14 Nov 2010 - South Cerney (A)

Bassett made their first ever trip to South Cerney trying to get some momentum back into their NWD league campaign. A 12 man Bassett squad was met by an under strength South Cerney team who had had 2 late withdrawals.

The seven man SC team created the first opening of the game on 2 minutes when they broke through the Bassett defence, Conor advanced off his line and made a fine block. The ball bounced back to the SC striker who hit a first time shot which was cleared off the line by the knee of Ed.

A minute later Bassett did impose themselves when the pace of Declan Coffey down the right stretched the SC team, Declan's cross being met by Declan Cox who knocked the ball inside the post. Soon after Bassett doubled their lead as Callum, James and Lachlan linked nicely on the left. Lachlan then moved play out to the right from where Declan Coffey crossed for Lewis to control the ball, turn and shoot into the SC net.

Declan Coffey was running rampant down the right and another cross on 6 minutes fizzed across the 6 yard box but no Bassett striker could get on the end of it. This danger wasn't cleared and Lachlan picked up the lose ball on the edge of the area, firing a strong shot which was tipped over by the SC keeper.

On 10 minutes another good move down the left between James and Lachlan saw Lachlan again spread the play to the right where this time Declan Coffey cut in to shoot across goal and narrowly wide of the left hand post. Another chance soon followed when James and Ed broke up a SC attack, Ed found Lewis who knocked the ball into the path of Matthew. Matthew slotted the ball through to Lachlan whose shot was again well saved.

A minute later Bassett did make it 3-0 when Matt intercepted the ball and passed to Lewis. Lewis then turned towards the SC goal and fed a ball through the defence for Declan Cox to run onto and shoot with his left foot from 12 yards.

To their immense credit SC never stopped trying and on 25 minutes won a corner. The ball was only part cleared and a fine shot required a good save from Conor to maintain the clean sheet. As half time approached Harry took the ball out of the Bassett defence with confidence. He passed to Zach who fired a shot from 15 yards narrowly wide of the SC goal.

Half-time: 3-0

Despite being two players short, playing up hill and being 3 goals behind, SC started the second half at great pace. They dominated the first 5 minutes without getting a goal as reward. As time passed Bassett did start to take a firmer hold on the game and extended their lead on 9 minutes. A long ball into the SC box wasn't properly cleared as it bounced and ricocheted off several players. Finally the defender's miss hit clearance was well controlled by Declan Cox in his “crown jewels” Declan then spun away and knocked the ball into an open goal from 5 yards to secure his hattrick.

Bassett received a scare on 12 minutes and were only saved their blushes by an excellent recovery tackle by Aston who had tracked back well to cover. Declan Cox made it 4 a minute later when he received a Callum pass and ran on to shoot low past the keeper. Declan made it two goals in a minute when Lewis won the ball straight from the kick off, fed Declan, whose shot flew past the SC keeper. 6-0 Bassett!

Two minutes later SC had a corner which was cleared at the front post by Lewis. Lewis passed to Declan Cox who fed the ball through to Zach who had cleverly held his run to remain onside. Zach ran the ball 20 yards then knocked it past the advancing keeper to follow-up and slam the ball home from 4 yards out.

The game was all Bassett now as SC tired following their massive efforts to stay in this game. A Callum corner was flicked on at the front post and met by Zach at the back to get his second and Bassett's 8th. This was soon followed by a 9th and Zach's hattrick when he picked up a goal kick and fired the ball back past the keeper before he had chance to move.

On 20 minutes SC almost scored when a long throw caught the Bassett defensive line a little flat footed and a SC forward ran through clear only to be foiled by a brave save by Conor who was once again quick to come off his line. With Conor on the ground the ball broke lose but as the striker ran on to shoot, Lewis came across and knocked the ball out of play to avert the danger.

On 22 minutes another well floated corner by Callum was met by Lewis whose header went just wide of the left hand post. As the final whistle approached Bassett did make it a double figure score when the ball was played into the SC box. A brilliantly timed tackle by Zach took the ball away from Aston's swinging right foot and was then knocked into the net by Zach from 2 yards.

Full-time: 10-0

Coach's Match Analysis: Although a comfortable win for Bassett, the South Cerney players deserve all the credit due to their team effort and commitment. All their players worked tirelessly for each other and never let their heads drop despite conceding a number of goals. Bassett can build their confidence from this game but should also learn a lot from the attitude of the SC players.

Player of the Match: Battled hard in midfield and won numerous tackles but the quality of this performance was not just winning the tackle but also the way in which this player used the ball once he had won it. Today's POTM award goes to Lachlan Beggs

Team: Conor Chivers, Lewis Ward (Capt.), James Evans, Matthew Nicholls, Edward Fish, Harry Woodhouse, Declan Coffey, Declan Cox, Zach Bunce, Lachlan Beggs, Aston Fear, Callum Bridges,

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