Sunday 12th October 2008 - Lydiard Youth 'A' (A)

The opponents for the second round of the NWKC cup match were Lydiard Youth 'A'. Just like Bassett, Lydiard 'A' have a 100% record in the North Wilts West Division this season. On a big and grassy pitch, this was going to be a tough game for Bassett.

The match started at great pace, Lydiard didn't touch the ball for 2 minutes then a mistake in midfield, caught the Bassett defence out of position and the Lydiard forward showed pace and power to hold off a tackle and score low in the bottom corner.

Bassett bounced straight back and were level within a minute. A free kick was conceded halfway inside the Lydiard half, Euan sent the ball goal bound with superb flight rather than power and the Lydiard keeper got his hands to the ball but could not keep the ball from dropping into the net.

The very next attack saw Lydiard go back in front. A strong run down the right saw a low hard cross intercepted at the front post by Lewis. Unfortunately the ball couldn't be cleared and the resulting shot found the top corner from 7 yards. Two – one after 5 minutes, no one dared guess how many more goals were to come!

The next 5 minutes were dominated by Lydiard. However, for all their possession, Lydiard only tested Connor once, this being when he made a good save down to his left following a strong run and shot from the Lydiard forward. On 12 minutes Bassett finally put some passes together when strong defensive tackle by Alanah, was followed by some neat passing from Lewis to Euan, who then ran the ball through midfield and passed to Callum, his first time pass gave Ryosuke space to exploit but unfortunately the resulting shot was blocked by the Lydiard defender as it headed goal bound.

Following this scare, Lydiard once again dominated the game, with some excellent control and inter changes of passing but they failed to convert pressure to goals or even clear chances. Just before half time, Euan ran the ball from midfield, but was tripped as he was in full flow. The resulting free kick was another 'floated' attempt by Euan, but this time the Lydiard keeper was up to the mark and punched the ball clear.

Half Time 1-2

Lydiard cane out for the second half where they left off. They had most of the ball without adding to the score. Last ditched tackles from Jordan and Lewis ensured that Lydiard didn't get a clear shot on Connor's goal. The tenacity of the defence, plus some strong tackling in midfield particularly by Harrison, slowly got Bassett back into the game. On 10 minutes two Bassett half chances fell to Ryosuke and Euan but unfortunately neither shot tested the Lydiard keeper. Two minutes later, Connor showed his alertness with another good save from a low hard shot following an error in the Bassett defence.

On 12 minutes, Bassett put together their move of the game. A strong challenge in defence by Lewis stopped a Lydiard attack, the ball was moved through midfield by Ryosuke and Euan and was picked up again by Ryosuke on the edge of the Lydiard box. Ryosuke showed strength in the challenge and got a left foot shot away which found the bottom corner of the goal.

Bassett got the ball back almost straight from the kick off and pushed forward at pace. A high ball was knocked into the Lydiard box, the Lydiard keeper looked to have everything under control but Ryosuke never gave up hope and as the ball bounced, he managed to stretch out his toe to stab the ball into the empty goal.

Bassett were now in control and on 15 minutes Jordan hit a long free kick into the Lydiard box. The Lydiard defenders could not get the ball clear as Harrison chased everyone down with great determination. A half chance fell to Harrison, who got a shot away and the ball was deflected into goal.

The final 5 minutes were full of excitement and tension. Following a good move, Callum brought a fine save from the Lydiard keeper, as his shot curled towards the bottom corner. Lydiard had not given up on the game but two great tackles by Alanah made sure that they did not add to their goal tally. The final whistle went much to the relief of the Bassett management team and supporters, the players however could have run on and on and on.

Match Analysis: A hard fought victory which showed great courage and resilience from the team. Lydiard were a quality opposition with some skilful and physical players. This game showed the players that you don't need to control the whole game to win, but you need to work hard together and make it count when opportunity presents itself.

Player of the Match: Another great team performance but one player stood out today. His commitment in the tackle and endless running kept Bassett in a game that could have easily slipped away. Today's award goes to Harrison Russ.

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