It was cold, windy and wintry showers in the air, just the combination needed for a good cup game, also the pitch was smaller then we are used to.

Bassett kicked off the game playing into the strong wind which made playing football very hard. The first five minutes were quite even with both teams trying to find their passing game, which was hampered by the unevenness of the pitch but also the conditions. At this point a hail storm hit Highworth and the referee abandoned play, as both teams could not see, and I'm sure it was hurting their legs.

Once the weather sorted itself out the game continued. Wind assisted Highworth placing some pressure onto Bassett, but they never looked like they would test Joe in goal. Bassett pushed Highworth back, with a nice break by Ben on the right, Ben worked the ball well and crosses the ball, Sam runs onto the ball, but the Highworth defender tackles Sam. Sam again in the action playing a good ball to Josh W, Josh crosses the ball, Ben flies in for the header but the ball is a little too high, the ball falls into the feet of Sam, Sam cracks the ball goal bound, but it hits the cross bar. Bassett are on top now not allowing Highworth anytime on the ball. Arron, Sam and Ben were linking well playing the one two's but on time we looked a little cramped. Callum M was playing well in the holding role, pushing forward when needed but also dropping back when required. Then Josh W breaks down the left supported by Arron, but Highworth clear the attack. I must say Bassett's defence of Josh H, Regan, Jack and Scott were very strong at the back not allowing any Highworth attack to break through. Fraser picks up the ball from midfield and plays in Sam, Sam plays a great one two with Josh W and Josh is away, he breaks through the Highworth defence and shoots, but the shot is just wide. Fraser fights for the ball, turns and shoots, but again the shot is wide. Bassett are on top of this game but just can't find the back of the net, Ben breaks, and shoots but the shot is saved. Half time all square.

The second half started very much as we ended the first, with Bassett much too strong for Highworth. Sam is replaced by Tyler. Within two minutes Josh W works the ball well down the left and shoots, but the shot is just wide of the intended target. Again and again pushing Highworth back, Tyler works hard to win the ball in a crowded midfield, and finds the space to work the shot, but again it's wide. Bassett looked like they were going to score. Arron runs around the Highworth defenders and crosses the ball, Tyler controls the ball and shoots, but the shot is saved. Bassett were playing their football in the Highworth half, Highworth could not clear their lines. Jake is on for Josh H. Then the break through, Fraser cracks a ball from some 20 yards away and the ball flies into the top corner of the Highworth goal. Bassett take the lead. Again Bassett pile on the pressure, Josh W find the space to shoot, the Highworth goal keeper pushes the ball around his goal for the corner. Jake steps up to take the corner, the corner is struck very well and is swinging in towards the goal mouth, it deflects off a Highworth defender and hits the back of the net for Bassett's second, a great in-swinging corner by Jake. Bassett are now attempting to play their passing game but this was hampered by the wind and the unevenness of the pitch. Bassett won a corner which was taken by Tyler, again the corner was taken with swing, the swing beat everyone and went over goal line, and however the referee and lines men did not notice that the ball had crossed the line before the goal keeper placed his hands on the ball.

Bassett again pushing forward, a pass from Callum M found Tyler, Tyler drives goal bound he cracks the ball with his left boot, but the shot is saved. Josh W breaks runs with the ball towards the goal keeper, the brave goal keeper attempts to save the ball at the same time Josh is attempting to chip the ball, the Highworth goal keeper comes off the worse. Ben is replaced by Callum G. Fraser was being man to man marked today which leads to some frustration, which he controlled very well. Then the third goal, Arron forces him self through onto goal and shoots, the ball hits the back of the net. Again and again Bassett push back Highworth, although some attacks were attempted by either, Regan, Jack, Jake or Scott dealt with the break at ease in most cases. Bassett pushed Highworth back to win the corner, Tyler steps up and bends the ball in, the ball hits the feet of Arron who cracks the ball into the net for his second and Bassett's fourth. Final Score 0-4.

Although Highworth did attempt to break through, they never threatened Bassett's goal, our defence is very solid. It was a great team effort today well done to the lads. I would also like to make a small point, Bassett U11 have now reached two cup finals and we are not out of the league title yet. I hope you all agree, without the drive and encouragement from Andy who is supported by Matt we would not be in this position. Thanks guys.

Credit: Andy Walduck
Last modified on Monday 28th December 2020 at 20:10