23 Jan 2011 - Pewsey Vale (A)

After the magnificent display last weekend in the NWDC, Wootton Bassett U11s travelled to Pewsey Vale for a very tough league fixture. Having played Pewsey twice already this season, losing 2-3 in the league and winning 1-0 in the NWDC, this promised to be an entertaining match.

Bassett created the early pressure and played some neat passing football. It was good to see that some quick thinking and in particular, quick throw-ins meant Bassett kept Pewsey on the back foot. However, the Pewsey defence stood strong and their lively midfield and attack soon created Bassett problems. Firstly, Matthew made 3 excellent tackles and then Ollie cleared the ball to safety.

The early Bassett pressure had vanished and Pewsey were becoming more dominant. A break down the left drew the Bassett defence over to the ball and then a good cross saw Pewsey with a two man overlap. As a goal loomed Edward made a great covering tackle. A minute later and a minute after that, Edward was there again to make timely tackles as Pewsey looked very dangerous.

On 10 minutes Pewsey did take the lead as a great move down the left stretched the Bassett defence and the cross was met with a first time shot to give Conor no chance. Immediately from the kick off Bassett almost scored when a long ball by Lachlan was met by Declan to lob the keeper but there was not enough pace on the ball and a defender cleared while Bassett didn't follow the ball in.

Four minutes later Bassett threatened the Pewsey goal again when Callum crossed from the left, Zach cut the ball back but Lewis's shot went just wide. Shortly after, Zach went down the right and this time his cross was met by Callum, whose shot was well saved by the Pewsey keeper.

Bassett were in search of the equalising goal and two further chances followed after smart play by Callum, Lewis and Declan. Both times, good handling by the Pewsey keeper made sure Pewsey kept their lead. On 23 minutes Pewsey broke away and a through ball cut the Bassett defence apart and was met by a forward to run onto and shoot to make it 0-2 Pewsey!

There is a saying in football that the “next” goal is the most important not the “last” goal scored. This was never more so the case than on 28 minutes when Pewsey looked to extend their lead. Firstly a covering tackle from Charlie and then a save by Conor kept the deficit for Bassett just 2 goals. From the goal kick, Charlie won the ball, passed to Zach who found Declan with a well placed pass. This time Declan's lob had enough pace on it to cross the line to make it 1-2 and halve that Pewsey lead.

Half-time: 1-2

Once again Bassett started the second half strongly and created the first scoring opportunity as Declan cut in from the right to shoot with his left foot, only to see the ball bounce back off the right hand post. A couple of minutes later Pewsey created a chance but a parried save by Conor was cleared to safety by Edward. The game was balancing on a knife edge with both defences showing strong. That “next” goal was going to be so important.

On 20 minutes as Pewsey looked to clear the ball Matthew put it back into the Pewsey box. As the ball bounced up it hit the defenders arm and a penalty was awarded. Minutes passed as the antics of the Pewsey player, linesman and supporter delayed the taking of the penalty. Eventually, when the referee blew his whistle, Lewis ran up to shoot the ball left with the Pewsey keeper going right.

Through hard work and endeavour Bassett had turned this game around and were now in the ascendancy. Excellent defensive play by Harry, Matthew and Edward allowed the midfield to push forward. On 23 minutes a strong run by Zach, beating 2 players ended with a brave save from the Pewsey keeper. Soon after that the Pewsey keeper was on hand again when his finger tips just pushed the ball away from Declan as he looked to be through on goal.

A minute later Lewis won the ball on the right, went on a strong run and shot across goal. The diving Pewsey keeper pushed the ball out and then was alert enough to get to his feet and block Callum's follow-up shot. As full time drew closer, Bassett created two great chances to win the game. Firstly, Callum combined with Declan who crossed the ball. Unfortunately Zach rushed his shot at the back post and the ball sliced wide. Moments later a Lachlan through ball found Declan in space but his shot went wide of the advancing keeper but also wide of the post.

Full-time: 2-2

Match Analysis: An excellent game of football when quick passing moves created chances and produced goals for both teams. Stalwart in defence, competitive in midfield and aggressive in attack, once again Bassett worked effectively as a team. To their credit no heads dropped when two-nil down and in the end showed enough to create chances and with a little more composure could have won the game.

Player of the Match: A very tough decision as every player once again made a contribution. There were three or four exceptional performances from the Bassett team and not one person let a team mate down. No one should be despondent by not winning today's award and Edward Fish should be rightly proud of his fine defensive display to win today's POTM.

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

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