06 Feb 2011 - Old Town United (H)

A windy Ballards Ash played host to the latest Wootton Bassett U11 fixture. A tough match with a well disciplined Old Town was in store for the boys.

The opening minutes of the game belonged to OT as Bassett struggled to put passes together and retain the ball. The first chance fell to OT when a corner on 3 minutes was met on the volley only for the ball to go wide of the post.

Bassett's first threat on goal came on the 8 minute mark when Charlie's throw found Declan Coffey. Declan's cross was met by Callum whose shot went wide. This was the spark that Bassett needed and all of a sudden the boys were a different team. Where the ball had missed the intended target previously Bassett started to play some excellent football with passes reaching the intended team mate and some truly visionary play.

On 11 minutes Bassett were awarded a free kick on the edge of the OT box. The wall in place, Callum peeled back and then hit a sweet shot straight into the top corner of the OT goal….. Memories of Beckham in the last minute against Greece weren't misplaced with the quality of this free kick by Callum.

Bassett were now moving into top gear and a smart move minutes later saw Callum, Zach and then Lewis involved to create an opening for Declan Coffey to slam his shot against the bar and down onto the line but unfortunately the ball spun out and back to an OT defender to clear the danger.

Having reached top gear the boys showed true character and kept the motor spinning and went into cruise control. Ollie, Charlie and James dealt with any OT threat down the wings whilst Edward “bossed” the centre of defence. This strong unit enabled Bassett to attack with confidence. The midfield moved the ball forward and across the pitch and on 18 minutes Lachlan found Declan Cox who passed the ball through to Zach. A 1 on 1 situation needed bravery from the OT keeper to maintain the one – nil score line.

Moments later the play went the opposite way, as a move started by Zach down the right went across the pitch via Lewis for Callum's shot to go narrowly over the bar. In a similar move Declan Cox, Zach and then Lewis combined to create another opening for Callum. This time the ball drifted wide of the OT post.

Even though Bassett were now in control of the game OT still offered a real threat and just before half time some excellent defending by Matthew averted the chance of a shot on the Bassett goal on 3 successive occasions.

Half-time: 1-0

Both teams started the second half strongly with OT working as a team to get back into the game. The “next” goal was becoming very important as it would surely shape the future of this game. Despite the threat of the OT attacking play, Bassett created the first two chances of the second half. Firstly, Declan Coffey, Lewis and Callum combined, but Callum's shot went wide of the upright. Moments later Charlie and Declan Coffey combined nicely from a throw in for Charlie to cross, Lewis's front post shot being well saved by the OT keeper.

On 9 minutes Lachlan and Callum combined down the left, the cross being met by Declan Coffey (Arthur), whose header went inches over the bar.

Only a single goal to the good, Bassett were now playing some excellent football. The defence were supreme in averting any danger. On the rare occasions that Charlie, Matthew, Ollie or James didn't stop an OT attack, Edward was there to sweep up the trouble and put the ball out for safety even before any questions were asked of Conor. In central midfield Lachlan and Lewis were dominant, controlling the play and making the play. Declan Coffey and Callum ran tirelessly down the wings to create opportunities for Zach and Declan Cox up front who posed a constant threat on the OT goal.

On 17 minutes, a game a “keepy-uppy” by Declan Cox saw him create a chance for himself only for the shot to go narrowly wide. The goal kick went straight back to Declan who controlled the ball and shot from 15 yards. The shot scraping the top of the OT bar.

The outcome of this game was confirmed in a 3 minute spell. Firstly, Zach picked up a goal kick and passed to Declan Cox. Declan turned onto his left foot and shot low and hard from 12 yards to score a goal that would rival any of the 41 goals shown on Match of the Day the night before (or in the morning for the Dad's that missed the Saturday evening show).

Two minutes later, hard work from Declan Cox kept the ball in on the right. His 30 yard run into the OT box was only ended by a “barge” from the OT defender, a penalty being awarded as the outcome. Lewis struck the pen which was saved by the OT keeper, but Lewis was alert enough to follow up his spot kick and knock the rebound into the back of the goal.

To their credit OT didn't give in and pressed forward just like they had done during the rest of the game. Moments before the final whistle they were awarded a corner which skidded off a Bassett defender only for Conor to show his ability and make the save at the near post. With the whistle in the Referees mouth, OT were awarded another corner. This time the ball was met by the foot of an OT player but Conor produced the save of the game to keep the score at 3-0.

Full-time: 3-0

Coach's Match Analysis: An awesome effort both individually and collectively from all 12 players as we put in our best performance of the season, avenging our previous defeat by Old Town. We looked solid in defence and if it wasn't for the crossbar the score could have been bigger as we linked play superbly. The most impressive thing was that our opponents are a very good team and had not lost by more than a goal margin before today.

We have now set the standard that we believe our players can sustain as we see the effort and commitment each week in training. Well done all 12 players and thank you to all parents for their support as it does make a difference to them all.

Player of the Match: Another great team display, this time built on superb midfield play by the boys in the middle of the park. Holding the defensive line, linking the play and adding to attacking threat, today's POTM award goes to Lewis Ward.

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

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