Rylands Way, 10th September 2005

Once more Paul Burke owes a huge debt to 'keeper John Haines after another outstanding performance between the sticks enabled Bassett to pull off a 2-1 victory against a battling Tytherington Rocks.

Bassett should have been a goal up in the 4th minute when Moses Greene intercepted a poor pass at the halfway line and was one-on-one with 'keeper Adam Robbins but a weak effort rolled straight into Robbins' hands.

Steve Tucker had a shot deflected wide on ten minutes before Haines' pulled off a great save from a Rich Lee shot that was headed straight for the top corner but Haines tipped over.

Nick Ackland broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when he took on Rich Gee after a Anthony Haskins pass and smashed the ball into the back of the net, leaving Haines with no chance.

Bassett lacked any endeavour up to this point and didn't look like scoring even though there were chances. Chris Mills had a shot parried wide following a Stu Hemsley through ball before Haines denied Ackland at the other end with another fine save as he tipped the ball wide.

A minute before the break Ackland was once again denied brilliantly by Haines as his shot from a tight angle was palmed wide. Ackland was then booked for handball before Bassett salvaged some luck and a goal.

A handball just inside the area gave Bassett a penalty and Steve Yeardley slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to continue his unblemished record from twelve yards.

Five minutes after the restart Haines fumbled a routine save from an Ackland shot but quickly pounced to recover the ball.

Three minutes later Greene crossed to the far post where Steve Tucker headed towards goal but his effort was blocked.

On 54 minutes, Greene gave Bassett the lead. Lee Marshall flicked on a Chris Mills throw to the edge of the six yard box and Greene managed to turn the ball into the back of the net.

Bassett welcomed back Tom Messenger just before the hour mark as he was brought on to replace Stu Hemsley who picked up a slight knock.

With twenty minutes left Marshall played through Chris Mills who beat his man and, noticing Robbins off his line, tried a lob but the ball rolled wide of the mark.

Jack Dodd replaced Greene two minutes later before a lapse of concentration at the back from substitute Craig Maclaren set Roy Bailey through one-on-one with Haines but Bailey's shot was brilliantly tipped wide at point blank range.

With six minutes to go a corner from the right sparked a goalmouth scramble where the ball fell to Errol Deans who shot from six yards out but luckily for Bassett Leigh Jones was there to clear off the line.

Bailey had another chance five minutes later after a Tytherington counter attack but his shot went over.

Two quick bookings for John Davis – both for delaying the restart of play – reduced Bassett to ten men but Bassett held out for a much needed victory.

Scoop's Man of the Match: John Haines – Awesome display, making crucial saves when needed and allowed Bassett to keep all three points.

Scoop Rating: 6/10 – Another below par performance but did enough to hold out for the win. A better second half after a disappointing first.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 17th September 2020 at 09:55