For the first ten minutes the game was very even, Bassett were not allowed to play as Stratton placed pressure on us giving us little time on the ball. Josh and Tyler were linking up well with some one two's as they attempted to cut through the Stratton defence. I must say that the Stratton defence was very strong they have some very good defenders. The game was turning into a scrappy game with no team having shots at goal but the ball was travelling between both sets of defenders. Then the break through, a good pass from Fraser to Sam, Sam plays a great ball into the feet of Josh, Josh shoots and scores a very well taken goal. Bassett take the lead. Callum is working hard on the right, battling for every ball and linking up well with Fraser and Arron.

Stratton look a little dangerous on the break, they were playing the ball over the top, but most of the time the back four of Scott, Regan, Jack and Josh H managed to clear any attacks at Joe's goal. Bassett started to find their passing game but on too many occasions the ball was kicked high into the air and on a windy day like today, this is not the best tactic. Bassett push Stratton back with a good break by Arron, whose shot is saved by the keeper. Stratton attack Bassett finding a gap in the defence, Josh W clears the ball away for a throw. First half Bassett are 1-0.

The second half and Callum is replaced by Max. Again the game is scrappy and Stratton become very physical, two late tackles are punished by a goal. The first tackle is off the ball leaving Tyler on the floor holding his back, the second is on Arron just outside the box. Arron takes the second free kick and bends the ball into the top right hand side of the Stratton goal. A great free kick, Bassett are now two up. Josh H is replaced by Jake. Max is playing on the right and manages to pull the defence across but does not receive the ball very often which was a shame. Bassett at times looked like they were standing around when they should have been chasing and battling for the ball. Bassett attack through Fraser, Fraser passes to Max, Max races towards goal and manages to cross the ball, but the, very tall keeper, makes a clean catch. Then the third goal, a very good pass from Sam finds Josh W Josh runs goal bound and shoots and finds the back of the net. Bassett are now three up. Scott is replaced by Dale. Dale is asked to defend as Stratton break down the left, Dales clears the ball well. Arron is all over the pitch picking the ball up from a defensive position on the left and then 2 minutes later on the right working with Max. Stratton make a break down the centre left channel and finds a gap but the ball runs towards Joe, both Dale and Regan back off, but so does Joe, allowing the Stratton forward to smack the ball into the back of the net. The game is still very scrappy with Bassett not playing to their potential, specifically some poor passing and playing the ball in the air.

Bassett are on the attack and Arron is brought down in the box, and Bassett are awarded a penalty. Fraser steps up, but miss hits the ball dragging it across to the left of the goal. Tyler is replaced by Callum for the last 5 minutes of the game. Callum like Max attempts to get stuck in, but Stratton are making it very hard for Bassett. Final score 3-1.

I don't think we played that well today, we lost our shape and played too many high balls, this is just not our game. We had many opportunities to play the ball wide; Max was unmarked on the right on many occasions but did not get that all important pass. Saying that not playing well and winning 3-1 is a sign of a good team, a win is a win.

Credit: Andy Walduck
Last modified on Thursday 31st December 2020 at 13:31