Sunday 25th April 2010 - Ferndale Rodbourne (H)

With Dec Coffey and Scott missing from the ranks, but Isaac restored between the sticks, Bassett approached the last match of the season with reasonable confidence and, despite early Ferndale pressure looked as if they would be a match for their high-flying opponents. On a small pitch, there wasn't a lot of breathing space and Ferndale's approach of launching balls up to the lingering front man paid dividends early on when a ball looped through everyone to a free player who made no mistake past a despairing Isaac: 1 – 0

Bassett more than held their own, nevertheless and Matt, Harry and Ollie looked strong in defence with James also proving a strong resistance. Our passing out of defence was excellent at times and Coxy was able to test the Ferndale goalie a couple of times early on. George made some good headed interceptions and none of our lads let the opponents settle. Lady Luck was against us today, however, and another Ferndale goal popped out of nowhere when we failed to clear and it was bundled home 2 – 0.

The lads were not put off, though and several strong attacks saw Coxy fire two beautiful shots in the following minutes – both well saved by the Ferndale 'keeper.

But it was our opponents who scored next, after a hopeful lob forward and it looked like we might begin to wobble: 3 – 0

George had other ideas, however, and when he was put through by Ollie, he held off some strong tackles and was able to slam the ball home to reduce the deficit: 3 – 1

This gave the boys heart and we continued to fight for every ball. Charlie fought for space and looked to launch more attacks and Bailey, now on in defence, blocked and harried the attackers to prevent them gaining more advantage.

Half Time: 3 – 1

We started the second half with continued energy and there was a period of very even play where it was clear that, despite their different league positions there really isn't as much between these two teams as might be thought. Strong tackling, thoughtful passing and several chances created by both sides. James launched some great throw-ins and Matt powered into the opposition and made some strong clearances. Isaac showed great bravery in goal and, after one encounter, found himself injured and unable to carry on. James was happy to step in once again and continued to impress in this position after last week's heroics. Ferndale were dangerous and it wasn't a surprise when they snatched a fifth when the ball was half-cleared and a strong shot found its way through: 5 – 1

Bassett never know when to give up, though, and we kept going forward at every opportunity, always looking to play football in the right way with passing and moving all showing great promise for the future.

A deserved goal finally appeared and it was fitting that it came from Coxy, twisting and turning on the edge of the box to make space before slotting the ball into the net for our final goal of the campaign: 5 – 2

Man of the match: Isaac Brannick – our goalie looks to be moving to pastures new next season, and he gave us a typical performance today to remember him by. He has really made an impact throughout the season in this new position, growing in confidence game by game.

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