With some promising pre-sea son results and three new signings that looked likely to strengthen the side, the first game of the season saw Bassett Reserves in an optimistic mood. However, it was visiting Woodstock that started much better and dominated the early proceedings on Saturday. For Bassett were under a lot of early pressure with some neat possession in the midfield and defence. But despite the Oxfordshire side having the majority of the play, they were held to only a few long-range efforts, and one header off target which never troubled the home keeper. The home side slowly eased their way back into the game and pressure on the Woodstock defence from the forwards caught the visitors in possession. With the keeper stranded, Jack Dodd was unlucky as he only just failed to give Bassett the lead.

The second half saw the visitors pinned back for longer periods and were saved by the woodwork from a header by Paul Harrison. Dodd again just failed to latch on to a good run and cross down the right by Simon Jones which the keeper scrambled to safety. In a well spirited game, a late tackle by one of the visitors saw Colin Davis react in an unsporting way and was sent off for his actions. This left a tiring Bassett players under more pressure for the last 20 minutes in the heat. But they defended stoutly and again never looked like conceding a goal, restricting the visitors to only a couple of long-range efforts. In all, a point was well won with a strong defensive performance from both sides in a scrappy, but hard fought match.

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Tuesday 16th March 2021 at 12:27