This was always going to be a tough game for us having beaten them at home 2-1, so it was particularly pleasing to take all six points from them this season. Bassett started this game with the attitude and commitment they finished their last game last year with and what a good start to 2003 it was. Right from the first whistle we could see that they were committed by some of the challenges that were going in on our players and we managed to upset their plans within the first 3 mins with a good cross-field ball from Jamie Riddett into the path of left-midfielder Tom James who coolly rounded his marker and slotted the ball low and hard past the defending keeper 1-0 to the Bassett. This lead we managed to keep for about 20 mins when a lapse of concentration hit our defenders and no-one tried to clear the ball from the on coming corner to which Northleach had time to control and score their equalizer 1-1. This hard fought battle continued right up to half-time, with the referee not penalizing late tackles as Northleach became more and more frustrated with us controlling the play.

Half-time team-talk was about keeping control of the ball and more importantly, control of their emotions and just let Northleach panic. Second half started as we finished the first, scoring within the first 5 mins from a Ross Barber free-kick which rebounded off of the bar, into a goal mouth scramble in which Jamie Riddett slotted the ball home 2-1. Having worked hard for our lead we were disappointed when the referee allowed a Northleach equalizer to stand when it was clear that our goalkeeper (Joe Brennen ) had both hands on the ball and under control 2-2. The best was yet to come, with shear guts and determination we fought hard for everything, (especially in mid-field). A penalty resulted from a handball in the penalty box after a shot was charged down from Tom James. Up stepped Captain Sean Leeke to comfortably slot the ball home 2-3, but the goal of the game came from Martyn Anderton (striker) who controlled a wonderful through ball and again lobbed the defending keeper from on the 18yrd line 2-4 and another Bassett win. With 2 of the home team players booked for late and reckless tackles (should have been more) we did well to show that we were not going to be intimidated. WELL DONE LADS. M. o. t. m. Zhenia Fogle (midfield) For his all-round performance.

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Saturday 28th November 2020 at 14:46