27 Feb 2011 - Highworth Town Juniors 'T' (A)

Leaving Bassett in the sunshine, arriving in the rain, the Under 11s knew this was a “six pointer” as they played top-of-the-league Highworth Town T away.

From the first whistle Bassett took control of this game. The hunger and desire to win was matched in equal proportions by skill and team work. The team moved the ball with confidence and conviction to ensure every pass mattered. It was amazing that despite the football played it was not until 4 minutes that Bassett created their first real chance. A long ball from Edward found Declan Cox but unfortunately a covering tackle cleared the ball just as Declan homed in on goal.

The same combination of Edward and Declan combined on 6 minutes, this time great hands by the Highworth keeper stopped the ball being spilled to the on-rushing Bassett players. On 7 minutes Callum advanced down the left, his cross was cleared but he pounced on the loose ball only to see his shot well saved by the Highworth keeper.

Bassett took the lead on 10 minutes when James passed into the box to Declan Cox. Declan's flick found Lewis on the edge of the area, then Lewis's first time shot sailed into the roof of the Highworth goal to make it 1-0 Bassett!

Moments later Bassett almost extended their lead when James found Zach out right. A strong run and cross saw the ball slice off the defenders boot which produced an excellent save by the Highworth keeper. On 13 minutes Bassett scored again when Lachlan found Declan Cox. Instant control and a turn inside created the space for Declan to fire the ball into the back of the Highworth goal from 12 yards.

Bassett were 3-0 up after 18 minutes when Lewis picked up a Highworth throw. His pass found Zach on the right wing. Zach rode a tackle then crossed the ball for Callum to score at the back post.

Bassett were in total dominance of this game. Built on sound defence by Harry, Matthew, Edward and James, Bassett controlled the ball in midfield and created many openings for their strong running forward line. It was only as half time approached that Highworth got their first shot on goal. A great strike on the half volley was well saved by an ever alert Conor.

Half-time: 3-0

Bassett attacked straight from the kick off and Zach showed his pace to out-strip the defence but a brave save by the Highworth keeper prevented another goal scoring opportunity. Within a minute Bassett attacked again down the right, this time Declan Coffey's cross was well collected by the Highworth keeper.

Bassett made it four and then five in quick succession, sending their fans wild up on “the bank”. Firstly, a Highworth clearance was picked up by Lewis, his ball found Zach who showed quick feet to round the Highworth keeper and slot the ball home to make it 4-0!

Moments later Declan Cox chased down a long ball by Lachlan deep into the left hand corner. Declan's effort and hard work being rewarded by a slip from the Highworth defender, Declan pouncing on the loose ball and shooting over the Highworth keeper.

Bassett really were now playing some controlled football. From keeper, defence, midfield and attack the team worked as a complete unit and made the top-of-the-league side look second best. On 21 minutes a strong tackle from Matthew in defence meant the ball broke to Callum. Callum turned inside and passed to Zach. Zach passed out wide to Callum who had made a 25 yard run to get the ball, his shot going narrowly wide and into the side netting. Moments later it was the side netting again as Harry stopped a Highworth attack his pass found Callum who found Declan Cox whose shot found the side netting.

In the final moments of the game Highworth won three consecutive corners. The second was pushed against the post by Conor, but unfortunately the third sailed across the defence and into the bottom corner to make the final score 5-1 Bassett!

Full-time: 5-1

Coach's Match Analysis: What a time to put in the best performance of the season, one which took us to the top of the league also. Any words I use wouldn't do justice to just how well the team played and the pride that the coaches felt whilst watching the team's display of football. The players worked from the first whistle to the last and only had one lapse of concentration in the whole match which led to Highworth's consolation goal.

If it wasn't for the brilliance of the Highworth keeper we could have had more than 5 fantsatic goals. There were 11 “players of the match” and I would have gladly paid to watch the collective effort and football the team produced.

Player of the Match: An easy decision from this quality team performance. Today's POTM award goes to: Conor, James, Matthew, Edward, Harry, Lachlan, Lewis, Declan, Zach, Callum and Declan

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

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