24 Oct 2010 - Pewsey Vale (H)

After a couple of nervy results for Bassett, a visit from Pewsey Vale was going to be another stern test for the boys who looked to get back in contention for the top spot in the Division.

The early pressure belonged to Pewsey and two great chances were foiled by Conor who stood tall to keep the score at nil – nil with the Bassett defence beaten as they failed to play the normal organised line. Despite this pressure, on 5 minutes a counter attack by Bassett produced the first goal of the game as Zach met Declan Coffey's cross to score just inside the right hand post.

During the next 15 minutes both teams played some classy football, looking to pass and move rather than punt long. Bassett had gained the initiative and some smart interactions of play between created several corners but no clear chances on goal.

On 21 minutes a Lewis free kick was picked up by Callum whose left foot cross was headed out by a Pewsey defender. The resulting corner was not cleared by Pewsey and a lobbed shot from Declan Cox found the far corner to make it 2-0 Bassett!

The goal chances increased as half time approached. Firstly, Rewsey hit the side netting as the attention of Lewis and Conor forced the Pewsey forward wdie and narrowed his angle of opportunity to score. Moments later, Ollie, Lewis and Callum formed the perfect passing triangle to move the ball out of defence and present Declan Cox with a shooting opportunity that went narrowly wide. Pewsey came straight back and Conor was forced into another save as to maintain Bassett's two goal advantage.

Half-time: 2-0

With the tang of the half time oranges still tingling the Bassett taste buds, Pewsey attacked down the right, and a low hard cross rebounded into the net off a Bassett player to make it 2-1.

It was evident that Pewsey had become the dominant team in the second half and Bassett had lost their structure and passion from the first half. On 9 minutes Pewsey were almost level when a corner was not cleared and the resulting shot went narrowly wide. Bassett goal chances were few and far between, their only real opportunity came on 17 minutes when Zach and Declan Cox combined well on the left, for Callum's shot to go over the bar.

A minute of madness saw Pewsey take the lead in this game. Firstly a long clearance was not dealt with by the Bassett defence and a great strike meant the scores were now level. Bassett lost possession straight from the kick off and Pewsey struck through the heart of the Bassett team and took the lead with a well placed shot.

Pushed on by some vocal support, Bassett tried to create another goal scoring opportunity but unfortunately their endeavours were in vane.

Full-time: 4-3

Coach's Match Analysis: The proverbial game of two halves as we played very well in the first half and could easily have had more than the 2 goals we did score. We passed the ball intelligently and used the width of the pitch well and also defended as a team. What a turnaround in the 2nd half as we were out thought and more importantly out fought in the tackle by a determined Pewsey team who went on to deserve their victory.

Our players have to realize that in 9 a-side football they have to work harder for each other and not expect others to do their tackling and running for them. They also have to realize that they can't always play in a position that they want to in a team sport and have to adapt better to those situations.

Player of the Match: Dependable when called upon, today's POTM award goes to Conor Chivers.

Team: Conor Chivers, Charlie Poynter, Lewis Ward (Capt.), Oliver Cameron, Callum Bridges, Declan Coffey, Declan Cox, Zach Bunce, Lachlan Beggs, Ashton Fear

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