Rylands Way, 19th October 2002

Bassett Town recorded 3 more points in a closely fought battle against bottom of the pile Bicester Town, taking a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Mark Simpkins and Gary Ashford.

Bassett were the team who started off brightest in the opening few minutes forcing the majority of play to be played in Bicester's own half.

In the 9th minute Rob Day – who was appearing for the first time since the away league match at Pewsey Vale – put in a cross deep inside the Bicester box but it wasn't connected with by Neil Bridges or Dave Jones who were waiting inside the box.

Bassett had three corners in a row after that attack but nothing coming from any of them. Bassett had another chance in the 14th minute when Neil Bridges shot was saved after good work in the Bassett midfield.

Dave Jones had a decent opportunity five minutes later when his shot went just past the post.

Bicester had their first two opportunities in quick succession; Danny Bone and Matt Jenkins having the chances.

Neil Bridges was substituted for Bassett in the 33rd minute after he had pulled up with an injury, Gary Ashford coming onto replace him.

Bassett opened their scoring account for the day 5 minutes before half time when Mark Simpkins struck a beautiful free kick, his low shot curled round the wall into Steve Roberts' goal.

Bassett continued to attack before the break – Stu Lamont having an opportunity in injury time to make it two. Bassett went in to the break a goal to the good after a decent first half.

Bassett started off on top again in the second half – Dave Jones having two opportunities in a row, but unfortunately both were squandered.

In the 53rd minute Bicester made a change to try and salvage a goal bringing James Wallis on for Gordon Bedford.

Bassett continued to dominate proceedings when in the 57th minute Nathan Hall had a shot, which was deflected into the keepers' hands; if it had not been for the deflection it would have gone in.

Bassett made their second substitution, bringing Justin Hyde on to replace Danny Clayton.

Bicester had two good chances after the change for Bassett but they came to nothing. Bicester continued to challenge the Bassett back four as Steve Hale in the Bassett goal had to punch clear an effort in the 65th minute.

Bassett had a chance through Rob Day in the 68th minute when he shot wide. Gary Ashford had an immediate chance just after when he shot inches wide.

Bicester then had an opportunity to get a goal back in the 67th minute when substitute James Wallis missed, when it would have been easier to score. Immediately Bicester's Duncan Currie then hit a shot over the bar.

Bassett made their final change in the 78th minute bringing Mark Hammond on for the tired Nathan Hall. After that, in the 83rd minute Dean Smith replaced Duncan Currie for Bicester.

Bassett continued to attack toward the end of the game when in the 84th minute Justin Hyde laid a perfect ball in but it didn't find anyone. Hyde was booked 3 minutes later when he retaliated at a Bicester defender after young referee Ian Trueman called for a foul. Gary Ashford was booked a few minutes later for a late challenge on the half way line.

Bassett immediately got the ball back from the free kick and Ashford scored a scorcher when he blasted into the roof of the net.

Bicester tried to get a goal back in the dying seconds but without success. A Bassett win – their first since Almondsbury away.

Manager's Man of the Match: Rob Day and Paul Patel – both were superb

Scoop's Man of the Match: Dave Jones for not making a mistake in the heart of midfield

Scoop Rating: 7/10 – A good performance by Bassett ensuring the win.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Wednesday 2nd September 2020 at 09:01