Sunday 6th September 2009 - Highworth Town Juniors 'H' (H)

Wootton Bassett "A" Under 10s entertained Highworth Town "H" team for their opening fixture of the 2009/10 season. With the success of last year still fresh in the memories of the players, Highworth were going to be a tough test for the start of this new campaign.

So this proved to be as Conor was called into action as early as the second minute when he made a smart save at the foot of his right hand post. Highworth dominated proceedings for the first 10 minutes with Bassett struggling to put any pressure on the Highworth defence. On 11 minutes a free kick was awarded to Bassett about 15 yards from the Highworth goal. Euan picked his spot and sent the ball goal bound, the Highworth keeper getting a hand to the ball but unable to stop it crossing the line, with Zach following up just to make sure.

Two minutes later Highworth had a free kick which was well saved by Conor. Bassett went straight back on the attack and won a corner. A Highworth defender cleared Callum's first corner straight out for another corner. Callum's second attempt was met by Zach, who scored with a volley from 4 yards.

Highworth would have been right back in the game if it was not for Conor who produced a fine save just moments after the restart. On 15 minutes Bassett almost increased their lead as Callum found Jordon Thompson, who shot narrowly wide from a tight angle.

Five minutes later Bassett did go 3-0 up as Callum won the ball in midfield and slipped a diagonal ball through to Euan. Euan sent the ball back across the keeper and inside the far post. The final action of the half saw Euan pass the ball out wide for Lewis, his first time cross was only partially cleared by the Highworth defence and Callum's shot went just wide of the right hand post.

To go in 3-0 up was no more than Bassett deserved. Following a tough first ten minutes the team really played well and worked hard for each other. The defensive partnership of Jordan, Beckham and Alanah were very solid, Conor pounced on anything that did slip through, whilst the midfield and attack ran tirelessly.

Half Time: 3-0

Highworth started the second half quicker than Bassett and pulled a goal back after 3 minutes after a smart move and a cool finish gave Conor no chance. The next 10 minutes saw immense effort but no clear chances created as neither team really threatened to score.

On 14 minutes Bassett won another free kick, this time 20 yards from goal. The one-man wall was not enough to stop Euan's shot as it curled beautifully into the top corner giving the keeper no chance at all.

Highworth did not give up and came back strongly. An attack that saw about 5 Highworth players versus 2 defenders was somehow broken up as Conor advanced to make another fine save at the attacker's feet.

Highworth did pull another goal back on 17 minutes when Bassett failed to clear a corner and the Highworth attacker tucked the ball away inside the left hand post. Two minutes later Highworth produced a tremendous move whereby a smart interchange of passes and terrific shot was well saved by Conor. This was Highworth's last real attempt on goal, whilst Bassett almost scored in the closing moments when Euan broke down the left and his cross was well met by Zach, only for the keeper to make a good save.

Full-time: 4-2

Match Analysis: An excellent performance to start the season for Bassett. A tough opposition were overcome by a combination of hard work and skilful play. Bassett played with some new players and formations, yet everyone knew their role(s) and performed admirably. Conor was alert in goal, the defensive strong, midfield creative, while the attack put the Highworth defence under constant pressure.

Player of the Match: Composed and assured on the ball when moving out of defence, strong in every tackle, POTM goes to Jordan Taylor for his brilliant performance.

Team: Conor Chivers, Lewis Ward, Jordan Taylor, Alanah Edawards, Euan Burke (Capt), Callum Bridges, Beckham Hulbert, Zach Bunce, Jordan Thompson

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