Sunday 21st December 2008 - Ferndale Rodbourne 'B' (H)

With top of the table opposition due at Rylands Way, the Bassett lads walked onto a windy pitch determined to show how far they have come since their last encounter with this very strong Ferndale team. They could not have hoped for a better start when the ball was sent out right to George who scampered down the wing and fired in a powerful shot which deflected in off a defender after just 20 seconds. Our fastest goal of the season! 1 – 0

This seemed to shock the Ferndale lads who have a 100 % record in the league and they took a while to get into their stride. When they did, they began to come forward strongly and it wasn't long before a powerful shot caught Isaac out and dropped over the line for the equaliser: 1 – 1

Bassett were in the back-foot for a while after this but always looked dangerous going forward with Declan Coffey a constant threat and Declan Cox surging forward at every opportunity. Beckham was, once again, a reassuring presence at the back, closing down players and looking to launch his teammates forward whenever he got the ball. Harry made some timely interceptions and Ben tracked back beautifully.

A Ferndale corner was not defended well enough, however, and Isaac had no chance with a powerful opposition shot which put the visitors into the lead: 2 – 1

Bassett wobbled a little after this and it took a fine save by Isaac a few minutes later to steady the ship. Bassett ended the half strongly, however, and were unlucky to end the half still behind. One beautiful move ended with a lovely pass from Declan to George who was only able to skew the ball wide.

Half-time: 1 – 2

The second half started with some end- to-end action with both sides looking to play good football. James began to win possession well in midfield and Matt fought hard to close down players and bring the ball forward. The Ferndale defenders were strong but Bassett worried them on more than one occasion. The constant subbing of Ferndale to ensure their large squad all had a game meant that we had to fight against fresh legs throughout!

Isaac then pulled off two great saves in quick succession and it looked like Ferndale were to be denied a third goal. Moments later, however, a goal-mouth scramble saw the ball dribble over the Bassett line and a disappointing third was conceded: 1 – 3

Bassett fought on regardless and continued to match Ferndale all over the pitch. Beckham played another captain's game and even found time to fool the officials into thinking he was seriously hurt – only to jump up with a broad grin on his face! Dec Cox soon found himself clean through but could only shoot narrowly over the bar and moments later a powerful low shot from a Ferndale defender somehow found a way between the legs of a crowd of players and nestled disappointingly into back of the net: 1 – 4

Again, Bassett fought on and some delightful interplay between the midfield and forward line saw the ball sent out to George who took the ball past a couple of players before planting a superb shot wide of the keeper and in off the far post: 2 – 4

The match then drew to a close with Bassett never giving up and there was even time for George to dream of a hat-trick but his shot was straight at the keeper.

The score line really doesn't tell the story of a match that the lads could have drawn or even won. With a little more belief in themselves, they could certainly have sent Ferndale home with a first defeat to consider.

Final score: 2 – 4

Man of the match – Isaac Brannick: Isaac stayed in goal throughout the match and, despite being beaten on four occasions, stuck to his task and pulled off a string of great saves which gave the rest of the team a platform to build on.

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