Sunday 11th April 2010 - Stratton Youth (H)

A hard and bare pitch welcomed the top two teams in the league in this so-called "six pointer" of a match.

The first chance fell to Stratton when the ball was pulled back from the right to the edge of the area only for the shot to be blocked at the last moment by Jordan WT. After this, both teams tried to play football with Stratton taking the majority of the play. Bassett's first chance came after 9 minutes when Euan broke from midfield but unfortunately his shot was blocked as it headed towards goal. A minute later Bassett took a short corner and Jordan WT crossed into the danger area. After an almighty scramble the Stratton keeper jumped on the ball and the chance had gone begging.

The next action saw Bassett lose the ball and Stratton were presented with a 1-on-1 at the back. The forward was forced wide but shot from the angle. The ball was heading for the top corner but Conor dived to push it over with his left hand. A minute later the same happened! A lost ball gave Stratton a great chance. Fortunately for Bassett, the shot went across goal and wide of the left hand post.

On 19 minutes Callum made a tackle in midfield and the ball fell to Euan. He drove forward from midfield and shot narrowly wide of the Stratton goal. A minute later Bassett did take the lead. Euan headed a goal kick to Tyler, who took two touches then passed through to Euan who ran on to score with a smart finish. Tyler almost increased the lead a minute later when he controlled a goal kick on his chest then hit a volley from 20 yards just over the bar.

As half time approached Stratton put some pressure on the Bassett goal. When the ball was not cleared a long shot was headed off the line by Lewis. The pressure finally told as the home fans beckoned for the whistle. A corner was awarded to Stratton. The ball was not cleared as it arrived at the front post and a strong shot found the back of the net to make it one-one.

Half Time: 1-1

The first chance of the second half fell to Stratton as a long clearance bounced through the Bassett defence but luckily Conor was alert to come off his line to make the save. On 29 minutes Zach took a throw and got it back from Callum, he crossed to Tyler who shot on the turn just wide. Stratton were using the wind that was blowing down the pitch and put considerable pressure on the Bassett defence and goal. A succession of shots were either well saved by Conor or flew narrowly wide.

On 33 minutes Bassett lost the ball whilst in attack. Stratton made a counter attack straight away and took the lead as the ball went box to box without a Bassett player getting a tackle in. Stratton maintained the pressure but the Bassett defence of Alanah and Lewis, ably supported by the hard working midfield ensured the chances were kept to long range shots which Conor dealt with admirably.

Bassett did break the Stratton strangle hold when Lewis burst down the right, his effort and determination earnt a throw-in for Bassett. A quick throw by Lewis found Tyler who shot into the side netting. Bassett maintained this momentum and a minute later came close again. Callum threw to Euan, who knocked the ball back for Callum to shoot, the ball being pushed over for a corner by the Stratton keeper.

Bassett really showed their desire and passion and didn't give up on this game. On 40 minutes Alanah fed Euan who crossed from the right, the ball being inches away from Tyler as he was clear through on goal. Two minutes later, Zach's fast feet down the right gave him room to cross to Tyler, his shot being well saved by the Stratton keeper. Bassett had another chance just moments later when a cross from Euan found Tyler unmarked at the back post, unfortunately once again the ball went narrowly wide of the upright. Bassett pressed and pressed but unfortunately could not find the equaliser as the whistle went for full time.

Full-time: 1-2

Coach's Match Analysis: The lack of assistance from Lady Luck meant we didn't get any points from this game that our efforts and football deserved. We had as many chances as our opponents and our play deserved more than just the single goal. The players tried their hardest today and can't be faulted. We will emerge from this match with a positive reaction and with children that know that football is a team game, and that team spirit will take them forward as a group. If our opponents do go on and win the league they will be worthy champions as they are a very good team.

Player of the Match: Today's POTM award goes to Lewis Ward for his show of commitment, determination and team ethic.

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