15 Jan 2011 - Highworth Town Juniors 'H' (H)

With the disappointment of last weekend's game still in their memories, Bassett U11s needed to show some real character and spirit if they were going to compete against our very tough opponents in the latest round of the North Wilts District Cup.

As a strong wind blew across the full sized pitch, Bassett set about their task well and maintained a good team structure to nullify any threat of the opposition in the early stages. In fact it was Bassett that were playing the more threatening football and good play between Zach and Declan Coffey saw the final shot go just wide. It was Zach that created the next chance when he cut in from the right, beat a defender and then the keeper, but an excellent covering tackle cleared the ball for a corner.

HTJ's first chance came straight from the corner, as a quick break stretched Bassett at the back but a great tackle by Matthew N cleared the danger. This was the first sign of the true football ability of HTJ and it inspired them to start to take control of the game. On 20 minutes, it needed Edward and then Matthew N to stop HJT and knock the ball for a corner. However, the corner was not cleared and safe hands from Conor at his near post were required to stop a goal bound shot.

As the pressure mounted on Bassett, the defence and midfield fell deeper towards their own goal but they held firm and worked as a solid unit to deny HTJ any clear shooting chances. First Charlie and then Ollie made timely tackles to keep the game goalless.

As half time approached HTJ won a corner. The ball was sent over on the wind and bounced between players near the penalty. The loose ball was pounced upon by the HTJ forward to strike a firm shot into the top left hand corner of goal.

Half-time: 0-1

The half time team talk and oranges did the trick! Bassett came out and took the game to HTJ from the whistle. Within a minute Lachlan and Lewis combined nicely in midfield and Lewis threaded the ball into the run of Declan Cox. One touch, but unfortunately a perfect tackle from the defender cleared the ball out for a throw just as Declan lifted his leg to shoot.

From the throw, Declan Coffey found Lewis whose long shot was not held by the keeper. Zach, doing what all good strikers do, followed the ball into the box and was rewarded as it bounced into his path and he scored from 8 yards.

Again Bassett were playing structured football, adapting to the 11-a-side format on the full sized pitch extremely well. Matthew Corscadden, making his debut for Bassett, fitted in nicely on the left hand side of midfield with some neat touches to link defence and attack.

On 22 minutes Bassett looked to have gone behind again but an amazing goal line clearance from Ed kept the scores level. A couple of minutes later HTJ had another chance but Conor showed excellent handling again to make a fine save. As extra time beckoned Bassett got one more chance. A quick throw by Declan Coffey put Zach through on the right. Zach cut the ball back to Declan Cox but unfortunately for Bassett it went wide of the left hand post.

Full-time: 1-1

After all the effort that had been put in by both teams 20 minutes of extra time was now to be played. Bassett had the only clear chance in the first half of extra time when Declan Coffey put Declan Cox through, the HTJ keeper coming off his line and making a brave save to avert the danger.

Some how both Bassett and HTJ players found enough strength and started the second half of extra time at a frantic pace. Firstly, HTJ had a chance but Conor again displayed safe hands to hold the shot. From the kick, Bassett went straight to the HTJ end via some smart play between Lachlan, Lewis and Declan Cox, the ball just being cleared as Zach was about to shoot. A minute later Lewis found Zach whose shot hit the side netting.

HTJ went right back at Bassett and a firm shot was well saved by a diving Conor. Unfortunately there was a mix up to clear the ball and it cruelly fell at the feet of the HTJ forward who neatly slotted the ball home from 6 yards.

Bassett did not let their heads drop and went in search of an equaliser. Seconds before the final whistle a freekick was awarded to Bassett. Everyone was thrown up front. Callum's kick was flicked on into the HTJ box by Lewis's head but unfortunately, it ricocheted off two people before being the launched to safety by the HTJ defender.

After Extra Time: 1-2

Match Analysis: An excellent display by both teams who adapted to 11-a-side football remarkably well. Bassett played with real heart, spirit and commitment. They worked as units, they played as a team. In defence, midfield and attack no one was left isolated, no one was left to take on the opposition by themselves. Nothing put praise can be given to all those concerned.

Player of the Match: A very tough decision as every player made a contribution today. However, todays POTM award goes to Matthew Nicholls for some tremendous tackling and some very committed play.

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

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