Sunday 15th February 2009 - Penhill Allstars (H)

The first game for several weeks after the snows of winter, it took a while for both teams to get into their stride. Strong tackling from the Penhill defence meant that there were few openings and apart from a shot from George into the stomach of the centre half, there wasn't much to report in the opening 10 minutes!

Excellent passing in midfield, with Coxy, James and George working some good openings up the right and Declan Coffey and Harry combining equally well up the left.

Scott had little to do in goal, but caught shots comfortably when their found their way through and launched some strong goal kicks upfield. Our defenders all fought hard with one chirpy Penhill forward shouting 'He's like a human bulldozer!' as yet another strong tackle went in.

Coxy had a shot saved, Declan Coffey tracked back beautifully and James gave some lovely lay-offs, but a first half dominated by defenders ended with neither side having the upper hand.

Half Time: 0 – 0

The second half started with a series of strong Penhill attacks and, on one occasion, we were only saved by yet another great last gasp tackle from Dec Coffey. Bailey, making his debut for Bassett, soon got an understanding together with his fellow forwards but it was Coxy who fired in the most dangerous shot. Seconds later, it was James in goal who turned hero tipping a sure fire goal around the post. Scott and Harry were really resolute in defence once again.

The tackling from Penhill continued to frustrate our attacks but a super run down the wing by Coxy ended in a powerful cross which a defender turned into his own net to open the scoring: 1 – 0

This set-back seemed to fire up the Penhill team and another series of strong attacks ended with the ball breaking to an opposition forward who gave second-half goalie, James no chance with his strong shot: 1 – 1

With the game now on a knife-edge, both sides looked capable of grabbing a last gasp winner but it was a moment of magic from George that snatched victory as he jinked around a couple of defenders before firing low into the corner for the winner: 2 – 1

The game ended with Bassett well on top, passing beautifully through the Penhill defenders and a third even looked possible as the opposition finally began to weaken.

The whistle went and this ever improving team notched their 8th victory of the campaign after a hard fought and entertaining match.

Man of the match: Scott Hawson – in a game when the defences were on top, Scott showed great determination as goakeeper and, in the second half, formed a strong partnership at the back with Harry to keep some lively forwards at bay.

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