After an excellent set of results on their recent tour to Holland, Wootton Bassett Town Under 12's were brought back down to earth with a disappointing defeat at Stratton Youth which condemns Bassett to a bottom three finish. Bassett took the lead through Tom Marchment on seven minutes with a well-placed shot past Ashley Scrivens following a through ball from Jonny Aitkenhead. However, this was to be one and only time Bassett were to be in front in this match as Stratton, playing the better passing football, began to dominate the match. Henry Bird scored the equaliser a minute later following poor Bassett defending and Nick Peare fired Stratton in front on fifteen minutes with superb shot over the head of Bassett keeper Tom Holmes. Bassett managed to get on level terms when Stratton's keeper Ashley Scrivens brought down Jonny Aitkenhead in the box and Sean Toomey fired the resulting penalty into the top corner of the Stratton net. Four goals in the opening sixteen minutes of the match certainly provided the crowd with some entertainment. Stratton continued to play some intricate football and took the lead five minutes before the break, Henry Bird again the scorer.

Bassett improved in the second half with a number of good moves down the right-hand flank involving Phillip Tearle and Jonny Aitkenhead but were unable to turn this possession into goals. Stratton continued to create the more clear-cut chances but Tom Holmes in the Bassett goal denied the home side extending their lead on a number of occasions. With time running out for an equaliser, Bassett then conceded two late goals due to sloppy defending to give a slightly flattering final score to the home side. Stratton deserved the victory on the day as Bassett struggled to deal with the pace of Henry Bird down Stratton's right flank and Alex Croft and Nick Peare down the left. Hopefully, Bassett will bounce back next season.

Players and Managers Man of the Match: Tom Holmes

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Saturday 21st November 2020 at 22:01