The first half kicked off in glorious sunshine and it was almost warm! A good sign that spring is on its way. Both sides played end to end football but neither having a shot on goal within the first ten minutes. Then Ferndale started pushing Bassett a little and created their first opportunity, which was a long shot from distance which Joe saved with some comfort. Then it was Bassett′s turn to turn on the football with some fantastic passing from Tyler to pick out Callum down the left, the Ferndale defence was strong and dealt with Callum′s attack each time. Then Callum found some space from a cross, again from Tyler which was saved. Bassett were now on top of the game passing the ball around very well. Against the run of play Ferndale found some space in front of Bassett′s goal, then the shot, which was hit hard and low, Joe saves with his left hand pushing the ball around his post. Sam battled well in the middle of the park laying balls off to Tyler and Callum attempting to take control of the midfield. The first half was very even represented by the score 0-0.

Ferndale came out in the second half with only one intention that was to win the game. A volley was hit towards Bassett′s goal from the side line, this had beaten Joe and hit the crossbar. Bassett came back at Ferndale testing their defence, and won a free kick. Tyler stuck the ball well, which was deflected, and almost went in for an own goal. Then Ferndale broke down their left, our defence of Josh, Scott and Oliver stood up well against the attack of Ferndale until now. Ferndale was placing lots of pressure on Bassett, our defence stood still, watching the ball, while Ferndale found the back of Bassett′s net to take the lead. The reason why our defence stood still was that the ball went out for a goal kick, not seen by the Ref. The lesson here is to play to the whistle boys. At the kick off Ben played a good pass to Tyler who had a shot at goal, which was saved. With ten minutes to go Bassett changed their formation to only have two at the back allowing one additional attacker. Bassett did go up a gear at this point, Ben managed to work some space to cross the ball which could not be converted into a goal. Bassett′s best chance of the game was created by Callum down Bassett′s left, he found some space and shot at goal, the ball was hit high towards goal. Ben ran towards the goal but could not find the required control and hit the ball over the goal. Bassett were on top now passing the ball around well into space. Sam found himself in front of goal and had three consecutive shots, but none of which found the back of the net. What did we need to do to score? With Bassett pushing forward, Ferndale found some space down our left, Scott came across to block the ball in front Joe, the ball was deflected into the path of Ferndale′s attacker who struck the ball into the back of Bassett′s net. Final score 0 – 2 to Ferndale.

I think Bassett were very unlucky today, the opportunities we had would have normally converted into goals. At times we played some very good football, but I felt we were not physical enough giving Ferndale too much respect. I also believe that the score line flattered Ferndale and a draw should have been the result. Bad luck lads and enjoy your Easter break.

Credit: Andy Walduck
Last modified on Sunday 27th December 2020 at 17:26