09 Jan 2011 - Croft Juniors 'B' (H)

With their last competitive game back in November and without any training for almost 6 weeks, the lay off and Christmas festivities certainly showed on some of Bassett Town supporters! Today's game was also going to be a test for the players as they came up against one of the league's stronger teams who were also in the battle for top spot.

The opening 5 minutes were frantic without any real football being played, the lack of match time being the overriding contributor to this for both teams. Bassett had the first chance on goal when a corner after 6 minutes was curled over by Callum only for Lachlan's header to rebound off the right hand post.

After 10 minutes an almighty scramble in the Croft box saw both Lewis and Declan Coffey try to get a shot goal bound but as the ball ricocheted out to Declan Cox, the final shot went just wide of the post.

It was on 14 minutes when Croft first threatened the Bassett goal. A long throw cleared the Bassett defence but Conor was quickly off his line to make the save. Two minutes later Croft were on the attack again and a break and cross from the left saw the Croft centre forward blast the ball against the Bassett cross bar from 8 yards.

Croft were now taking control of the game and on 25 minutes they broke through the Bassett defence. A covering tackle from behind saw clear foot on ball but a penalty was awarded as the tackle was from behind. Conor chose the right way and pushed the spot kick against the post but unfortunately for Bassett the ball squeezed into the goal rather than out.

The last action of the first half belonged to Bassett when Harry won the ball in defence and made a pass to Lewis. An interchange with Callum was completed with a ball through the Croft defence for Declan Cox which was cleared for a corner just as the trigger was cocked.

Half-time: 0-1

Bassett showed their real ability at the start of the second half. Some proper football was played, but more importantly, commitment and self belief was in their play. After 2 minutes Callum linked well with Lewis down the left, Lachlan lifting the shot just over from the smart cutback. A minute later a Lachlan free kick was drifted over from the right for Declan Coffey to head narrowly wide at the back post.

Soon after that another strong challenge from Harry saw him win the ball and then have the presence to thread a ball through to Lewis. On the run, Lewis hit a first time shot that beat the keeper but bounced off the left hand post.

Finally Bassett got their rewards for this enterprising start to the second half. A free kick was sent into the box by Callum which flew over the keeper and in at the far post. Bassett almost scored again when James sent a ball down the right but unfortunately Lewis's first time shot was well saved at the near post.

After all the hard work to get back on level terms Bassett were undone by a long ball that evaded the defenders and was well finished by the goal hungry Croft forward.

After this goal scoring opportunities were at a premium. Strong defending by both teams and the absence of a clinical final pass saw the game at stale mate. As the full time whistle loomed Croft put the game beyond doubt when a corner was not cleared by Bassett and a Croft shot went in off the far post.

Full-time: 1-3

Coach's Match Analysis: A disappointing performance to start the New Year where only a few of our players played with the effort and commitment showed by our opponents. Croft were a big physical side and we too often pulled out of tackles that should have been won. We have to realise that ability counts for nothing if the work rate isn't up to the standards we've showed previously. A bad day at the office but with two games next weekend we soon have the chance to put this performance behind us.

Player of the Match: Exposed at the back on several occasions but still alert enough to advance from his line and make numerous brave saves. Today's POTM award goes to Conor Chivers.

Team: Conor Chivers, Lewis Ward (Capt.), James Evans, Matthew Nicholls, Edward Fish, Harry Woodhouse, Charlie Poynter, Declan Coffey, Declan Cox, Callum Bridges, Lachlan Beggs, Ollie Cameron

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