Sunday 21st September 2008 - Purton 'A' (H)

The September sun shone down on the U9s first cup game of the season. The opening 10 minutes were very tight, with few chances as both defences dominated with some excellent tackling and good headed clearances. The first real chance of the game arose after a strong Euan drive from midfield, his shot just slipping wide of the left hand post.

Bassett opened the scoring on 15 minutes. A throw in from the left bounced and ricocheted through to Tyler who coolly slotted the ball passed the Purton keeper from 6 yards. Purton fought back hard, with some strong running, but their lively and physical attack was well marshalled by the Bassett defence.

The energy displayed by the Bassett team in the heat of the sun paid tribute to their fitness and training. As half time approached, Bassett got another chance as a loose ball fell to Euan, whose first time shot just dipped over the cross bar from 20 yards. Purton were finishing the half strongly, Alanah and then Lewis doubled up with well timed tackles to stop the Purton forwards and when the ball broke into open space on the edge of the box, the Bassett players were slow to close the ball down and Purton took the opportunity with a long range shot which was heading for the top corner until Connor's hands appeared to push the ball over the bar with his first save of the game.

Half Time: 1-0

Purton started the second half well with all the play being in the Bassett half of the pitch. Bassett slowly got back into the game with some impressive tackling by Harrison, Alanah and Jordan which showed the way for the rest of the team. The Purton keeper was called to make a brave save at the feet of Euan after he'd played a lovely one-two with Tyler.

Purton struck back soon after with the best goal of the game, a loose ball was picked up in midfield and following a short run the Purton midfielder struck a sweet shot into the top corner giving Connor no chance. Within minutes Purton came forward again and Connor made a good save at the feet of their forward. Connor quickly got up and launched a long kick into the Purton half, no one could get the ball under control until Callum chipped it back into the Purton box and Tyler, with back to goal, flicked the ball under the Purton keeper.

Five minutes later Ryosuke broke from midfield with a strong run, passed the ball to an unmarked Tyler, who completed his hatrick with a smart shot. The final 10 minutes were full of tension and some excellent football from both teams. Alanah, Jordan and Lewis were immense in the Bassett defence, stopping anything that came their way. Bassett broke free on the counter attack but Tyler was brought down on the edge of the box. From the resulting free kick, Lewis drove the ball towards the top corner only to see a fine diving save from the Purton keeper who just tipped the ball over. This was the final action of a very enjoyable and hard fought match.

Match Analysis: The whole team showed great spirit and the defence of Alanah, Jordan and Lewis were exceptional. The midfield worked hard all game and Tyler was deadly upfront.

Player of the Match: Another tough decision as everyone contributed to a superb result, but the award goes to Lewis Ward who lead by example, was strong in every tackle and used the ball wisely to give the team a great base on which to build.

Last modified on Monday 22nd June 2015 at 23:39