05 Sep 2010 - Croft Juniors 'B' (A)

After two victorious pre-season friendlies, the new look Wootton Bassett U11 Team started their league campaign with an away fixture with Croft Juniors. Excitement levels were high as players, management and supporters all looked forward to seeing how the boys would adapt to the new 9-a-side format of the game, on a bigger pitch, with bigger goals and with the OFFSIDE rule now enforced.

Bassett went straight on the attack from the referee's whistle and had all the early ball, forcing three corners within two minutes. On the third of these, Bassett took the lead as Callum's cross dropped near the front post and in the scramble to clear the danger the ball bounced into the back of the goal off the stranded Croft goalkeeper.

Bassett maintained the pressure and played some good possession football. On 4 minutes, Declan Coffey went round the Croft left back and cut the ball back to Callum who shot narrowly wide. A minute later, a strong run and shot from Zach forced a good save from the Croft keeper.

Bassett produced a fine move on 11 minutes when Declan Cox, Callum and Zach combined well to create a shooting opportunity for Zach which went just wide of the left hand post. Bassett did extend their lead a minute later when Lewis lifted a volley over the defenders and inside the far post.

Croft began to get into the game and see more of the ball, but the defensive unit of James, Matthew, Oli and Lewis ensured that chances were kept to a minimum. Croft's first real chance came after 16 minutes, when a quick break caught the Bassett defence out and only a fine save by Conor at the forward's feet kept Bassett's lead intact.

Bassett's next chance fell to Zach, when Jack picked up a loose ball in midfield, he fed Declan Cox, who in turn passed to Zach, his left foot shot just going the wrong side of the post. As half time approached, Croft put the Bassett goal under pressure, creating three good chances which produced another two good saves from Conor.

Half-time: 2-0

Bassett went straight on the attack in the second half and were awarded a free kick just outside the Croft box. Lewis sent the ball over the wall and it was met at the back post by Declan Cox to knock in from 3 yards. Five minutes later, Declan Cox got on the score sheet again when he ran through the Croft defence and shot low into the right hand corner. Four – Nil Bassett!

Bassett went further ahead on 11 minutes when Declan Coffey went down the right again, crossed into the Croft box and as the ball was being cleared, James shot through a crowd of players and found the back of the net. A minute later Declan Cox got his hattrick when his strong shot was parried by the Croft keeper but the ball just rolled over the line. Six – Nil Bassett!

On 14 minutes a fine move down the right, involving James, Callum and Declan Coffey created another shooting chance for Zach, the ball crashing off the crossbar and back into the keeper's hands.

Bassett did make it the magnificent 7 a minute later when Callum picked up the ball in his own half, travelled towards goal and chipped the advancing Croft keeper.

Following this goal few chances were created as the bigger pitch and long grass took its toll on some of the players. To everyone's credit, even though tiring, Bassett continued to play good passing football and maintained their discipline and shape which ensured they started the season with a clean sheet and an excellent win.

Full-time: 7-0

Coach's Match Analysis: After 2 good friendly games it was pleasing to continue with an excellent performance and all ten players put in a very good shift. The key to it was the effort of them all to win the ball and then pass to a team mate. Simple passing is the best way or keeping the ball and we did that very well. It was a fantastic way to start the season and the aim now is to use the positives of the game as a yardstick for the rest of the season. Well done boys!

Player of the Match: Adapting extremely well to this new format of football, this player marshalled the defence, looked to play passing football at every opportunity and proved that rewards come from hard work and endeavour. Today's POTM award goes to Lewis Ward.

Team: Conor Chivers, Matthew Nicholls, James Evans, Lewis Ward (Capt.), Oliver Cameron, Callum Bridges, Declan Coffey, Jack Cowie, Declan Cox, Zach Bunce

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