The Under 12's kicked off their league season away at Lydiard Youth in a match which was evenly balanced. Lydiard took the lead mid-way through the first half when Dan Strange headed into his own net when attempting to clear. Bassett fought hard to get themselves back into the match and did so when Matt Purse fired in a left foot shot, following good build up work involving Josh Dimond and Phil Tearle. Bassett once again pressed the defensive self-destruct button when a relatively simple clearance was passed straight to a Lydiard forward on the edge of the 18-yard box and the Lydiard striker made no mistake, hammering the ball past Bassett's stand-in keeper, Jonny Aitkenhead. It could have got worse for Bassett as, firstly, Jonny Aitkenhead saved well from a one-on-one and then David Lazenby cleared off the line to prevent Lydiard going further in front.

Bassett were much improved in the second half and Lydiard were only able to have on shot on target all half, this from distance. It was Bassett who created the chances in this second period, and it was Matt Purse who again got Bassett back on level terms, firing home from a corner midway through the half. Bassett continued to create goalscoring opportunities and Phil Tearle (twice), Sean Toomey, Tom Marchment and Dean Wason all had good opportunities to wrap up all three points. It was not to be and both sides settled for a point in a thoroughly entertaining game.

Players Man of the Match: David Lazenby

Managers Man of the Match: Matt Purse

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Friday 20th November 2020 at 18:08