Sunday 23rd November 2008 - Purton 'B' (H)

Another harsh lesson in football was experienced by the B team as they ran out narrow losers on a day when they could easily have won the match. Purton, riding high in the league, had a team of strong players including a couple of very skilful forwards and an excellent goalie who, in the end, was to prove the difference in this match.

James was pressed into service between the sticks for Bassett and, after a quick lesson in the art of goalkeeping from Mal, did very well for a debut goalie! An early chance from Declan Coffey just skewed past the post and the inter-play from our midfield and forward line was, once again, a joy to watch.

James made a very good save at the feet of an opposing forward but, moments later, Bassett were behind when a bit of dithering in defence was pounced on by the Purton attacker and a one-on-one with our keeper ended with a strong shot past James: 0 – 1

Bassett were not put off their passing game, however, with George and Declan Cox linking up well down the right and Ben working hard to move the ball forward at every opportunity. They got their just reward when the ball broke to Tom in space and he powered the ball past the keeper: 1 – 1

Bassett were matching the opposition kick for kick, and their different positions in the league began to look ridiculous. Harry and Beckham in defence seemed to match most attacks and James was not required to show his newly-found goal-keeping skills on many occasions. However, Lady Luck has never been much of a friend to us and another breakaway goal was snapped up just before Half –Time: 1 – 2

Half Time: 1 – 2

With Beckham now going into goal and George and Ben off for a well-earned rest, the team was reorganised at the start of the second half. Declan Coffey began to make some telling runs down the right wing. Matt, now in defence, made several crucial interceptions and the Purton attack began to be blunted. James fought hard for possession up front and our passing game continued to impress. The Purton goalie was the busier of the two and only saved one particular shot from Declan Cox with his nose – very fortunate!

Beckham was outstanding in goal and it seemed only fair when Tom, once again, slammed home a strong shot after beating a couple of despairing defenders: 2 – 2

The team has been in this position before – with one goal likely to settle the match. Would this be our day? Tom had a couple of further chances to grab the victory and George was only stopped by yet another great save from the Purton goalie. Ben continued to run his heart out and Beckham seemed impregnable in the goal. Harry made some crucial interceptions and, despite looking increasingly tired, all players still looked to pass and build in the right way. Lady Luck then decided that, yet again, we were not to be favoured. A strong Purton attack ended in a strong shot which crept in off the post. : 2 – 3

A penalty was then awarded to Purton but Beckham was equal to it and saved brilliantly, even managing to smother the follow-up.

Bassett made more strong attacks, searching for a third equaliser, but it was not to be and another painful result had to be recorded.

Man of the match – Declan Coffey: A constant threat down the wing, he never stopped battling for possession and when he got it he used it wisely, bringing in other players to great effect.

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