Rylands Way, 29th October 2002
What a difference a few days makes, and a few returned players. This was one of the better Bassett performances seen this season, but there was, again, a shortage of goals, particularly in the first half.
Bassett started the game a lot sharper than Shortwood, putting them under pressure with some good football. Adam Thomas, in the Shortwood goal, dealt with two shots on target in the first 5 minutes, yes, but the range had been found.
On 16 minutes a lovely through ball found Geoff Swatton free; he beat Thomas only to see his effort kicked off the line. Four minutes later, Ashford cut in from the right and, with Swatton free in the box, he went alone on the keeper only to have his shot blocked.
On 25 minutes a snap shot by Swatton beat Thomas but scraped the post.
At the other end Rich Stevens was not bothered in goal, thanks to Bassett's solid defence; Lamont and Pluckrose were outstanding.
A lot of effort but no rewards at half time.
At the start of the second half Shortwood brought on Craig Cole. Why he didn't start I don't know, as he made a huge difference.
However, Bassett scored, at last, in the 52nd minute; a Bassett corner was not cleared and Swatton shot on the turn and beat Thomas low down to the keeper's left.
Shortwood now came back at Bassett, with Cole at the forefront. He was causing Bassett no end of trouble, Shortwood were playing through him. Stevens was called on more and more but proved sound. (70th minute Mark Hammond on for Mark Simpkins).
On 82 minutes Shortwood's pressure paid off as, that man, Cole lay on a perfect ball for Rich Evans to beat Stevens.
In the 84th minute Bassett brought on Ben Gascoyne for Gary Ashford, and what a substitution it proved to be as he scored Bassett's winner in the 87th minute. A blistering shot by Swatton was only parried by Thomas and young Gascoyne was on hand to knock the ball in.
The last seconds saw Adam Thomas bring off a superb save from Swatton to deny Bassett a third goal.
All in all an excellent Bassett performance. A good, exciting game for spectators and 3 points for Pete and Mike.
Man of the Match: Alan Pluckrose (a solid performance, didn't put a foot wrong)
Credit: John Reynolds
Last modified on Wednesday 2nd September 2020 at 09:05
