Bassett entertained one of the better sides in their division on Sunday and were unlucky to lose by such a large score. Stratton took the lead thanks to a penalty when their striker was brought down in the Bassett box. Goalkeeper Simon Anderton stood no chance with the shot from the spot which was hammered into the bottom corner of the net. The penalty came about as a result of Bassett's defence finding themselves out numbered at the back and the main weakness of the team at the moment is that everyone wants to push forward, often leaving the team short at the back when the opposition break. Despite this defensive naiveté Bassett played some good football going forward with Sean Toomey and Stuart Smedley especially linking up well. Stuart Smedley went closest for Bassett hitting the Stratton post and Robert Leighfield also went close with a low powerful shot which went just inches wide. Bassett were unlucky with the second goal which came right at the end of the first half. Bassett conceded possession in their own box when the ball should have been cleared and Stratton made Bassett pay with another good shot past Simon Anderton.
In the second half Bassett continued to play well but were again caught short at the back for the visitors third goal. Bassett did, however, pull themselves back into the match when Stuart Smedley set Sean Toomey up and Bassett's captain made no mistake with his shot. The goal produced a large cheer from the Bassett supporters who included virtually all the players parents. Bassett continued to press forward for more goals and were unlucky on two or three occasions not to add to the Sean Toomey goal. Unfortunately, that second goal proved elusive and Stratton broke to score a somewhat flattering fourth with the last kick of the match. The visitors certainly deserved the win, but the final line did not do the young Bassett players justice. Bassett's man of the match was Daniel Strange who seems to get stronger with every match.
Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Sunday 3rd January 2021 at 18:12
