Sunday 12th October 2008 - Ferndale Rodbourne 'B' (A)

With the eyes of the world on the military processions due through Wootton Bassett High St., the Under 9's headed off to Ferndale for a sun drenched match against high-flying Ferndale. The opposition squad seemed enormous and, from the start this was clearly going to be a great challenge for a team that had just said goodbye to such a key player as Tom.

There were two early chances for Ferndale and Harry and Scott in defence had to work very hard to keep the score even. Harry even warranted an early squirt from Rob's magic water bottle after making a crunching tackle. In goal, Isaac made a number of vital last gasp saves and attacks in the other direction were rare. It was only a matter of time before the powerful Ferndale forwards were able to pounce on some indecision in defence and open the scoring: 1 - 0

This seemed to spark the Bassett lads into life and the game opened up with both Declan Cox and Declan Coffey beginning to make powerful runs into the box. The Ferndale threat was ever-present, however, and a second goal was snatched after a quick break away: 2 – 0

George and Beckham were then brought off the bench and both made an immediate impact with Becks running strongly and tackling fiercely and George dancing up the wing with great skill. A strong run into the box resulted in a pass across to Ben who pounced to score his first of the season: 2 -1

They say that the most dangerous time is just after you've scored and so it proved, with Ferndale promptly surging away from the kick-off to snatch a third: 3 -1

Bassett were not downhearted and another dribble down the wing by George found a way through the defenders before the ball disappeared between the keeper's legs to emerge the other side where it was slammed across the line by Declan Cox: 3 – 2

Half-time: 3- 2

Matt took up the goalkeeping gloves for the second half and he was not troubled for some time as Bassett took the game to Ferndale with great energy. Becks put in some great long-range efforts and, again, both Declans showed great skill as they made the Ferndale side fight for possession at every turn. Matt proved a revelation between the sticks as he held on to some strong shots and the game began to look like it could go either way. Scott made a number of crucial tackles and Harry was a constant irritant to the Ferndale forwards.

The next goal was going to be crucial and, unfortunately, it was the home side that scored it. A breakaway run found Bassett severely undermanned in defence and Matt had no chance with the strong shot: 4 – 2.

Bassett refused to lay down and die and they still continued to press for a third goal with Ben pirouetting around the opposition to find some space and the whole team still passing and moving – putting the lessons of training into practice.

A long-range screamer from a hopeful defender would hardly be fair end for the Bassett lads but that is what arrived in the closing minutes – a shot which would have beaten the best of keepers: 5 – 2

A second successive defeat for the boys in blue, but they should be very proud of their fighting spirit and they always looked like they could score even against such a strong side.

Man of the match: Ben Sarachi – a well-taken goal and an all action performance throughout the match.

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