A comprehensive win enabled Bassett to go into the New Year at the top of the league and still in both cup competitions. Whilst Bassett have played 3 more games than their nearest rivals it is a pleasing feeling to be at the top of the tree with as many points in the bag as were gained during the whole of last season. There will be no concerns about relegation this season thanks to this result. This was very much the Phil Tearle show as he scored five times and made the other two goals for Jonny Aitkenhead and Tom Marchment. The first goal was a superb strike from the edge of the box which flew into the top corner of the net, giving Max Scholefield in the Old Town goal no chance. The same player completed a first half hat-trick and also set up Tom Marchment for his 15th of the season as some clinical finishing from Bassett saw them score 4 times in the first period. At the other end, stand-in keeper Sean Toomey pulled off an excellent side to deny the visitors an equaliser when the game was still a tight affair.

Phil Tearle extended the lead just after the break to end the match as a contest. He then set up Jonny Aitkenhead following a fine run down the left and a perfect pass. Old Town scored a consolation goal as Bassett's defence failed to clear the ball with just 10 minutes to go. There was still time for Phil Tearle to score another, this time from 35 yards as the visitors keeper did a Peter Schmeichel, pushing up front as they threw caution to the wind to try and get back in the game. An excellent win after losing to Old Town at St. Josephs earlier in the season and a nice Christmas present to the management team. The New Year brings two very tough cup games but hopefully if Bassett can field a full-strength side further progress is possible in both competitions.

Credit: Mark Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 19th November 2020 at 17:05