Sunday 13th September 2009 - Ferndale Rodbourne (A)

Sometimes a score line just doesn't do justice to a performance and today was a classic example. The B Team arrived at Ferndale for their first match of the season to play a team that won every match last year and should by rights have been meeting our A team in a higher division. Our lads burst into life from the off, however, and following a brief scare it was Bassett who opened the scoring with George slotting in neatly at the end of a delightful passing move.

For a few minutes, it even looked likely that we would score a second with some stout defending needed from the Ferndale stalwarts. Ben was inspired, running at the opposition and opening all sorts of likely-looking opportunities. Declans Coffey and Cox both looked fresh and inventive following the summer break, moving the ball delightfully at every opportunity. Matt harried and snapped at the Ferndale forwards and it seemed that we may hang on to our lead. Harry, took charge at the back and dealt with a number of attacks calmly and decisively.

Ferndale are a very strong side, however, and it soon fell to Isaac to keep them out as shot after shot began to rain in. He turned a number of shots wide and smothered others just as an attacker seemed favourite. In fact, the Ferndale equaliser was a scrappy scramble which had to be literally bundled over the line.

This set-back didn't deter us, however, and the Bassett passing game continued with all players determined to grab one straight back. James came on and his extra power up front soon told as he began to hold the ball up strongly. As half time approached, it seemed that a deserved draw would be maintained, but it was not to be as a strong Ferndale attack ended with a shot finding its way through.

Half time: 1 – 2

A solid start to the second period was required, but Bassett were caught napping in the first two minutes and a strong shot from the edge of the area gave Isaac no chance.

We were not to see an immediate collapse, however, and Bassett took the game once again to the opposition with some delightful passing and strong tackling. A delightful break out from defence begun by Harry ended with the ball rifling out to Coxy who made no mistake with his run and shot and he fired in from out on the right.

Ferndale were rattled and an equaliser was there for the taking. Dec Coffey came agonisingly close to grabbing it as he poked a shot in round an oncoming keeper , only to see it cut off by a last gasp clearance. Isaac soon became the star of the moment, however, pulling off a string of outstanding saves which, considering his recent arrival in the role were truly fantastic to watch. He tipped over , tipped past, smothered and caught – a master-class in the noble 'keeper's art. It looked as though Ferndale would be held to just 3 goals. The pressure finally told, however, and the goal-hangers that seemed to constantly stalk our penalty area snapped another two quick goals before a lucky break fell to another Ferndale foot and the 6th was slammed in.

Both sets of parents cheered the players from the pitch after this entertaining encounter and Bassett should certainly not feel down-hearted as all players gave their all and showed enormous promise for the matches ahead when appropriate opposition is put before them.

Full time: 2 – 6

Man of the match: Harry Woodhouse – a mature and powerful performance at the back by Harry. His tackling was furious and he distributed the ball out of defence beautifully.

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