Wootton Bassett U12's travelled to Highworth, generally controlled the game, especially the 1st period, ran there hearts out for the whole match and came away loosing 2 – 1. It is now official, there is no justice. Bassett and there travelling band of parent supporters were intent on giving the manager, Terry, some good news to cheer him up after his recent hip operation. All started well with Bassett playing into a head wind and up the slope catching Highworth time and time again on the break with both Harry & Ben causing panic with their power and strength. After 12 minutes Jon Coniglio tackled a Highworth player on the half way line, the ball broke forward and Craig Hunt made a further strong challenge to push Highworth further back. From this the ball was slotted through to Harry, he ran on passing a defender and coolly slid the ball into the net. Highworth then had a period of possession but an alert defence marshalled well by the impressive Craig Kelly and a fine debut performance by goalkeeper Tom Hammond kept the home side out. Indeed Bassett should have increased their lead when Ben Curtis out muscled & outpaced the Highworth defence but from just inside the penalty area blazed over. Unfortunately, 8 minutes before the break, Highworth worked the ball to a wide position and drew the Bassett defence towards the ball. A clever chip found a striker unmarked inside the area and he had no problem in beating the defenceless keeper.

After the break Bassett still pushed and probed, creating several good opportunities, one of which was magnificently saved by the keeper and one which was just hit wide by Brett Carr. However the game looked to be heading for a draw until 2 minutes from the end when a Highworth player was fouled in the area and the resulting spot kick was placed into the right hand corner of the net. Tom had dived the correct way but the perfect penalty gave him no chance. This gave a final score of Highworth 2 – Bassett 1. Comfort must come from the Highworth managers praise after a game which Bassett should never have lost.

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Saturday 28th November 2020 at 17:03