Sunday 28th February 2010 - Purton Youth 'B' (A)

A chilly and wet morning saw us arrive at Purton with a much larger squad than in recent games. With new recruits Ollie and Charlie in the line-up and Scott back to full fitness, we had the luxury of 2 subs throughout this difficult fixture. No Harry today, though, and the early exchanges asked some questions of our defence who looked a little unsure without his powerful vocal presence. Purton had two or three early chances and Isaac had to look sharp.

Up front, however, Coxy was eager to carry on where he had left off last week and he George and Ollie soon put some good moves together. It was end-to –end stuff with Purton looking the stronger and their opening goal was deserved, if a little scrappy - being poked home through a sea of legs. 1 – 0

Our defence seemed much stronger from that point on and Matt in particular caught the eye, making tackle after tackle and refusing to let Purton snatch a second. Bailey cleared well on a few occasions and the midfield tackled back to great effect. Isaac looked really strong in goal today, fully justifying his choice as 'Fella of the month'. One great save at the attacker's legs just one example of his growing ability. A George corner was slammed into the crossbar by Coxy – did it cross the line? The ref couldn't be sure.

Other chances were few for Bassett and it looked like it might take something spectacular to give us a breakthrough, and that's exactly what we got. Sent free down the right, Coxy launched an absolute screamer into the top corner from fully 20 yards, leaving the goalie snatching at thin air. Surely a contender for goal of the season! 1 – 1

This gave our lads greater belief and they ended the half the stronger team. James came off the bench to good effect and Charlie, making his first appearance for Bassett, started to show what he can do in midfield, making some important interceptions and getting forward whenever he could.

An enjoyable half ended with neither side adding to the score line.

Half-time : 1 -1

Bassett emerged from the break with a spring in their step and it wasn't long before further chances were created – it seemed just a matter of time before Coxy would add to his tally. Purton had one or two snatched shots and skimming corners, but they never really threatened in the second half. At the other end, Coxy was put through on a number of occasions, but didn't quite rise to the heights of last week and the Purton goal-line remained uncrossed.

James was prominent in the second half, making powerful runs down the wing and, on one occasion nodded a perfectly placed corner from George just wide.

Our defence was still growing in self belief and Scott looked better than ever, giving Purton little hope of a winner. In fact, Bassett were probably the better team by the end and can count themselves unlucky not to be notching up a second successive win. If they can believe in themselves next week, there is really no reason why they should fear the all-conquering Greendown.

Man of the match: Matthew Nicholls – a superb defensive display from Matt today. He never gave up running and tackling and his powerful clearances frustrated our opposition as well as opening up attacking opportunities.

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