03 Oct 2010 - Ashton Keynes (H)

Wootton Bassett U11s entertained Ashton Keynes at Ballards Ash looking to maintain their 100% league record, Keynes being a team that Bassett had played only once before recording a comfortable cup win during the 2009/10 season.

History looked to repeat itself in the very first minute when James won the ball in midfield, fed Declan Cox down the left, whose cross was met by Declan Coffey in full flow, only to see his shot crash against the post.

Following this early scare Keynes came back at Bassett and created the next two scoring chances, the second of which saw a through ball split the Bassett defence apart, only for Conor to make a brave save at the feet of the on-coming forward.

These opening minutes of the game were very entertaining with some excellent passing football played by both teams. Probably the best move of the game came on 5 minutes when James cleared up field. The ball was controlled on his chest by Oli, who then laid the ball off to Declan Cox to run down the left and cross, the ball just escaping Declan Coffey in the six yard box.

On 13 minutes that same trio of James, Oli and Declan Cox combined on the left. The only difference this time was for Declan to cut in and fire a shot across the keeper and in off the right hand upright. One – Nil Bassett!

Both teams were competing hard and the Bassett defence of Charlie, Lewis, Matthew and Harry held firm while the midfield and attack ran freely and at pace. On 18 minutes Declan Coffey stretched the Ashton Keynes defence and produced a quality cross from the right, Declan Cox's back kick needed a good save from the Keynes keeper to keep the score at 1-0.

As half time approached Keynes created most of the pressure, first they hit the side netting from a good move down the left. Then moments later, seizing on a bouncing ball the Keynes forward hit a cross/shot from the edge of the box which was put into the back of the Bassett net from 3 yards only for the player to be ruled offside.

Although against the run of play, Bassett scored on the stroke of half time as Declan Coffey fed Declan Cox down the right. Declan's cross was met at the far post by James who squeezed the ball just inside the post.

Half-time: 2-0

Encouraged by this late first half goal, Bassett started the second half on the attack and a break from midfield saw a curling Declan Cox produce a fine diving save by the Keynes keeper to push the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner, Callum's cross was headed just over the bar by Lewis.

Two minutes later and Keynes were right back in this game. An attack from the left was allowed to progress further than should have happened and a good through ball found Oliver Adkins in space to make a smart finish. A minute later Keynes won a free kick 5 yards outside the Bassett box and the well struck shot was well saved by Conor.

Bassett extended their lead when a throw down the left wing found Declan Cox in space. Declan's pull back was met by Declan Coffey on the run, who shot across the keeper and inside the left hand post to make it three – one.

On 16 minutes Bassett almost extended their lead when Zach back heeled to James, who passed to Harry and then back to Zach. His shot hit the bar. A few minutes Zach did get on the score sheet when he picked up a goal kick, advanced past the centre back and tucked the ball under the advancing keeper.

At 4-1 it looked to be a comfortable last ten minutes for Bassett but Keynes had different ideas. They attacked straight from the restart and were awarded a penalty as a tussle in the Bassett box saw both defender and attacker on the floor. Oliver Adkins slammed the penalty kick into the top left corner of the goal giving Conor no chance.

A minute later Keynes were on the attack again but Matthew and then Harry made excellent tackles to stop any shots on the Bassett goal. As the final whistle approached Keynes drew within one goal as a missed tackle was punished by Oliver Adkins and he scored again to complete an excellent hatrick.

Full-time: 4-3

Coach's Match Analysis: Another hard fought victory against resolute opposition where we scored 4 good goals with neat passing and teamwork. Yet again the non appearance of the league appointed referee meant less help from the touchline but the lads stuck to their task well. At 4-1 up it would have been very hard on Ashton Keynes who deserved their late couple of goals which gave a fairer reflection of how close the match was. The players need more work on their fitness so they keep going to the final whistle but that will come with more games I'm sure. Well done lads once again!

Player of the Match: Proving that size isn't as important as commitment and desire, today's POTM award goes to Matthew Nicholls for his tenacious tackling display.

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

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