Sunday 14th March 2010 - Highworth Town Juniors 'J' (H)

With the roar of 15,000 motorbikes wafting over from the High St, it was sometimes difficult to concentrate on the football, but Bassett started much the better side today and gave Highworth problems from the off with Coffey and Cox looking particularly lively up front. It was no surprise when, after just a couple of minutes, a beautifully flighted corner from George was snapped home from close range by Coxy: 1 – 0

Highworth didn't trouble our defence for quite a while and there was time for a long range effort from George to hit the post and Dec Coffey to fire one just over the bar before our opposition really got into their stride. Isaac looked solid between the sticks and Harry marshalled the defence very effectively. James made several dangerous forays up the wing and it really looked like being our day. A scrappy equaliser was not expected, but it arrived as our lads failed to stick a boot through the ball to clear the danger and Highworth forced it in from close range: 1 – 1

This gave our opponents a bit of heart and they started to look much more dangerous. Scott had to be lively with clearances and our midfield were forced back to help out.

Bailey made some powerful tackles as well but it was now a much more even game.

A loose tackle just outside the area allowed a Highworth attacker too much space and he rifled home a good shot to put us behind for the first time in the match: 1 – 2

Our strong start now became a memory as Bassett were forced onto the back foot for the remainder of the half.

Half-time: 1 – 2

The second half began with some end-to-end play and Bassett looked more threatening at times. Some strong attacks from Highworth and a number of under-powered clearances from Bassett meant that we never really got going and it was no surprise when a third Highworth goal arrived after some confusion in defence: 1 – 3

Matt put in a series of great tackles at this point to steady the ship, Cox and Coffey fought up front and Charlie desperately fought for possession but a Bassett goal looked unlikely. It did come, however, when a hopeful shot from Dec Coffey embarrassed the Highworth 'keeper by disappearing between his legs and nestling into the net: 2 – 3

This lucky break gave our lads new energy and belief and, with the Cox, Coffey and Staten combination now restored from the bench it started to look a lot more hopeful.

A George corner was met superbly by Cox and our deserved equaliser arrived: 3 – 3

The game now opened up completely and it was literally a case of 'next goal wins it'. We had a number of chances and only some strong Highworth defending prevented a complete comeback. Our opponents always looked dangerous, however, and a great shot from way out gave Isaac no chance: 3 – 4

We didn't let heads drop, though, and Dec Coffey led the charge for possession up front and James, Harry, and Scott at the back snapped at the opposition when further attacks came.

The final goal was simply a case of a breakaway from Highworth as we over-committed up front in search of an equaliser and was a cruel final blow to Bassett who certainly deserved at least a draw from this encounter.

Man of the match: Declan Cox – Two more crackers from our prolific striker. His consistent goal scoring has been a real highlight of a disappointing season. Today, he always looked likely to score and never gave up trying to grab an opportunity whatever the stage of the match.

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