Sunday 3rd May 2009 - Lydiard Youth 'B' (A)

The boys came to this fixture brimming with confidence after their fantastic performance against Stratton and having witnessed the victory of the A team in the cup final the previous day , but it was soon clear that this was to be no easy game. Lydiard were well organized and powerful all over the pitch. A strong winger powered down the left time after time and our attacks were quickly snuffed out by some excellent defending. Despite this, our boys worked hard and it is to their great credit that they got stuck in and never gave up. In goal, Isaac was clearly going to be busy and he made some early stops. Harry and Matt worked so hard to close down and disrupt Lydiard. Ben ran his heart out, chasing for possession and harrying the opposition.

George only had one early chance to put in a telling corner and our forwards were left picking at scraps. Jordan was unable to find much space to work in due to close marking, but he still managed some turns and delightful passes. Dec Cox found that he was limited to long range efforts although he came close a couple of times.

The goal came after a number of near misses by Lydiard but it won't be a contender for goal of the season – a hopeful shot from way out dribbled between Isaac's legs after a rare handling error: 0 – 1

James, now on up front, began to show real skill, but he too found space almost impossible to find and shots were rare things for Bassett. Dec Coffey battled for the ball at every opportunity but it was hard for him as well. Lydiard really were marking and closing down so well. The half ended with Bassett having hardly troubled the Lydiard keeper.

Half-time: 0 – 1

The half time talk must have been a tough one in the circumstances, but to their credit Bassett started much brighter. Playing downhill at last, they put together some good moves, Dec Cox and George both managing a couple of snatched shots. Matt was superb, battling Lydiard all over the pitch and snapping at them like a terrier. Harry put in some last gasp tackles and Jordan once again showed that he has a steel as well as skill.

Isaac was solid in goal and his excellent kicks cold have made a difference on another day but it was Lydiard who closed the scoring, a powerful near post corner being turned in off one of our players: 0 – 2

Our lads didn't stopped trying and their spirit was great, but they never really got another sniff at goal and the game ended with a deserved Lydiard victory.

This was not the match to judge Bassett 'B' by, however, because they really have had a superb season. They have shown a great sporting attitude, combined with good humour and dignity both in victory and defeat. They have only really been outplayed on two occasions, despite the absence of a regular goalkeeper and the promotion of one of their key defenders into the A team some months ago. It has been great to watch them develop into a real force in the league - they will surely go from strength to strength in the seasons to come.

Man of the match: Matt Nicholls – he stood out today due to his 'never say die' attitude and skilful interceptions and tackles. He has had a number of excellent matches this year, but today he was outstanding.

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