Bassett Under 12's opened their Holland Tour with a game against G.D.A. at Loosduinen. Bassett did not get off to the best of starts when, after having the kick-off, they found themselves 0-1 down after just 20 seconds! Obviously the long coach journey was still having an adverse effect on the Bassett lads. The ball was passed back and David Lazenby dispossessed and the G.D.A. strikers shot was fumbled by Tom Holmes in the Bassett goal and the ball trickled into the Bassett net. This goal certainly acted as a wake up call and it took just two minutes for Bassett to get back on level terms, Phil Tearle scoring with a powerful shot into the top corner of the net. This goal gave Bassett renewed confidence and they took the game to their Dutch opponents. Tom Marchment fired narrowly over on 15 minutes and a minute later Jonny Aitkenhead also went close. The home side were skillful opponents and were extremely adept at building up play from the back, with the keeper rarely kicking the ball. However, they lacked penetration and were not able to take advantage of a couple of Bassett's defenders being off their game. On 22 minutes Tom Marchment forced a good save from the G.D.A. keeper and a minute later Phillip Forster shot just past the post. Bassett quickly regained possession from the resulting goal kick but Phil Tearle shot wide. On 27 minutes Bassett went in front for the first time when Jonny Aitkenhead scored following good work from Phil Tearle. The same player found himself clean through in the closing minute of the half but was unable to extend Bassett's lead.

In the second half Bassett continued to be the dominant side and went further in front when Jonny Aitkenhead scored his second of the match. Bassett continued to have most of the play but could not convert possession into further goals. With five minutes remaining Bassett had a lucky let off when Tom Holmes picked up a back pass just inside the 18-yard box. With the referee signaling an indirect free-kick the G.D.A. captain curled the ball straight into the top corner pf the net, David Beckham style. As the Dutch children peeled away in celebration the referee disallowed the goal as the ball had not touched another player before it hit the back of the Bassett net. A lucky let off for Bassett who then hung on for a fine win over a good footballing side.

Players Man of the Match: Phil Tearle

Managers Man of the Match: Josh Dimond

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 21st November 2020 at 21:40