Sunday 7th March 2010 - Stratton Youth (A)

Wootton Bassett "A" Team headed to Cirencester for their latest league fixture to play Stratton Youth. With Stratton just 1 point behind Bassett, with a game in hand, this was going to be an important match for both teams.

The first few minutes of the game were very tight as both teams tried to find room on a small tight pitch. The first scare of the game came at the Bassett end as a long ball was allowed to bounce in front of goal but fortunately the ball went wide of the post. From the resulting goal kick, Euan controlled the ball in midfield and advanced towards goal. He passed out right to Zach, who cut inside the defender and then slotted a low shot into the far post to make it 1-0.

A minute later Stratton were right back at Bassett and only a fine double save by Conor ensured that Bassett maintained their lead. On 8 minutes Jordan WT pumped a long ball into the Stratton box where it was missed by the keeper. Recovering well, the Stratton goalie managed to push the ball away from Zach before he had chance to shoot.

On ten minutes Bassett produced a fine passing move. Started by Lewis at the back the ball was passed swiftly through Zach, Tyler and then Euan, whose shot hit the side netting. A couple of minutes later, a throw and return pass saw Callum's cross from the left, float angonisingly inches away from Zach's right foot as he bared down on goal. This spell of Bassett pressure got it's just reward, when on 13 minutes Euan's cross from the right was met at the front post by Tyler to make it 2-0.

Stratton were far from beaten and over the next 5 minutes had most of the ball but were unable to get a shot on goal primarily due to some outstanding defending by Alanah and Jordan T. For once the defence was broken and on 22 minutes Conor was called into action to make a very brave save at the feet of the Stratton forward. A minute later Stratton pulled one back as a beautifully flighted corner was met on the volley by a Stratton attacker to give Conor no chance from 6 yards.

The last action of the half almost saw Bassett score again, when a kick from Conor was met by Euan, whose long shot went just wide of the left hand post.

Half Time: 2-1

Bassett created all the pressure in the early stages of the second half and nearly increased their lead when a cross by Jordan WT was met by a fine half volley from Euan, only for the Stratton keeper to make a great save.

On 30 minutes, Stratton broke on a counter-attack, and a fine defensive interception by Jordan WT cleared the ball for a corner with a Stratton forward lurking unmarked at the back post. Stratton came close again 3 minutes later when a missed tackle enabled the Stratton midfielder to take on the opportunity of a long range shot, the ball hitting the post and going out for a goal kick.

This was proving to be an excellent game of football with both teams playing assured football and committing to every tackle. On 41 minutes, a composed piece of defensive play from Stratton created a shooting opportunity fortunately the well timed shot flew straight into Conor's bread basket for a comfortable save.

Stratton were pushing really hard for the equaliser but Lewis and Jordan T, ably assisted by the midfield, dealt with everything that Stratton tried and no clear chances on goal were allowed. With only a couple of minutes remaining, Bassett secured the win when Tyler controlled a long kick from Conor. Tyler showed strength to hold off a challenge from the Stratton defender, then turned and unleashed a shot from 15 yards that flew into the roof of the net. "GAME SHOT" as Sid Waddell would have said down at the Lakeside!

Full-time: 3-1

Match Analysis: A great response by the whole team to their recent stuttering results. The game showed a great team effort, with some excellent football played. But most importantly, the game was played with a superb team spirit that has been missing at times this season.

Coach's Match Analysis: The attitude, commitment and team work today enabled us to earn the right to show our ability, which saw the team through to a well earned victory against a very good team. We defended as a team superbly all match and used the ball very well on a small pitch which was very good to see. All 9 players today put in a 9 out of 10 performance and we now need to continue with this till the end of the season. Well done to the player's one and all.

Player of the Match: This one could have gone to any of the 9 players on the pitch today and was awarded to Conor for some fine saves at important times of the game!

Team: Conor Chivers, Lewis Ward, Jordan Taylor, Alanah Edwards, Euan Burke (Capt), Callum Bridges, Zach Bunce, Jordan Wright-Thompson, Tyler Fitchett

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