Rylands Way, 26th November 2005

Paul Burke wished for snow but didn't get it. Instead it rained goals at Rylands Way as the Winterbourne pairing of Scott Cameron and Darren Andrews took apart the Bassett defence in the first half of their Challenge Cup clash. Winterbourne strolled to a 4-1 win and Bassett now have the joy of playing in the Supplementary Cup.

Two goals in the first five minutes killed the game off with Cameron netting both. On four minutes Andrews played a ball over the top, which Cameron beat 'keeper Paul Hawkins to before chipping the ball over the oncoming Hawkins.

A minute later a poor header back from Steve Bunting was intercepted by Andrews at the halfway line. After getting to the byline, Andrews cut back for an unmarked Cameron and he drove the ball into the bottom corner.

On 12 minutes Ben Rhodes headed just over from a Ben Walker set piece before a great save at Andrews feet from Hawkins prevented the lead increasing.

Bassett thought they had a goal on 15 minutes when Chris Hawkins headed Steve Tucker's chip to the far post towards goal from six yards. The net ruffled but only due to the fact Winterbourne 'keeper Tom Sheppard fell into it and the ball was cleared away.

Rhodes tried his luck from 30 yards with a volley in the 20th minute but the ball whistled just wide of the upright. Two minutes later Mark Allen headed in from 12 yards to give Winterbourne what seemed like an unassailable lead.

Just before the break both teams came close when Tucker fired wide from 25 yards for Bassett before Liam Barrett hit just over from the edge of the area.

The second half started optimistically for Bassett as a pass from his own defender was picked up by Sheppard ten yards out in the 56th minute. Stu Hemsley laid the ball to Tucker who fired into the roof of the net to trim the lead.

Winterbourne's front duo of Cameron and Andrews were yanked at the break and this alleviated some of the pressure on the Bassett back four. However, the runaway Division One West leaders still created chances.

Hawkins did well to deny a Walker free kick, diving to his right to prevent a goal before a crossfield ball to James Mainstone, created a one-on-one opportunity for the winger but Mainstone shot wide.

Bassett made two changes in quick succession bring Moses Greene on to replace Chris Hawkins before Jack Dodd replaced Sam Lawro.

With just under quarter of an hour to go a Danny Cook goal killed Bassett's tiny hopes of a comeback. Rhodes played a high ball, which was missed by Steve Howse, and Cook latched onto it before slotting past Hawkins from 15 yards.

Harry Sandhu replaced Craig MacLaren to give Bassett another attacking opportunity but the only chances created were by the visitors.

Chris Langman struck over from 25 yards before Mark Nash nearly caught Hawkins off his line but Nash drove the ball into the side netting.

A depleted Bassett couldn't repeat their success earlier in the season against Winterbourne – Bassett are the only team to defeat the Bristol based side – and need to improve if they are to trim the gap between themselves and the top sides in the league during the busy period running up to Christmas.

At least for now there aren't any more major cup distractions before Christmas.

Scoop's Man of the Match: Sam Lawro – composed as ever as he continues to shine and prove his place in the starting 11 unlike some others. Displayed good vision as he looked to spread the ball about and never shirked a challenge all game.

Scoop Rating: 5/10 – Although the squad was depleted, it was another below average display. The defence needs to stop putting undue pressure on Paul Hawkins as they were continually beat by the ball over the top against a team who know where the back of the net is.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Thursday 17th September 2020 at 18:58