Sunday 21st December 2008 - Greenmeadow 'A' (A)

Seven days after producing their best performance of the season against Greenmeadow, the Under 9 "A" Team entertained the same opponents, this time at Rylands Way.

The expectant crowd didn't have long to wait for the first action of the match, as Callum chased down the Greenmeadow kick off, advanced the ball into the box and scored with barely 20 seconds on the clock.

The next few minutes saw both teams trying to settle down and come to terms with the strong wind blowing down the pitch. Both defences looked comfortable and well timed tackles from Alanah and Lewis ensured Greenmeadow didn't get sight on goal. Greenmeadow's first real chance came on 6 minutes when a firm strike from the winger was comfortably saved by Conor.

Bassett went straight back at their opponents. Ryosuke's pass found Tyler on the edge of the Greenmeadow box and his low shot went just wide of the post.

A minute later, Bassett were awarded a free kick half way inside the Greenmeadow half. Lewis curled a great cross straight "into the mixer", which was met at the back post by Harrison to knock in from 3 yards.

On 8 minutes Bassett scored again. Ryosuke advanced the ball from midfield. His pass found Tyler, who controlled the ball and put it back into the path of Ryouske who had continued his run. One touch and then Ryosuke shot into the left corner of the goal giving the keeper no chance.

Bassett were in charge of the game. The defence was well organised, Alanah making the tackles and Jordan or Lewis sweeping up any scraps. The midfield were working hard, tracking back and linking well with Tyler when going forward. The next Bassett chance came when a cross from the right found Tyler whose shot went narrowly wide.

On 15 minutes Bassett scored their 4th. Lee Murphy who had an exceptional game for the visitors, cleared the ball off the line twice but could not do it a third time as Harrison found Ryosuke, who found Tyler to slot home from close range.

On 20 minutes, Harrison cut in from the right and found Ryosuke who shot into the side netting from a narrow angle. As half time approached, Greenmeadow broke down the left and a fine shot required a good save by Conor to keep it out.

Half Time: 4-0

Two minutes into the second half Bassett won the ball out on the left. Euan advanced towards the area, his pass found Tyler 3 yards out, unmarked and the outcome was goal number 5.

A minute later Tyler completed his hat trick when he received the ball on the left edge of the box, turned and shot past the advancing keeper.

Five minutes later, Callum battled hard out on the right. He never gave up, rode and made several tackles and was rewarded as the ball broke and he could run towards goal. Unselfishly, he found Euan free in the box. A cool finish made it 7-0.

The play was all with Bassett, any Greenmeadow attack was swiftly dealt with by Jordan, Alanah or a hard running midfielder. The ball was on the ground and everyone was trying to use it wisely, looking for another team mate or running into space if the opportunity arose.

Another goal or two were inevitable, on 18 minutes Callum advanced on the right and again his pass found Euan who took the ball into the area to score his second.

As the final whistle approached, the ball was not cleared by Greenmeadow and Harrison shot from the edge of the box to score his second of the match.

Match Analysis: Another excellent performance by the team. Strong running, firm tackling and plenty of desire to "play" football. Conor, with Alanah, Jordan and Lewis are now working extremely well as a defensive unit. Clean sheets at this age are not easy to come by. The defence are linking well with the midfield and passing the ball out from the back when opportunity presents. Callum, Harrison, Ryosuke and Euan work tirelessly in midfield. They work back and yet all have the energy to get forward and score goals. Tyler and Lewis, when pushed forward, both work hard, running the angles and showing for the midfield. Both are now holding the ball up, protecting it and waiting for the midfield to give them an option.

Player of the Match: Another great team performance but with 3 fine "predatory" goals and an "assist" today's award goes to Tyler Fitchett. Well Played!!

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