A win at last for Wootton Bassett Town Under 14's fourteen games into the season. In a thoroughly entertaining match, it was Stratton who had the better of the early exchanges. Two minutes into the match a Stratton player was clear on goal but fired wide of the target. Two minutes later it took a superb clearance off the line by Phil Harris to stop the visitors going in front. At the other end Martin Anderton went closest for Bassett but was denied a shot when through on goal by a good sliding tackle from a Stratton defender. In the 11th minute Phil Harris again came to Bassett's rescue when he cleared off the line for the second time. In the 23rd minute, Bassett keeper Joe Brennan pulled off a fine save from a shot from the edge of the box to once again deny the visitors. After a lively first half it was surprising that the two sides turned around with neither side finding the net.
It was not to stay goalless for long as Martin Anderton managed to slide the ball into the net to put Bassett in front, following a low cross from the influential Zhenia Fogel. Five minutes later Stratton pulled themselves back into the match when a ball over the top caught out the Bassett defence and a Stratton striker fired the ball over the advancing Scott Smedley who had taken over in goal at half time. Within five minutes Bassett had regained their lead when a Sean Leeke pass put Tom James clear and he scored with a powerful shot from an acute angle. With seven minutes remaining and Bassett looking comfortable a high lob into the Bassett box was not dealt with by the Bassett defence and the ball was eventually scrambled into the Bassett net. Just as it looked like Bassett had been denied all three points from their spirited performance a Stratton defender was judged by the referee to have pushed Tom James in the box and a penalty was given. The spot kick was coolly converted by captain Sean Leeke and this was enough to secure the much needed win for Bassett. An all round excellent performance from the Bassett lads which hopefully will provide confidence for the rest of the season.
Credit: Steve Matthews
Last modified on Sunday 22nd November 2020 at 21:42
