The boys returned to league action this weekend following both the half term break and postponement of their last game.

Stratton Juniors provided the opposition at Ballards Ash in what is traditionally a hard fought and physical encounter.

Bassetts cause was not helped before the start of the game with late withdrawals from both Fraser and Josh due to injury, however after a little bit of tinkering Bassett still managed to send out a very strong looking side.

The game started off rather scraply (not sure that this is this an actual word ??) with both sides struggling to find their feet.

Bassett playing in a slightly different formation still managed to create the better of the goal opportunities with Tom going close on a number of occasions, Harry in his new found role midfield looked dangerous every time he went forward and was ably supported by both Nick and Daniel in the centre of the park.

The wide men Neil and Seb both had little chance to really impress due to a lack of supply, and with the back four of Kerion, Jack, Grant and Cole the Bassett goal was rarely threatened.

However on the few occasions that Stratton did manage to breach the back line, Ellis in goal was in fine form making a number of good saves and also coming out of his box to clear away any danger.

The Bassett goal finally came just before the break when a speculative shot from midway into the Stratton half by the ever busy Harry deceived the Stratton goal keeper who let the ball bounce just in front of him and over his head into the goal.

Stratton then began to put some pressure onto the Bassett defence and created a number of chances but were denied by some excellent clearances and tackling and goal keeping from Ellis.

The half finishing with Bassett still holding onto their slender lead.

The second half started with Bassett again creating the better of the chances and with this, one could sense the increasing frustration of the Stratton players who as the half wore on were committing more and more needless fouls all over the pitch.

One of these fouls led to the second and decisive goal from Bassett, after again giving away a needless free kick half way inside their own half Stratton were made to pay the price when up stepped Jack who proceeded to wallop the ball into the back of the net to make it two nil to Bassett.

After this Stratton continued to push forward but could not find a way through, frustration boiled over when a long through ball from Stratton found its way through to Ellis who after collecting the ball was challenged very late and very high by the Stratton forward, this challenge left Ellis grounded for several minutes and was lucky he did not receive any serious injury.

The game finished with Basset well on top, with Cole evening having the confidence to do a few tricks on the edge of his box (much to the managers disbelief).

A good victory for the boys after such a long lay off.

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Sunday 27th December 2020 at 16:00