This was our first game played on a ground frost which was not helped by a light mist in the air. The grass on the pitch was long making it heavy underfoot, not the best environment for Bassett to show off their improved passing game.

The game started very evenly with Croft contesting hard for every loose ball. It did not take long for Bassett′s passing game to emerge which tends to start from the back. A good pass from Oliver to Callum then from Callum to Ben, Ben shoots and hits the cross bar, "thats what I mean by good passing!" Bassett were now on top passing the ball around at will. Croft are a strong physical side but could not break down our defence of Oliver, Scott and Jack, again very solid. Croft pushed hard through the middle only to meet Oliver who passed to Scott, Scott found Sam who switched the ball to Ben, Ben made a very good run down the right wing, then the cross, aimed at Callum, Callum shoots, just missed, over the top of the cross bar. Ben and Jack worked hard supported each other very well, it was this combination which lead to the first goal. Ben made a good run down the wing then with two players around him found the space to get the pass off to Jack, Jack had a shot at goal sticking the ball extremely hard, the Croft defender attempted to make the clearance but managed to slice the ball into the back of his own net, unlucky….Bassett take the lead. The work rate from both Jack and Ben on the right wing was outstanding as they both supported each other with the one two′s carving through the Croft defence each time. Bassett were very unlucky in the first half as several passes that normally would have found their intended targets just didn′t have the legs. Half time 0-1 to Bassett.

The second half started like the end of the first with Bassett passing the ball around to the feet of their team members. Bassett made several breaks but just couldn′t find the back of the Croft goal. Croft then found some drive and attempted to push through the heart of the Bassett′s defence the only opportunity Croft had was covered very well by Joe. Croft started to dig in holding onto the ball as Bassett started to defend deeply. Joe again was asked to make some good saves keeping Bassett in the game. The game started to become a little scrappy as Croft battled at every opportunity. A good pass from Callum gave Sam some space a good shot saved by the Croft keeper.

Bassett were now back on top forcing Croft back, a ball was cleared heading towards the croft right corner flag, Callum stared the chase, their defender did not know what hit them as Callum, with great skill, took the ball away from the feet of the defender drove for the goal line and steered the ball into the back of the net. A fantastic piece of individual skill. Bassett are now two up and looking very strong. Bassett′s third goal came again from great movement from the back, Jack found Oliver in the back, Oliver made a perfect pass to Ben who, using good skill, took the ball around two players to make space for the shot. The shot was struck with superb accuracy to the left of the Croft keeper finding the back of the net. Bassett are now three up. The combination of Sam, Ben and Callum were now finding gaps in the Croft defence and with the support from the back three you knew the forth was on its way, and sure enough it came. Sam found Ben on his right, again Ben drove into the corner then striking the ball hard for the cross left a simple tap in for Scott to convert. Final score 0-4 to Bassett.

Bassett had no substitutes today and most of the players picked up heavy knocks through the game, they knew they could not come off and all played through their pain. Well done lads a good game specifically in the second half. I know Andy Amos would have been proud of todays performance

Credit: Andy Walduck
Last modified on Sunday 27th December 2020 at 17:16