Ballards Ash was bathed in sunshine for this Titanic top of the table match between Wootton Bassett and Marlborough. Marlborough kicked off with down hill and down wind advantage for the first half. For the first 5 minutes both sides were evenly balanced with both Callum and Josh making good runs at the Marlborough goal. Marlborough′s number 8 was causing our defence all sorts of problems, which Ted, Jack Watling and Tom dealt with until the 5th minute when they scored with an un stoppable shot low to Toms left. 0-1. This spurred Bassett into action and Josh was unlucky after a great run down the right. Marlborough again mount an attack and shoot just wide to the relief of everyone. 8 minutes gone and Josh puts in a great effort on goal, which is easily saved by their keeper. At this stage Ted, after 10 mins, has had enough and bounds up the pitch to send in a cruise missile of a shot which finds the back of the net. 1-1. The Marlborough players were glad they didn′t get in the way of that shot!!!
Another attack by Bassett sees a great volley from Jack Clarke saved. Several Marlborough attacks are thwarted with tremendous defending by Callum, Jack Clarke, Ted and Jack Watling. Twenty minutes gone and Marlborough score again with both their number′s 6 and 8 causing us all sorts of problems. 1-2. Just before half time Tom just gets a fingertip to a shot to deflect it onto the post, which allows Jack Watling to clear. The parent spectators have pulled most of their hair out at this stage and Nicola and Yvonne are doing a "Sharon Osborne" all over the place in response to some vocalising by the Marlborough parents.
Half Time 1-2
The lads gave Pod a good listening to at half time and came out to start the second half heads held high and full of determination. Josh got the message and scores a great goal in less than a minute of the re-start 2-2. This is better we are now down wind and with Toms hefty drop kicks starting to take effect we are getting back into a rhythm and attacking well. Several chances go a begging. Tom pulls of a fantastic save after17 mins of the second half stopping a certain goal. More good moves from Josh and Dec come to nothing. Tom stops a close range shot but can′t hold on to it and with the ball spinning viciously it hits the inside of the post and just creeps over the line 2-3.
Right from the kick of Dec takes charge and neatly beats their keeper for the equaliser 3-3. Basset now sense they can win this epic encounter with Jacob and Theo contributing to some good attacks but at almost full time it′s Matthew who scores the winner and although the ref seemed to be playing several minutes over we hold on, thanks to stout defending by George and Ted, to win 4-3. We had all eleven players from the B team turn up for the match today and every one got onto the pitch and contributed to this fantastic victory. When you consider that this is the lads first season of league and cup action and they are top of the league and through to the third round of the cup you will understand the level of team spirit and commitment they have. Again with Pod and Lauren at the helm the lads are improving with every game. The parents are off to the psychiatrist again but The B′s are a Buzzin!!!
Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Sunday 27th December 2020 at 17:44
