Sunday 5th October 2008 - Stratton Juniors 'A' (H)

As the wind and rain swept across Rylands Way, the WBTFC U9s A Team took the pitch for their next league game against Stratton Juniors.

The early exchanges saw most of the play with Wootton Bassett without any clear chances being created. On 5 minutes a move down the right saw a cross into the near post, the ball fell to Tyler just two yards out who made no mistake to open the scoring for Bassett.

Over the next few minutes, Bassett pressed forward and but a goal eluded them. Ryosuke had a great chance when put through by a smart pass from Jordan but his last touch just gave the Stratton keeper a chance to make a good save. Without a Bassett goal being scored, Stratton started to come back into the game, two strong runs from deep in the Stratton half saw a bit of pressure on the Bassett defence. Alanah, Jordan and Lewis, along with Harrison tracking back from midfield, ensured no worthwhile attempt was made on the Bassett goal.

On 15 minutes, Euan surged past two Stratton players and laid the ball off with a neat pass to Tyler, whose shot was well saved by the Stratton keeper. Shortly after, Lewis intercepted a Stratton attack and passed the ball forward to Euan. Good control and a quick one-two with Tyler, gave Euan the opening that he relishes. A well timed shot from 10 yards, saw the Stratton keeper get his hands to the ball but he could not keep it from going into the net.

The last meaningful action of the first half was in the Bassett half. Another Stratton break from the back saw Alanah track back to catch the ball and as the Stratton forward swung to shot, Lewis jumped in to make a block and stop the shot heading goal bound.

Half Time: 2-0.

The half time team talk obviously took effect on the Bassett players because after 2 minutes Jordon picked up a throw from Harrison, his pass was perfectly weighted into the Stratton box, the Stratton keeper dwelled on his line presenting a great opportunity for Tyler to run onto the ball and hit a first time shot into the goal.

A minute later, Bassett picked up the ball again, Ryosuke and Euan went down the right, the ball was played across the box and as Tyler eyed his third goal, Harrison snuck in to poke the ball past the Stratton keeper.

On 5 minutes Bassett pushed forward again and a strong shot by Euan from well outside the Stratton box found itself in the bottom corner of the goal.

Shortly after Bassett had 3 corners on a trot. The first was scrambled away as Harrison and Lewis tried to get the final touch. The second saw Tyler's shot hit the bar, the third was eventually cleared, much to Stratton's relief.

The Bassett pressure on the Stratton goal was relentless and on 8 minutes, Ryosuke picked up a poor Stratton clearance, controlled the ball instantly and shot from 15 yards to make it 6-0.

The Bassett Team were now playing some flowing football, each player knew exactly what was required of them, everyone looked comfortable on the ball and they all used the ball wisely. The game was now totally in their control and on 12 minutes, another attack saw Euan shoot from a very acute angle to complete his hatrick.

A minute later saw the 8th goal of the game when another throw in was picked up by Jordan, whose ball into the Stratton box was met by Lewis, who slotted it past the keeper with ease.

The next action saw the move of the game from Bassett. A Stratton throw was headed clear by Jordan, a first time ball from Callum found Lewis 10 yards inside the Stratton half, a swivel pass found Harrison, who knocked the ball forward to Tyler, who completed his hatrick with a well placed shot. To get from the edge of their own area to the back of the Stratton net in 6 touches shows the ability of this U9 team. Quality Bassett, pure quality!!

On 18 minutes, Stratton were awarded a penalty as Harrison muscled the Stratton forward off the ball. A well struck penalty was confidently saved by Connor to his left. Soon after, Stratton got another opportunity, but again, Connor was up to the mark to make a brave save at the feet of the Stratton forward.

As full time approached, Bassett got a corner on the left. The ball was curled into the near post by Jordan, flicked on by Ryosuke and met on the volley by Lewis to make it double figures for Bassett. Text book football from Bassett, a set piece master class!

The last action of the game saw a ball break free to Jordan in midfield. A first time long range effort flew over the Stratton keeper and into the top of the net for a well deserved goal.

Match Analysis: A tight first half but Bassett took control early in the second and never let go. The players passed the ball well and used each other wisely to create chances. Connor was alert in goal, the defence very solid, Ryosuke bossed the midfield and Tyler, Euan and Lewis worked hard up front.

Player of the Match: Another tough decision as this was a quality performance by the team who are now looking the real deal. Today's award goes to Tyler Fitchett who worked hard all game, held the ball up and laid off to other team members when necessary and headed for goal when opportunity presented. A great hatrick to cap a fine performance.

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