Arguably this was a top of the table clash which was always going to be a tight affair. It was a very windy day which was helping Shaw in the first half. For the first ten minutes the game was very even. Then Shaw took control using the wind to their advantage. Joe was forced to make some very good saves which in the main were catches from firmly hit shots.

Bassett were camped in their own half, the defence of Scott, Jack and Josh were strong in most cases forcing Shaw to shoot at distance on many occasions. The ball was cleared to Tyler who found Callum on the left, Callum forced him self down the line and Shaw cleared the ball away for the Corner. Then Shaw counter attacked down Bassett′s right, forcing a corner. The corner was taken well, using the wind to shape the ball towards Bassett′s goal, Joe was forced to punch the ball away. Then against the run of play Bassett score. Josh passed the ball to Tyler who found Sam who passed to Callum, who crossed the ball in front of goal which left a simple tap in for Sam. A well worked goal.

Bassett worked well at the back to keep Shaw out for the first half. Half time score 1-0 to Bassett. At this point I was very buoyant as we were one up with the wind against us, we can only do better in the second half!

I′m not sure which team turned out in the second half!. Within the first 3 minutes of the second half Shaw scored levelling the game. What a shocker. Shaw were on top even with the wind into their faces, their passing was good and they fort for every ball, Bassett were just not on the pace.

Joe again and again was forced to make saves, and the pressure was coming from Shaw and you could see the winner coming. Bassett were standing off inviting Shaw to run at them and they did on many occasions. Then a break, Ben took the ball down the right, and managed to pass the ball back to Sam who had a shot at goal, but the shot was wide. Sam then made a great pass to Tyler who found some space to have a shot at goal, which was punched away, Callum struck the ball goal bound but just over the cross bar. Then Shaw pushed Bassett back each time breaking through midfield, and with some good passing found the back of the Bassett net. Final score 1-2 to Shaw.

For me this was not an enjoyable game to watch, not that I′m a bad looser you understand. My view was that the team did not want to win we were not tough enough allowing Shaw to push us off the ball time and time again. We did not chase the ball down sitting back and allowing Shaw to come onto us. Our passing was poor, a little like Arsenal right now. "Sorry Andy". We can, and have played, so much better then this in the past. Lots to work on, in Tuesday′s training session.

Credit: Andy Walduck
Last modified on Sunday 27th December 2020 at 17:21