The match at Rylands way started with a substitution even before the kick off with Ted′s Dad, Greg, having to referee due to the scheduled Ref not turning up. However Bassett took to the field full of confidence for this 2nd round Cup Tie having beaten Shrivenham & Watchfield 3-1 in the league. The largest crowd of the season so far was full of anticipation as Shrivenham kicked off. They pressurised Bassetts goal and missed an easy chance after 3 mins. Shortly after, Shrivenham conceded a corner which Josh whipped in just over the heads of the advancing strikers. It was now end to end action with a great shot from Josh being pushed behind for a corner. Another fine run up the right wing by Josh who sent in a great cross that just missed all our attacking players. Shrivenham counter attacked and on 6 minutes Ted foiled a good move by Shrivenham with a superb interception. Another corner for Bassett came to nothing and Shrivenham broke quickly but Tom in goal advanced toward the player and made him shoot over the bar. On 11 minutes Matthew played a superb long ball to Josh with only the keeper to beat neatly tucked away the ball into the bottom right hand corner, Bassett 1 nil up. Jack Watling tried a long range effort which just went wide. Shrivenham went on the offensive but Ted & Jack Watling where very strong in defence. After 15 mins Tom produced 2 quality saves and the resulting huge drop kick went to Josh who just shot wide. After 18 mins Tom saved again from point blank range but the ball went to a Shrivenham player who only had to tap in for the equaliser, 1-1. Jack Clarke went close after 20 mins and just before half time Josh was subbed by Theo.

Half Time 1-1

Bassett kicked off the second half desperate for another goal and after just 2 mins Theo got brought down in the box for a penalty which went wide. Theo was in the action again soon after and just missed with a good effort.Shrivenham started to pile on the pressure with wave after wave of attacking moves but the basset defence was solid with George, Jack Watling and Tom saving the day. Jack Watling was subbed by Ted after 12 mins of the second half. Tom saved again from close range and sent a good kick out which Dec latched onto and put the ball firmly in the back of the net after 20 mins. Right from the kick off Shrivenham mounted an attack and scored a fortunate goal with Tom unsighted, 2 all. Deep into the seond half Tom made yet another a world class save to keep Bassett in the game.In the dying minutesTed somehow managed to clear what would have been a certain goal. With Shrivenham again looking strong Bassett where glad to hear the final whistle.

2 - 2 PENALTIES.

Penalty shoot out, you could smell the tension in the air. Shrivenham to shoot first, Tom in goal doing a Schmeical pulled off a magnificent save with his knees, 0-0. Up steps Josh who,cool as cucumber, drills the ball into the bottom right hand corner. 1-0. Tom had no chance with next shot, 1-1. Bassetts next effort goes agonisingly just over the bar. Shrivenham hit the post, still 1-1. Matthew steps up for Bassett and sends a rocket of a shot into the bottom right hand corner, 2-1 to Bassett. Shrivenham score with their next effort to make the scores level at 2-2. Jack Clarke places the ball on the spot steps back and sends an un-stopable shot into the back of the net. 3-2. Non of the parents have any finger nails left, the players can′t bear to watch as the Shrivenham player steps up to try and keep the game alive with their 5th and final penalty. Tom, making himself as large as possible in goal, on his toes trying to predict where the ball is going. The Shrivenham player shoots to the top right hand corner, it seems a certain goal, Tom launches himself at the ball, gets both hands to it and tips it over the bar. Stunned silence, then uproar as the home crowd and the players realise Bassett have won the most exciting game of football you could ever wish to see. Bassett win on penalties 3-2. I wish I′d had a camera I′d send the film to Sven!!!!! the players and also Lauren contributed to this magnificent Team effort with everyone making a contribution. Most of the parents will need therapy after this one but I′m sure they will be back for more punishment next week. Well done lads, in every game and in every way you′re getting better and better. Solid Crew!!!

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Sunday 27th December 2020 at 17:42