Sunday 5th October 2008 - Lydiard Youth 'B' (H)

After the distractions of the cup and the heroics of their narrow defeat to Elite Soccer, Bassett returned to Rylands Way for a rain-soaked encounter with Lydiard Youth, the team they had defeated by a cricket score in their final pre-season friendly.

Bassett had the best of the early play, with Declan Coffey making searching runs down the right and putting in a series of corners that severely tested the Lydiard defence.

Lydiard's attacks were rare and solidly repulsed by Beckham and Captain Tom, playing in his last match before moving to Devon. Bassett's early pressure paid off when Declan Cox launched a strong shot from outside the box which took a hefty deflection off a defender to find the back of the net : 1 – 0

The match then became an end to end encounter with the tigerish Matt and George never allowing the opposition to settle, snapping at their heels at every opportunity. Lydiard grew in confidence, however, and after skimming the post they duly scored an equaliser moments later following some confusion in the blue ranks: 1- 1

The rain now beat even harder as Bassett began to pass beautifully in the difficult conditions with Ben showing great determination, twisting and turning to find some space. His efforts were rewarded as he surged into the penalty box to give a pinpoint pass to George who duly slotted home his first goal of the season : 2 – 1

This setback seemed to galvanise the Lydiard boys and they began to ask more questions of the Bassett defence. A surge down the right was not snuffed out quickly enough and a pacy opposition attacker was able score at the near post: 2 – 2

Beckham now began to make searching forays down the right wing and after one particularly strong run drew a defender and passed to George who, once more, was able to calmly slide the ball into the net.

Half time: 3 – 2

Beckham took the gloves for the second half with Isaac going up front and there were some early scares for the Lydiard defence with several goalmouth scrambles only just going wide. Scott continued to make several important interceptions and Harry Woodhouse battled hard to thwart the Lydiard forwards but there were some skilful moments from the team in red and they snatched a deserved equaliser after Bassett failed to clear: 3 – 3

The match now on a knife-edge, both sets of players fought hard despite looking increasingly tired, with Ben launching a tremendous shot which was only tipped over at the last minute by the Lydiard keeper. With a draw looking like the most likely and fairest result, Bassett were dealt a cruel blow by Lady Luck when a shot from Lydiard was handled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Beckham got to the resulting penalty but couldn't keep it out and the points from this entertaining encounter were duly snatched by the visitors.

Man of the match: George Staten – a brace of goals and a bundle of energy throughout the match.

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