The days top game, 2nd V 3rd in the League, with one point between them and a win almost ensuring Wootton Bassett of at least runners up spot in the division. Bassett started with a new formation. Gareth Evans making his debut in the centre of midfield along side Sam Jackson. Bassett started the first half where they left off last week, passing the ball around, this creating chances from both sides of the pitch. James Tasker caused all sorts of problems for the Malmesbury defence down the right hand side. Evans and Craig Mooney both had shots saved by the keeper. At the other end an unusual mistake by keeper, Jamie Wakefield, should have seen Malmesbury go 1 up but the shot was cleared off the line by Alfie Passingham. On the counter attack Mooney just put the ball wide after it was dropped by the Malmesbury keeper. A now settled Bassett applied the pressure and playing the better football pushed forward with Joel Swann just wide of Passingham, playing at wing back, creating chances and causing problems to the Malmesbury defence and Swann shot wide of the post after a good build up involving James Tasker, Nicholas Southern and Evans. Despite their efforts at half time it was 0-0.

The second half started with Bassett again pushing forward. Nice footwork by Mooney set up Passingham whose shot was deflected for a corner, from which the ball ran loose to Leigh Little on the edge of the box, he then smashed it into the top right hand corner to make it 1-0. Malmesbury then hit Bassett on the break where their two quick forwards were causing Little, Southern and George Bartlett problems at the back but their efforts were not rewarded. Again the Tasker and Evans combination split the Malmesbury defence open and Tasker sent his shot wide. An injured Evans was then replaced by Martyn Plaistow who slotted into his usual role leading the attack. Malmesbury had their best ten minutes of the game, putting Bassett under continuous pressure and unable to clear the ball. The Malmesbury centre forward took advantage of this and beat Wakefield to his right hand side and make it 1-1. Malmesbury continued to push forward with Passingham clearing of the line on more than one occasion. Jordan Embling then replaced an injured Jordan Daley. A break by Passingham and good work by Tasker sent the ball across for Mooney to slide it home and make it 2-1. The final few minutes saw Tasker and Mooney both have shots blocked, as well as some desperate defending by the Bassett defence. This was a really good game to watch but was unfortunately marred by some bad sportsmanship shown by the Malmesbury parents and Coach.

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Saturday 28th November 2020 at 17:44