Sunday 18th April 2010 - Croft Juniors 'A' (H)

Without any rain during the week and ash clouds looming 22,000ft above, another hard and bare pitch welcomed the A Team and their opponents Croft Juniors in this fixture, the first of 3 inside 8 days for the Bassett squad.

Bassett had the first effort on goal within the first minute when Tyler found Zach on the right, Zach passed to Euan but unfortunately the shot went tamely wide of the left hand post. Over the next 5 minutes Croft had a series of chances, sourced mainly from strong running down the left wing, but luckily for Bassett no Croft player could get on the end of the numerous crosses.

It was well into the half before Bassett created their second goal scoring opportunity. This time Zach rode 3 tackles within the Croft box but couldn't get any power into his shot which was comfortably saved by the Croft keeper. Bassett were now playing some excellent passing football on this difficult pitch. It looked from the sidelines that the players were enjoying running and working for each other, knowing that they would get a return ball if they found the necessary space.

It was against the run of play that Croft scored. A long kick bounced towards the Bassett defence, but before anyone could move, the Croft midfield player took a snap shot from 15 yards that flew into the back of the Bassett goal.

Bassett maintained their shape and continued to play the smart football that they had been doing preceding the goal. From Alanah and Beckham at the back, through Callum, Zach and Lewis in midfield and up to Tyler upfront the team worked hard and dictated the game. It was a real injustice that this passage of play was not rewarded by a deserved goal. Chances came but unfortunately they went. Lewis hooked a left footed ball into the area but the ball squirted narrowly wide as Tyler met it on the half volley at the front post. Minutes later a fine shot from Tyler was well saved but unfortunately Lewis follow up shot was not struck cleanly and comfortably saved by the Croft keeper.

As half time approached, Alanah ensured that the deficit for Bassett was only one goal as she blocked a shot when the Croft forward had rounded Conor and was clean through on goal.

Half Time: 0-1

Bassett had the first chance of the second half when Lewis picked up a Croft goal kick, he found Tyler down the left, but again the ball flew narrowly wide and into the side netting from a narrow angle, a square ball across the box may have provided a better opportunity to score.

On 29 minutes Croft had a great chance when a long throw was allowed to bounce and the forward shot from close range, only for Conor to make a fine save. Two minutes later Bassett drew level when Tyler and Lewis linked well on the left, Lewis's pass finding Euan in the area, who fired the ball home from 6 yards.

Bassett almost went in front a minute later when Tyler picked up a long clearance and shot narrowly wide. Bassett had most of the ball in the early stages of the second half but the strong running Croft team were always a threat. On 34 minutes Conor was called on again as the Croft forward cut in from the left and hit a firm shot.

Some more fine play by Bassett created another chance on 26 minutes as Beckham broke up a Croft attack. Lewis collected the ball and advanced down the left, he fed Euan, who took the ball across the defence and crossed from the right but unfortunately Tyler couldn't get clear contact on the ball.

Croft were straight back at Bassett and earned themselves a corner. This was taken short and a strong shot flew into the side netting before anyone in the area realised what was happening. On 40 minutes Alanah once again made an important block on the line as the Croft forward took the ball away from Conor and shot from 5 yards.

As the game entered the final stages Bassett seemed to lose the shape and composure that they had displayed for the rest of the game. The hot weather and tireless running may have taken their toll as Croft began to impose themselves with just under 5 minutes remaining. Croft built the pressure on the Bassett goal and went ahead when a well worked goal followed some excellent passing.

A minute later the game was put beyond Bassett when a cross from the left was met by the Croft midfield player to power a header off the under side of the cross bar.

This was another hard result to take as the team had performed so admirably and played the purest form of football possible with some excellent passing moves and determined yet fair tackling. Nothing but credit should be given to our children who could be seen after such disappointment, enjoying each others company, kicking the ball around and having fun.

Full-time: 1-3

Coach's Match Analysis: Another game saw me thinking of how many black cats I must have ran over as despite plenty of effort and endeavour we again fell foul to lady luck. The players passed the ball on a tricky bouncy surface and several times the ball looked like going in for us only to go to safety. Our opposition took the chances that fell to them and their third goal was a cracking header from the best player on the day. These kids need the support from everyone concerned with the team and I'm sure that is what will happen.

Player of the Match: As determined and committed as ever, today's POTM goes to Beckham Hulbert for an admirable display.

Team: Conor Chivers, Lewis Ward, Alanah Edwards, Euan Burke (Capt), Callum Bridges, Zach Bunce, Tyler Fitchett, Beckham Hulbert

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