30 Jan 2011 - Ashton Keynes (A)

Wootton Bassett U11s travelled to Ashton Keynes looking to get back to winning ways. A sticky pitch welcomed the boys and doubts were cast whether their passing game could flourish.

The doubts were soon allayed as Bassett took control for the first 5 minutes, bringing the ball down at every opportunity and using the player in space. However, the neat passing created no goal scoring opportunities and the first chance actually fell to AK on 8 minutes when loose marking by Bassett presented a shooting opportunity, a diving Conor happy to see the ball bounce off the post and out for a goal kick.

Two minutes later AK broke through the Bassett defence but an alert Harry shielded the ball back to Conor. A quick throw from Conor found Callum on the left who carried the ball and crossed. His ball was collected by Declan Cox who passed out to Zach. Zach's first time shot bulging the back of the AK goal.

Moments later AK almost drew level when they attacked down the right, got into the Bassett box unchallenged, but luckily the final shot hit the side netting. On 17 minutes Bassett won a corner. This was cleared at the front post and the AK defender sportingly corrected the referee's decision and another corner was awarded. Callum hit the next corner into the melting pot and it drifted over everybody and in at the far post. Two – nil Bassett!

On 27 minutes Bassett put the ball in the back of the AK net for a third time when Declan Coffey found Lewis who found Declan Cox. However, the flag had gone up and the whistle blew for offside just as the ball hit the back of the net. A minute later that same trio combined and this time Declan's cross was met by Lewis, whose shot was forced onto the post by the AK keeper.

As the fans left their seats to beat the crush for the half time Bovril, James made a strong tackle in midfield and passed to Lewis. Lewis's first time ball set up Callum for a shot that sailed over the keeper to make it three-nil Bassett.

Half-time: 3-0

In the first minute of the second half Bassett won the ball and Zach went down the left and crossed to Declan Coffey. Unfortunately Declan's shot went straight at the AK keeper.

This moment of excitement was a false dawn of the second half as the game seemed to run out of steam. Strong defending by the Bassett trio of Charlie, Edward and Matthew, was supplemented by Lachlan sitting just in front. This defence wall averted any danger until 15 minutes when AK got a goal back when a throw down the left was not dealt with, a couple of tackles were missed and the AK forward took the ball around Conor for a very neat finish.

On 22 minutes Bassett had a corner and Zach's shot hit the post, Lachlan's follow up going narrowly wide.

As the game drew to a close, Bassett put the result beyond doubt when a throw from the left was allowed to bounce in the AK box and Lewis turned and shot with his left foot past the advancing keeper and into the AK goal.

Full-time: 4-1

Coach's Match Analysis: A good win by the team and although we never really got our passing game going in the second half we had done enough damage with our 3 first half goals. We created several chances in the game and instead of looking for a team mate in a better position players took the decision to go alone which stopped us scoring more goals. This will be worked on in training as it's important to remember it's a team game and doesn't matter who scores the goals. When we did pass the ball we cut through the opposition defence which is the way we try to teach the players.

It's important that we remember that the kids will make mistakes during every game and that we try to give encouragement from both sides of the touchline. This was a good win on a difficult surface so well done all

Player of the Match: Quick feet and some excellent attacking play, today's POTM goes to Callum Bridges.

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

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