Our match today was going to be tough as we were playing away against one of the top teams in the league. The match kicked off with Purton kicking downhill on a sloping pitch.

Reuben started off by playing through the middle and winning the ball which led on to some combination play with Alex and Ollie to create openings in the Purton defence. Tico, on the right, put in some good clearances and was tested by the Purton left winger. Mitchell played solidly in the middle of the defence breaking up the play and acting as a covering defender. In doing so, he won the ball and released it to Alex to make a good run down the left wing into the penalty area. Purton came back and made a shot that appeared goal-bound until Mitchell headed it wide. Purton created another chance but were foiled by a good catch from Ben. Purton continued to apply pressure and attack in numbers. The defence battled to get the ball away but it came loose in the penalty area and a Purton striker was on hand to score the first goal.

Topps worked hard harrying the attackers and stopping them from getting shots in.

Ollie was released to chase the ball and put pressure on the Purton defence. Bassett earned a free-kick in good position to the right of the goal but the shot from Alex went just over. Next Ollie combined with Alex and then on to Reuben whose shot was saved by the diving keeper. Bassett were playing good football and matching the opposition. Reuben got another shot in that needed a save from the keeper.

Tico put Ollie in but the attacked was foiled again. Bassett earned a corner but could not make it count as the whistle went for half-time.

In the second half, Bassett had the advantage of the slope. Some persistence from Tico on the right wing created an opportunity for Alex who was fouled and earned a free-kick. Bassett were making a play of the game but with a couple of slick passing movements, Purton were 2 up much to our disappointment.

Reuben made a run through the middle holding off players before he was fouled and he picked himself up to take the resulting free-kick. Purton came back and made a strike on goal that was blocked by Ben with his feet. The football was end to end as Bassett tried hard to get a goal back but then Purton found some space to score their third goal.

Alex went on a run through 5 tackles gaining good ground before he was smothered by their defence. Reuben followed Alex's example and ran though several tackles. Bassett managed to work the ball into the Purton penalty box where Alex had a shot saved by the keeper.

Bassett were now tiring. Martin came on to give Ollie a rest but seconds later Tico had taken a knock and had to go off to be replaced by Ollie. Purton brought on fresh legs and gaps appeared in the Bassett defence and we were punished with a fourth and fifth goal. Bassett worked a scoring chance from a throw in but the shot went over the bar. Purton got a sixth goal to wrap up the match.

Bassett put in a lot of effort and did create scoring chances but the score line was unfortunate after a good first half performance.

Man of the Match – Reuben Querzani-Southan

Credit: Unknown
Last modified on Monday 28th December 2020 at 21:08