Sunday 18th October 2009 - Eldene Rangers (H)

Today's game was the 1st round of the cup against a good side from Eldene. Our boys were warming up with Ralph before the start of the game with some great moves, loved the jumping frog moves boys. The game was about to start and all the lads and Managers were in a group hug, when a huge war cry was let ripped and we on the sidelines were wandering where was the war paint??

MJ was captain and Cameron vice captain, the whistle-blowed and the game was on. We were certainly up for the match from the start and it wasn't long before some great passing and a corner was taken and Cameron had his first attempt on goal. Not long after, Ryan was with some nifty footwork shooting for the goal which unfortunately went wide and lots of "oohhs "were heard from the sidelines. However we kept the pressure up on the Eldene players and within 5 minutes from the kick off, Hadley with his magic left foot and great poise booted it into the back of the net, what a goal. 1-0 to us.

However, the Eldene lads did not give up and the kept the pressure up on our defence with MJ having to make some good saves, in particular a great shot from an Eldene player which MJ had to push over the bar. I would like to say what fabulous team of lads we have really supportive of one and another, and it was lovely to see George patting Hadley's back after he went down in a tackle. The first half was extremely tense with some fab play from both teams, especially when Eldene was awarded a free kick in our half, but our lads built a wall and nothing was going to get pass our boys – great defending. There were some great runs from Harry and Matt C who again almost scored , but it was unfortunate that it was Eldene who scored next and the first half ended 1-1.

Out with the Jelly Babies and team talk and then the second half started. Again another nail biting second half but with some great passing, liked the little pass back from Harry to Ryan and then kick back to Harry, the Eldene defender was left standing – keep this up lads. It is was down to our passing that led to our second goal, from George to Cameron to Harry, who on tight angle slotted it past their goal keeper – what teamwork lads. This goes for our defence as well with George, Cade and Ryan tirelessly running to stop Eldene from scoring, had to smile at Cade's determination when the Eldene Manager shouted to his player that the ball was his and Cade responded "no it isn't" and it certainly wasn't.

Good passing and movement from Joe and Archie, Archie in particular bellowed "come on Bassett we can win this", to get his team mates going. Joe ran and ran to tire the legs off of the opposition, and kept the pressure on the Eldene defence and keeper. However the Eldene lads kept with the pressure and managed to get a goal. Teams level at 2-2.

Extra time finally came, new territory for Nigel, Ralph and the lads. The 5 mins each way gave the team rotation 5 minutes to get that final goal. But alas this was not to be. Penalties beckoned.

The ruling for the penalties from the excellent ref was that the penalties were to be taken by the players left on the pitch at full time, again a learning experience for all. MJ took first blood with a fantastic SAVE!!!!!! Up stepped Matt C. GOAL. MJ could not manage the next Eldene effort. Ryan took the spot kick. GOAL. MJ used his psychic abilities yet again and SAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! George smashed it hard and high, but did not get in into the net. Eldene took the next goal well. Archie took the long walk and banged in into the back on the net. GOAL. With the scores at penalty stage, 3-2 to Bassett; Eldene must score to keep in the cup. No pressure then MJ. A little bit of confusion in that the Eldene player scored but not allowed due to the Ref not blowing the whistle. MJ with a wibble and wobble of the legs faced the same player, but this time saved SAVED SAVED, Bassett go through to the next round. Well done boys what a nail biting game today lads!!!

Extra note from Nige: Thanks for the report Gill. I must re-iterate the teamwork aspect. There are so many examples now where the lads display this – so different from last season. They encourage each other, they console each other, and they applaud each other. To me, this is more important than winning the game. We were caught out a bit at the end of extra time, and didn't realise that only the onfield lads could take the penalties. Rather than moan though, the lads from "team 1" stood behind the goal encouraging the others. There was no resentment that they weren't out there taking them. These are superb attributes for such young lads, and it bodes wel for the future of the team. Well done all.

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