Bassett opened their season with a Swindon & District League match against Westlea Wanderers who had been the strongest side in Bassett's division last season. The first half was a very tight affair with little to choose between the two sides. The standard of football was excellent as both sides sought to play a passing game. Digby and Grier were a handful up front for Westlea but William McCurrach, on his Bassett debut, and Stuart Smedley did well in the first half to keep them under control with tremendous support from the hard-working Tom Marchment. When they did get past the Bassett defenders goalkeeper Simon Anderton denied the Westlea strikers the goal they desperately needed, this included one breath taking save which resulted in a loud round of applause from both sets of supporters.

Tom Marchment, Callum Snooks and Philip Tearle were involved in most of Bassett's creative play but Bassett failed to capitalise on a number of goal scoring opportunities due to the strikers rushing the chances. A little bit more composure in front of goal and Bassett would have ended the half in front. As it was a late goal from Westlea saw Bassett go in at half time trailing to the home side.

The second half saw Westlea extend their lead in the first minute of the half. Despite having over 20 minutes to play Bassett seemed to panic and stopped passing the ball, the midfield and front players seeking to run with the ball. Invariably this resulted in possession being conceded and the defence left outnumbered by Westlea on the break. The inevitable result was further Westlea goals as Digby and Grier at last found space behind the Bassett defence. Westlea went into a 5-0 lead but two late Phil Tearle goals, one following a fine inter-change with Sean Toomey, made the final score line a more fair reflection of the match. Westlea deserved the win but they did not look three goals better than Bassett on the balance of play. Despite the result an encouraging start.

Bassett Team

Simon Anderton, William McCurruch, Stuart Smedley, Tom Marchment, Callum Snooks, Philip Tearle, Sean Toomey, Peter Willis, Josh Dimond

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 2nd January 2021 at 20:43