13 Mar 2011 - Chiseldon (A)

Following a weekend without a game Wootton Bassett U11s travelled to Chiseldon in the hope of recreating the “total” football displayed in their last fixture against Highworth Town. A wide well cut pitch welcomed the boys so expectations were high.

From the off the boys didn't let themselves, their coaches nor the fans down and were quickly in control of the game. The first threatening move of the game came as Callum found Declan Cox who passed onto Lewis, his shot deflecting for a corner. The corner was put in into the box and cleared for another by the Chiseldon defence. Quick thinking saw Callum play short to Lachlan who played back to Callum, his cross being met by the head of Lewis to make it 1-0 Bassett!

On 5 minutes Bassett had two chances in quick succession when firstly James and Zach combined well on the right, Zach's shot flying across the face of goal. Moments later Declan Cox combined with Callum on the left, Callum's cross-shot being pushed away by the Chiseldon keeper at the last moment as a Bassett boot came flying in.

Bassett were piling on the pressure and playing some lovely passing football. On 9 minutes the boys attacked when Zach, Callum, and Lewis passed the ball neatly to create a chance for Declan Cox, Declan's shot was pushed away by the Chiseldon keeper. The next few seconds demonstrated the desire, commitment and maturity in the Bassett team. The ball didn't go out of play and Bassett worked to get the ball back. Callum then created space and his cross was met at the back post by Lewis for his and the team's second.

Bassett won another corner on 13 minutes. The ball was not cleared and as it bounced around the Chiseldon box Edward pounced to slam the ball into the top corner.

Bassett won the ball back straight from the kick off. Callum crossed from the left, Lewis laid it off and Declan Cox did an acrobatic scissor kick, the ball flying into the back of the Chiseldon goal.

Five minutes later Bassett produced another superb passage of play when Lewis, Lachlan and Declan Cox combined to put the ball in the path of Declan Coffey who struck a great first time shot that flew narrowly wide of the far post. Moments later a Bassett corner was cleared to the edge of the box where Callum struck a great shot that slammed against the Chiseldon bar.

Bassett were in total control, but it was not all attack. Their fast flowing forward play was built on the foundations of strong defence and great team structure. Harry, Charlie, James and Matthew were strong in the full back positions. They gave the Chiseldon wingers no room to attack, and when the ball came down the middle Edward was there to avert any danger. Most impressive of all was that once a tackle had been won all the defenders had the confidence, and the opportunity, to play the ball out of defence via the well organised midfield. The ball never had to “go long” as there was always a spare team mate to be found.

This confidence in their team mate's and in their own ability was displayed on 23 minutes when Harry and Ollie, deep in defence, stopped a Chiseldon attack then combined to pass the ball through Lachlan and then Lewis and then Declan Coffey out on the right. Declan found Declan Cox with a well placed cross, the shot being charged down and deflected for another corner. Lachlan's corner was met at the front post by Ollie on the volley to make it 5-0 Bassett.

As half time approached, Declan Coffey and Zach combined down the right, Zach's cross was missed by the Chiseldon keeper and the ball fell at the feet of Ollie to score a dolly from 3 yards.

Half-time: 6-0

Playing up the hill, being six goals down and with no substitute the Chiseldon team could have been forgiven for letting their heads drop and concede a cricket score of goals. But to their immense credit Chiseldon started, and continued, to compete in the second half with energy and spirit.

Bassett did extend their lead 6 minutes into the second half as Ollie went on a jolly! Bassett had the ball on the right but Zach and then Lewis quickly moved it across the box to find Ollie unmarked. Ollie calmly slotted the ball home for his hat trick and Bassett's 7th.

A few minutes later Declan Coffey crossed from the right and Callum's shot grazed the cross bar. It was hard running by Declan Coffey down the right that created the next chance on 33 minutes. Declan got to the ball, cut inside and passed to James. James steadied himself and struck a fantastic shot from the edge of the area. As the Bassett fans went up to celebrate an excellent goal the Chiseldon keeper dived across goal to push the ball away for a corner. This was not only the save of the game, but the save of the season so far by any of our opponents.

Bassett did extend their lead one further time on 51 minutes when a corner was not cleared and Zach knocked the ball in from 3 yards.

Just as the match reporter was getting concerned…. “How was he going to get Conor's name in the match report?” then Chiseldon broke through the Bassett defence. As the forward advanced on goal, Conor showed his quality and power's of concentration to come off his line and make a brave save. As the ball looped up and towards goal, Matthew ran in and cleared the ball away from danger to maintain the clean sheet.

Full-time: 8-0

Match Analysis: As match reporter for the last 4 years, the best compliment I can give to this amazing group of boys is that in times gone by I would include a “move of the match” in my reports. Now, there is no “move of the match” just a match full of moves!

Player of the Match: Comes off the bench, scores his first hat trick for Bassett and picks an award… simple! Today's “Man of the Match” goes to Ollie Cameron.

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

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