett. Purton burst up field and forced a corner. From this the ball was only half cleared to the feet of Tucker just inside the box. You can't give him space but space he had and although Read got his fingers to the ball it was too powerful for him. Although disappointed by this, Bassett continued with playing football with no reward due to some good defending and goal keeping. Bassett were getting to the by-line and then a poor cross or poor finishing let them down.

Purton started the second half at a pace, swarming down on Bassett's goal. Manager Jackson probably said something to annoy them. A goal now would have won it for Purton. But the three "trees", Davis, Machell and Green with keeper Read kept them out. The real man of the match was Dominic Machell. He was so calm and cool under all the pressure. Bassett must be pleased he is back after his season off through injury. Anyway, Purton failed to score and Bassett took over again and it became, not if, but when Bassett would score. But their efforts were thwarted by a somewhat bemused Purton defence. Shipton got a foot to a goal bound shot but that's what he is there for.

The break came in the 74th minute. A desperate clearance only found Lawrence Smith in midfield with acres of room. A touch forward and his drive gave Shipton no chance. Bassett then seemed to think that's it" and stood back and let Purton come at them. They gave away stupid free kick - well within Collier's range. Once such free kick brought a superb save from Read and a goal now would have been a travesty. Bassett then came back with Stoddart's and Franklin's pace on the right and through the middle causing problems. No further goals, Purton must be pleased with a point, Bassett disappointed at not getting all three. They had their chances though.

Credit: John Reynolds
Last modified on Saturday 2nd January 2021 at 13:21