Sunday 27th September 2009 - Shaw (A)

The autumn sunshine shone as the "A" Team travelled to Lydiard to play their latest league game against Shaw FC. Having had a week off, would the team start as they had previously left off and continue their unbeaten run.

The answer came with our first attack on 2 minutes when the tranquillity of the Sunday morning was spoilt as a loud cheer was when Zach's long range shot curled into the back of the Shaw net.

A minute later Bassett almost went 2-0 up as some nice football played from the back saw the ball passed out to Lewis wide on the right, his cross being met on the run by Euan, but unfortunately the Lydiard keeper made a good save.

Shaw created the next chance when a tricky run and good cross from the right saw the ball bounce around the 6 yard box without any forward getting their foot to the ball. On 8 minutes, Euan headed onto Jordan Thompson, who in turn passed to Zach. Zach shot on the turn only for the ball to go narrowly wide.

Bassett were having the majority of the play and creating the better chances. When Shaw did come forward, Alanah, Beckham and Jordan Taylor, supported by some good defensive work from the midfield ensured that Conor was not tested in goal.

Another move down the Bassett right saw Euan feed Lewis whose cross/shot went through the Shaw keeper, only to see the ball bounce back off the post and inches wide of the advancing Zach. On 18 minutes Beckham carried the ball the full length of the field only to see his shot well saved by the Shaw keeper.

A minute later, Bassett won a corner. A superb delivery from Callum was met by the head of Zach, who scored from 3 yards. Bassett had a chance to make it 3-0 a couple of minutes later as Callum carried the ball down the left, his cross was dived on by the Shaw keeper as both Zach and Lewis charged down on goal.

The last action of the half saw Jordan Thompson carry the ball from midfield and unleash a great shot, which was matched by an excellent save from the Shaw keeper.

Half Time: 0-2

Shaw started the second half brightly and a long range shot looked to be looping into the top corner until Conor stuck out a hand to keep the ball out. The ball was only cleared to the edge of the box and Conor was forced into another save as a follow-up shot came in from a Shaw midfielder.

On 3 minutes Zach was left 1-on-1 against the Shaw keeper, who made a brave save at Zach's feet, the ball cleared by an excellent recovery tackle just as Zach was about to slot the rebound home.

Two minutes later, Bassett received another corner. The same combination came up with the same result as this time Zach headed Callum's corner in from 4 yards.

The Shaw keeper was called into action again on 6 minutes when a route-one kick from Conor, found Euan, whose shot was saved by the diving keeper. A minute later and the Shaw goal came under pressure again. Zach picked up the ball on the left, he passed to Jordan Thompson who laid the ball back to Callum. A first time shot was goal bound until the Shaw keeper seemed to grow 2 foot and make a great save.

The next action saw the Shaw keeper make a triple save as he first saved Euan's shot, got straight to his feet to deny Zach from two yards and then dive to his left to push Callum's shot away.

On 17 minutes Lewis received the ball on the right, he pulled the ball back to Euan, whose shot was again well saved by the keeper. Enough was enough, with stinging hands and saw wrists the Shaw keeper handed his gloves to a team mate and went to play in attack.

On 19 minutes, a Callum corner was this time met by Euan, but his header went just wide. A minute later Euan passed to Lewis on the right, his shot hitting the outside of the post from a narrow angle.

As if from nowhere Bassett found themselves 1-on-1 at the back with the Shaw forward (ex-keeper) bearing down on goal. Some alert and brave keeping from Conor ensured that Shaw weren't allowed back into the game.

The last action of the game saw Bassett make it 4-0 when a cross from Callum was met by the outstretched toe of Euan creating just enough power to put the ball back across the keeper and into the far corner.

Full-time: 0-4

Match Analysis: A good win against a small team who had some useful players. The first clean sheet of the season was no more than the defence deserved. The midfield and attack created numerous chances but the score line was kept respectable by an extraordinary performance from the Shaw goal keeper.

Player of the Match: Another hat trick and another POTM award for Zach Bunce. In his first few games for Bassett, Zach has added more than just goals. His contribution to the midfield battle, plus his knack for goal has filled some of the gaps created by the summer changes in the "A" Team squad.

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

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