Hardwicke Playing Fields, 11th February 2006
Tytherington Rocks forward Jimmy Potts was unable to add to his league leading 34 goals as he was thwarted by another outstanding performance by the Bassett defence – who showed why they have the best record in the league.
Paul Burke reverted to a more conventional back four to keep Potts in check. It worked as his only shot on goal was a weak effort straight at John Haines twenty five minutes into the second period in an end to end game that produced little in front of goal.
On four minutes Ben Gascoyne made his way down the left before cutting back inside and firing a left footed shot but 'keeper Rob Dent didn't have to move to make an easy move.
A one-two between Rich Unwin and Gascoyne opened up a hole in the Tytherington defence, allowing an unmarked Stu Hemsley to run at goal. Hemsley tried taking the ball around Dent but was forced too wide to be able to get a shot off and Dent smothered at his feet.
A minute later Haines threw quickly to Steve Bunting, who ran the length of the pitch before unleashing a powerful 25-yard effort that flew just over the bar.
Ten minutes before halftime Unwin was booked for a late foul before and was lucky not to walk. Unwin was brought off at half time as a precaution and Paul Crabtree came on as his replacement.
Three minutes into first half stoppage time David Legg nearly gave the hosts the lead when he headed a Nick Ackland cross onto the crossbar and then headed the rebound straight at Haines.
On 52 minutes a Bunting cross fell to Crabtree at the far post. Unwin's replacement struck first time and his shot sailed just wide.
Three minutes later Haines made a routine save from a 30-yard James Ackland effort before Hemsley struck across goal and just wide.
John Magani replaced Justin Hyde just before the hour mark to add more pace to the front line, but this move took away the aerial threat created by Hyde.
In the 64th minute Bassett failed to clear a James Ackland cross and the ball subsequently fell to John Peacock on the edge of the area. However Peacock could only loop the ball over the bar.
Potts had his first chance of the match five minutes later but shot straight at Haines from 25-yards.
Anthony McCusker replaced Bunting with eleven minutes to go as Bunting suffered an injury.
With five minutes to go Bassett survived another scare when Legg found himself with the ball unmarked and 12 yards out but Legg's touch was poor and Haines was able to scoop up the loose ball.
Scoop's Man of the Match: Steve Yeardley – led by example with a great performance at the back. Yeardley made crucial tackles, made good runs forward and distributed the ball well.
Scoop Rating: 8/10 – Another great defensive performance, earning a crucial point against a team who had scored 8 in their previous game. Looked threatening going forward too but were denied thanks to solid defending from Tytherington.
Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Friday 18th September 2020 at 10:29
