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Bassett Town marched into the second round of the Cherry Red Records Floodlit Cup after an easy 3-1 victory over Division One West new boys New College Academy; but only after a shock late in the first half.
In a disappointing first half Bassett were the ones who started off sharply gaining two corners in the first 5 minutes. Mark Hammond had a good opportunity in the 7th minute when he chipped in a perfect shot, which was saved on the line by New College goalkeeper Ian Gill.
Bassett had back-to-back corners in the 16th minute but nothing came from either. Nick Tooley – just back from holiday – could have converted in the 22nd minute after a good run but his shot was saved by Gill in goal.
Bassett opened the scoring on the half hour mark when a superb free kick from 30 yards out by Luke Sharps flew in over Ian Gill's head.
Just before the break Bassett got a shock when great play by New College's Steve Winchcombe and Ashley Pietroiski led to a mix up between Steve Hale and Stuart Lamont; the latter scoring an own goal.
Bassett went into the break on level terms but they should have been ahead by the time referee Matthew Rushton blew for half time.
At the break Bassett made a change bringing Danny Clayton on for Justin Hyde who'd not had his best first half of the season.
Bassett had the first real chance of the second half when Dave Jones chipped over seven minutes in.
New College then had a decent chance when Steve Hale saved an Ian Howell shot. A minute later New College made their first change bringing Pete Mannion on for Ashley Pietroiski.
Nick Tooley finally got Bassett back into the lead when he finished off great play by Danny Clayton and Paul O'Connell. Gary Ashford could have made it two in two minutes for Bassett when he missed an excellent chance after a Stu Lamont through ball.
New College had a good chance on the hour when a corner from Steve Bunting was met in the air by Gary Smart but Steve Hale held on easily. Chris Flannagan was then brought on by New College for Smart in an attempt to save the tie. Bassett also made a change bringing Dave Turner on for Dave Jones who impressed once again.
Bassett got on the scoresheet again in the 73rd minute when Gary Ashford scored after a goalmouth scramble.
New College made their final change after the goal bringing Eddie Powell on for Chris Oke.
Bassett could have made it 4-1 in the 79th minute when Nick Tooley dived and missed late substitute Neil Bridges' cross sparking up unpleasant abuse in the crowd which was totally uncalled for. Tooley also had a great chance two minutes later but blasted over.
New College had one last chance before the final whistle when Ian Howell tested Steve Hale but Hale saved comfortably.
The final whistle went and Bassett went into the bar with a good victory under their belts and looking forward to the big F.A. Vase game on Saturday.
Managers Man of the Match – Rob Hopkins
Scoop Rating: 8/10 – A good performance by Bassett earning themselves an easy victory and no early cup exit.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 27th August 2020 at 15:10