Sunday 7th March 2010 - Greenmeadow Youth (H)

Sometimes a defeat can feel like a victory and today's match was just such a case. Having lost to Greenmeadow by a cricket score a couple of matches previously, Bassett were determined to show what they can do with a full strength squad and by the end of this match had certainly proved a point or two.

Greenmeadow looked a threat from the off and a couple of swift, strong attacks had to be snuffed out by Matt, Scott and Isaac. James, too, made the first of many cracking tackles early on and it already looked like Bassett would take a lot more breaking down than in the reverse fixture.

With Dec back after a long lay-off, it wasn't long before the strong threesome of Cox, Coffey and Staten were showing signs of their early season magic but it was Greenmeadow who struck first. A strong shot from the left nestled into the net behind a despairing Isaac: 0 – 1

This first Greenmeadow goal had taken a lot longer to arrive than in the last match and Bassett were not put off their stride with James running his heart out, giving long throw-ins. Dec Coffey, too, showing no signs of his recent injury chased and harried the strong opposition. Nevertheless, an excellent Greenmeadow cross from the left was met perfectly and they scored from a few feet out: 0 – 2

Half-time: 0 – 2

The second half began at a furious pace and it was hard for either side to settle to a passing game. Greenmeadow themselves didn't seem able to get into their stride which is a credit to our lads who tackled very well. Some attacks also began to appear with new recruit Charlie working some space up front and Ollie battling hard himself.

Isaac was, once more, inspired between the sticks throughout this match and a number of saves punctuated this half as well. Bailey, gaining in confidence by the match, was also a valuable defensive force and made some great tackles.

The absence of an off-side rule at this level was to be our undoing, however, when a lob over the top found a lone Greenmeadow striker who had the easiest of jobs to grab a third: 0 – 3

When Isaac was deceived by a high ball coming out of the sun and a lucky fourth was notched, we began to fear the worst but not today.

Firstly, a penalty awarded for a handball rocked Greenmeadow back and, although Coxy slammed it narrowly wide, it set the pattern for the rest of the match

Bassett seemed to come alive when subbing saw George, Dec and Coxy reunited up front. A superb ball from Coxy sent George flying up the wing and he slotted in a supremely confident goal from the edge of the area: 1 – 4

Greenmeadow aren't used to teams really going at them and our lads started to ask questions. It was no surprise, therefore, when Coxy wrestled the ball from a defender on the left and slammed it home from a narrow angle: 2 – 4

Our defence also showed much more determination and Scott in particular caught the eye, making Harry's absence less of a problem. Ollie made a number of great interceptions and looked to launch attacks. Matt, of course, played a big part in our revival as well with his splendid tackling and anticipation. It was now a much more even contest and, when Dec Coffey was sent free down the right with Coxy in close attendance it looked like a deserved third would be notched up. His shot went just wide, however, and Greenmeadow were able to breathe again.

Who knows what may have happened if Bassett had started to believe in themselves 10 minutes earlier?

Man of the match: Isaac Brannick – once again, our goalkeeper proved really hard to beat and, although he had to suffer four goals past him today, made many excellent saves that gave the rest of team the belief to go after the match in a way that gave our opposition a rare shock.

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