27 Mar 2011 - Wanborough Juniors (A)

Bassett U11s travelled to Wanborough for their last league game of the 2010/11 season. With second place in the league already guaranteed, a win would keep them one point ahead of Pewsey and keep a bit of pressure on Pewsey for their two games remaining games.

From the off it was clear that this was going to be a tough match as Wanborough started the game quickly with some strong running and good skill. It was Wanborough who first threatened to score as an attack and shot from the right was well collected by Conor at his near post. Conor then sent a long goal kick down the centre of the pitch, the bounce deceiving the Wanborough defence for Declan Cox to run onto and shoot which produced a fine diving save from the Wanborough keeper.

On 9 minutes Matthew Nicholls advanced down the right and crossed, once again Declan Cox's shot was well saved. Bassett created a further goal scoring opportunity 3 minutes later when a long clearance by Charlie was chased down by the Bassett forward line, the Wanborough keeper coming to the edge of his box to try to avert the danger. Callum picked up the lose ball and sent it back towards goal. The ball went narrowly wide as the Wanborough keeper was under pressure to get back and make the save.

On 15 minutes, good work down the left by Lachlan created room for a cross which was met by Lewis only for the ball to go over the bar. A minute later Bassett won a corner which was delivered beautifully right under the cross bar by Callum. Unfortunately for Bassett, Charlie couldn't get enough on the ball with his head to divert it goal wards.

Despite Bassett creating most of the chances, Wanborough were playing the better football and got their rewards on 18 minutes when a smart move left the Bassett defence standing and the ball was slammed home from 5 yards.

Wanborough kept the pressure on and Bassett were lucky to maintain the one goal deficit as a scramble in the Bassett box was eventually cleared with 3 Wanborough players straining to get a shot on target. It was hard for Bassett to maintain their shape as Wanborough had some fast and skilful players. It was great to see how the Bassett wing combinations of Zach, Matthew Corscadden, Callum and Declan Coffey all worked their lines well, supported the defence and attacked at speed when an opportunity was presented.

Bassett could have got on level terms just before half time when a long ball from Ollie found Declan Cox, who unfortunately rushed his shot and the ball flew over the bar.

Half-time: 0-1

Bassett kicked off for the second half and were immediately on level terms as the ball was passed out to Declan Cox by Lachlan on the left, Declan's cross being met at the back post by Zach to score from 5 yards.

A minute later Bassett were awarded a free kick and a long range shot by Lachlan went narrowly wide. Bassett did take the lead a minute after this when Declan Cox worked back from attack and picked up a loose ball in midfield, he then played the way he was facing and passed back to Matthew Nicholls in the right back position. Matthew found Zach down the right who advanced to the by-line and cut the ball back where it was met by Lewis to make it 2-1 Bassett!

Wanborough reacted with real conviction to this quick reversal of score line and came right back at Bassett. A Wanborough free kick on 6 minutes was well saved by Conor. Wanborough were becoming the more dominant team once again but some strong defence by Edward, Charlie, Matthew, Harry, James and Ollie kept Bassett in the lead. Unfortunately the defensive dam sprung a leak on 17 minutes when the ball wasn't cleared properly and Wanborough put 3 smart passes together to create a shooting chance, which was not wasted.

A draw would have been a fair result, but neither team wanted to settle for just a point. The last 10 minutes of the game was extremely exciting with both teams committed to the challenge of going for the win. Fierce tackling and dogged persistence to win the ball was shown by both teams.

With the minutes ticking by, Bassett were awarded a free kick as a Wanborough defender picked up the ball as he mistakenly thought it had gone out for a throw. Bassett filled the Wanborough box with players as Laclahn got ready to launch the kick into the melting pot. As the ball travelled through the air it missed Bassett and Wanborough heads alike and sailed over the keeper into the top corner to give Bassett the victory.

Full-time: 3-2

Coach's Match Analysis: Sometimes in any sport it's often difficult to give any credit to the opponents and easier to look at your own performance. In my opinion today was one of those occasions as Wanborough played very well and whilst we were never at our best I think that was due to their excellent performance rather than us having an off day. We showed another good side of our character as we came away with another good win with a spirited second half performance.

As coaches we can't say enough good things about the boys as they've been fantastic to work with this season.

Player of the Match: Matched strength and determination in defence with skill and pace when going forward. Today's POTM goes to Zach Bunce, whose goal ignited an excellent Bassett comeback.

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

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