Sunday 18th January 2009 - Swindon Rangers (H)

The first competitive match of the New Year saw Bassett "A" Team entertain Swindon Rangers in the Quarter Final of the NWDC Cup competition. Swindon Rangers came to Rylands Way with a similar record in their league to Bassett, winning most with only a couple of draws, this was going to be a tough game.

During the first few minutes Swindon had most of the ball but despite the pressure they couldn't get a clear sight on goal due to the tight defending of the Bassett team. Bassett's first chance came on 4 minutes when a free kick was conceded half way into the Swindon half. Euan curled the kick into the Swindon area but no one could get a touch and the ball went just wide of the far post.

The next 5 minutes showed that this was going to be a game of few chances as both midfields worked hard and both defences were put under pressure by the opposing forwards. On 12 minutes Swindon took the lead with their move of the game. Quick running and a swift interchange of passes presented Joe Tyson with a great chance of scoring from 6 yards out, which he took with much aplomb.

Bassett came straight back and on the next attack but Tyler was unlucky as his shot went just wide. A minute later Bassett were level as Ryosuke took the ball down the right, crossed for Euan to let the ball run across his body and strike into the roof of the net with his left foot from the edge of the box.

Within 2 minutes Bassett were ahead. A free kick for hand ball was awarded just inside the Swindon half. Jordan stroked the ball into the Swindon "melting pot" where no one could get a touch and it bounced high into the top corner for a well deserved goal.

On 18 minutes a smart move between Euan, Ryosuke and Tyler resulted in Euan's shot being blocked at the last moment by the Swindon defender. The last action of the half saw a fine double save from Michael Williams in the Swindon goal. Firstly Euan put Tyler through. Tyler beat the last defender but his shot was brilliantly saved by the advancing keeper. The ball bounced out towards Callum who shot towards goal but out of nowhere Michael dived to tip the ball over for a corner.

Half-time: 2-1

Swindon started the second half at full pace and as the ball was knocked into the Bassett area, it was partially cleared but picked up by the Swindon midfield on the edge of the box. A smart shot saw Conor stop the ball going into the top corner and then quickly drop to the floor to gather up the loose ball. A minute later Conor was called into action again as he pushed a Swindon free kick around the post.

Bassett's first attack of the second half came on 5 minutes as Ryosuke advanced down the right, a foul resulted in a free kick which Euan struck just over the bar.

The second half was proving to be just as tight as the first with no clear cut chances at either end. Harrison, Euan and Ryosuke were battling hard in midfield, Tyler controlled the ball superbly well and brought the midfielders into every attack and the defence stood firm. Alanah and Lewis made some excellent challenges to stop the prolific Swindon forward line getting any decent shots on goal and Jordan swept up any lose scraps.

The last chance of the game fell to Swindon on 19 minutes. A free kick was conceded on the edge of the box but luckily for Bassett the resulting shot went wide.

Match Analysis: This was a very tight game with few chances created at either end. Bassett's best team display of the season proved to be the deciding point over a very good and skilful opposition. From the goal keeper to the forward line and from the forward line back to the keeper, every Bassett player worked, ran and showed for each other throughout the game. A ball was never lost by a Bassett player, the tireless running of each individual meant it was only "temporarily missing"!

Player of the Match: In the best team performance of the season it is hard single out just one player but this week's award goes to Jordan Taylor who read the game superbly well, controlled the defence and swept up any lose ends that came begging.

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