Sunday 25th April 2010 - Highworth Town Juniors 'H' (A)

A hard and uneven pitch welcomed Bassett "A" Team as they travelled to Highworth in their penultimate match of the season. Encouraged by their victory in midweek, the squad looked to keep the momentum from that game and gain another win.

The game had an all action start with chances at both ends inside a minute. The first fell to Bassett as Tyler ran onto a Lewis throw, his first time shot forcing a good save from the Highworth keeper. From the goal kick, the Bassett goal was under threat as the ball bounced into the path of the Highworth forward, his shot going narrowly wide.

On 4 minutes, good play down the right by Beckham, Callum and Euan, created an opening for Euan to cross. The Highworth keeper made a brave save to collect the ball at the near post as Tyler bared down on goal.

Highworth were playing a neat passing game but Alanah, Beckham and Lewis were organised in defence, forcing Highworth to rely on long shots with which Conor dealt with aplomb. On 9 minutes Bassett won a corner. The ball was cleared by the Highworth defence and within a flash Highworth were on the edge of the Bassett box. A fine shot was kept out by an equally fine save by Conor, diving low to his left hand side. The resulting corner was chipped into the danger area and stabbed home on the half volley by the Highworth forward.

Highworth started to dominate after this goal but to Bassett's credit they did not fold and slowly got back in the game by immense hard work and some excellent passing football. One of the moves of the game saw Zach, Lewis and Tyler play a smart interchange of passes the ball was fed back to Callum who shot from range, Tyler almost diverting the ball past the keeper with a flick header. That same combination of players created another chance a moment later, this time Callum's shot was well saved by the Highworth keeper.

The last action of the half saw another quick break from Highworth. The thunderbolt shot from the Highworth midfielder flew straight into Conor's bread basket.

Half Time: 0-1

The second half was only seconds old when Highworth extended their lead. The ball was taken straight from the kick off, down the wing and the cross-shot was deflected past Conor and into the Bassett goal. This quick goal unsettled the Bassett team and two minutes later they were three down as a long clearance was allowed to bounce and the Highworth striker nipped in to score. Although Highworth built the pressure on Bassett, the Bassett team once again showed their spirit and got back into the game with some determined defensive play, some neat passing and plenty of energy. On 35 minutes Bassett created two good chances. Firstly, Euan worked back and won the ball, he passed to Tyler who passed onto Zach. Zach's low shot producing a good save from the Highworth keeper by the foot his left hand post. Shortly after, Tyler and Lewis linked well but this time the Highworth keeper came off his line to collect the ball and avert any danger.

With 15 minutes to go Bassett found themselves down to 6 players as injuries took their toll. It was too much to ask of the remaining fit players to go on to win this game, but to their credit they didn't give in and showed a terrific team spirit and an amazing level of energy. They all ran hard, worked off the ball and made every header and tackle. Highworth came close, hitting the bar and post, but didn't increase their lead before the final whistle was blown.

Full-time: 0-3

Match Analysis: This was another tremendous team performance with exceptional performances put in by all players. Unfortunately a crazy 3 minutes at the start of the second half put this game beyond Bassett. Throughout the rest of the game Bassett competed hard and made a very good Highworth dig deep to earn their win.

Player of the Match: Asked to play in five different positions during the match and relishing the challenge of each, today's POTM goes to Lewis Ward for an excellent display of commitment, hard endeavour and team spirit.

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