Sunday 15th March 2009 - Ashton Keynes 'F' (A)

The sun shone on a lovely spring morning as Bassett looked to extend their unbeaten run at Ashton Keynes and notch up their ninth win of the campaign.

The early exchanges were fairly even, with Ashton looking strong in attack. Harry and Scott had to be alert early on as a number of skilful moves were created in front of them. Matt looked comfortable in goal, however, and it was a long kick out from him which brought our first breakthrough. He launched the ball strongly up field where it bounced through for Coxy to run on to and he made no mistake, sliding the ball past a despairing keeper for his 11th of the season: 1 – 0

This early set-back seemed to take the wind out of Ashton and Bassett soon settled into some delightful footballing moves, with George pulling the strings in the middle for a change and Ben dancing and twisting down the right wing. Dec Coffey fought for the ball at every opportunity and Coxy always looked a dangerous threat.

James came on up front and immediately had an impact, holding the ball up well and putting in one lovely cross which just begged for a Bassett foot to turn it home. Moments later he was on the end of a George corner, only to head the ball inches wide. Matt was growing in confidence in goal and Ashton began to look very frustrated.

Our second goal came just before the interval when George found some space on the right, cut inside a defender and slotted the ball confidently past the 'keeper: 2 – 0

Half-time: 2 – 0

The second half opened as it was to continue, with strong Bassett pressure and some delightful passing football between all the players. Scott marked his player very effectively and Harry made several crucial interceptions. Matt, now in the outfield, showed his usual determination, snapping at Ashton heels at every opportunity. James, now in goal, was a spectator!

Bailey, now on up front, looked for space and fought hard to notch his first goal but it was George who added to the score with a delightful shot from well outside the area which flew past a couple of defenders and the unsighted 'keeper to equal Coxy's 11 for the season : 3 – 0

Ashton now seemed resigned to their fate and a number of Bassett players had chances to increase the score. George narrowly skewed wide to miss the hat-trick, Bailey also hit a powerful shot just inches past the post and Matt also brought a save from the 'keeper. Dec Coffey was a dynamo, never letting the opposition settle on the ball and looking to launch another Bassett attack whenever he could.

In this mood, the boys looked as if they could play for ever but the whistle finally blew to put an end to a really entertaining match which Bassett won deservedly.

Still with no regular goalkeeper and with Beckham now no longer at the heart of the defence, the spirit of this team was really remarkable as they rose to yet another challenge.

Man of the match: Declan Coffey – yet again there were many fantastic performances but Declan gets the nod for his energetic and non-stop approach to the match. He tracked back and surged forward with equal passion to provide a powerful base for victory.

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