20 Mar 2011 - Highworth Town Juniors 'T' (H)

Bright sunshine and a hard Ballards Ash pitch played host to Wootton Bassett U11s latest fixture. Another win would maintain their 1 point lead at the top of the league a draw was good enough to ensure a runners-up spot.

Bassett made an uncharacteristic nervy start to this game and it was Highworth that looked the most threatening in the early moments. The first chance did fall to Highworth but danger was averted when firstly, Edward made a timely defensive block to stop a goal bound shot. This was quickly followed by a good save from Conor.

Bassett came to life a minute later when a classic counter attack saw Declan Cox fly down the left wing. Declan crossed to Zach who laid the ball off to Lewis whose shot sliced narrowly wide. Somewhat against the run of play, Bassett did take the lead on 12 minutes having won a corner. Edward picked up the loose ball on the edge of the Highworth box, found Declan Cox who turned inside and shot across the keeper and inside the far post to make it 1-0 Bassett.

The game was finely poised with both teams defending stoutly against free running forward lines. Highworth did have more possession than Bassett but the deep sitting Bassett midfield ably supported the defensive trio to maintain their lead and avert any real danger on the Bassett goal. As the referee was about to blow the half time whistle a Highworth long shot from almost 25 yards was well watched by Conor as he pushed the ball away for a corner.

Half-time: 1-0

The start of the second half started in the same vein as the first finished. Both teams were working really hard but struggled to make the telling final pass that would create a clear goal scoring opportunity. However, the game turned Bassett's way in a devastating two minute spell.

Firstly, a long throw by Charlie was passed out to Declan Cox by Lachlan. Declan made a strong run into the Highworth box and shot across goal. The Highworth keeper made a fine save and pushed the ball away but only into the path of Callum who followed in to score from 3 yards.

Moments later Zach took a quick throw to Declan Cox, Declan's cross was met at the far post once again by Callum who struck the ball into the back of the Highworth goal.

On 42 minutes Callum completed his hat trick when James passed a through ball to Ollie. Ollie then played the ball behind the Highworth defence for Callum to run onto and produce an excellent finish with his left foot.

Three minutes later Bassett made it 5 when Matthew won the ball in defence and fed Declan Cox. Declan found Ollie, who in turn found Zach. Zach's shot deflected off a Highworth defender and past the wrong-footed Highworth keeper.

A minute after this Bassett extended their lead again when Declan Coffey found Declan Cox. Declan hit a powerful shot towards the Highworth goal which the keeper could stop from going into his net.

The last chance of the game came as Harry won the ball on the left it was then played through the midfield out right to Declan Coffey. Declan pushed the ball to the corner of the Highworth box and smacked a shot across goal but unfortunately inches wide of the left hand post.

Full-time: 6-0

Coach's Match Analysis: A very proud group of coaches saw this excellent squad of players make it 7 wins on the trot and ensure that they will finish with silverware this season for all their outstanding efforts. To watch the way they matched Highworth in the first half with outstanding work rate was good to see. The way they then tore apart our excellent opponents in the second half with 5 excellent team goals and superb passing to add to their determination was even better to watch.

Well done boys, you deserve all the credit again.

Player of the Match: Scoring a hat trick in under 10 minutes that changed the course of this game, today's POTM award goes to goal hero Callum Bridges

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

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