Phew!!!, what a game, don′t really know where to start, but here goes.
The boys travelled to Ferndale Rodbourne this week, in a top of the table clash knowing that a hard physical encounter was awaiting them. Bassett started off slowly and never really put their foot on the ball and controlled play, Ferndale were quickly into their stride and Fraser was soon tested. Play continued in this manner for most of the first period with the boys especially the midfield never really getting going, being second to the ball on most occasions The defence of Harry, Cole, Grant, Ellis and also Kerion managed to cope with most of the attacks, with the only real danger coming from long high through balls. Fraser meanwhile, had probably his busiest game in goal for Bassett today and had to be on his toes a couple of times to brilliantly come out of his box to clear away any danger.
Although Ferndale had most of the possession, clear cut chances were few and far between, with corners probably being their most likely avenue for goals. Tom and Nick up front were restricted to a handful of half chances and the team could count themselves very lucky to go into half time with the scores still level, based on the amount of possession.
After a few harsh words at half time, the boys came out rearing to go, or so we thought. Play continued much in the same vein as it did in the first half, with Ferndale having most of the possession in midfield, but really creating very little in front of goal. The breakthrough finally came about midway through the half when Josh who was now playing on the left, picked up the ball just inside the Ferndale half and drove forward beating two players, he cut back onto his right foot and floated the ball over to Jack just inside the penalty area, who at full stretch managed to poke the ball just past the on rushing goal keeper and into the net.
Yes. What a relief !!! But hold on !! Ferndale thought they had equalised immediately after the restart when a corner from their right was bundled over the line, the ref having given the goal, consulted with the linesmen, who claimed their had been some pushing on the Bassett players before the ball went in, therefore goal disallowed much to the annoyance of the Ferndale players, parents and manager. However, after this set back Ferndale continued to push forward, but with the defence and especially Ellis and Kerion gaining in confidence, marshalled excellently by Grant and Harry, clear cut chances were limited. The game was finally put out of Ferndale′s reach with about 5 minutes to go, after a throw in, to Bassett midway into the Ferndale half, the ball was cleared out to Josh, who hit a superb right foot volley into the roof of the net from the edge of the area giving the goal keeper no chance. The game ended much to the relief of the Bassett contingent, with three points in the bag.
Although not one of the most spectacular and coherent of performances from the boys today, it was a very good battle against one of their main rivals for the league.
Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Sunday 27th December 2020 at 15:57
