15 Jan 2011 - Larkhall Athletic (A)

On a cool, very blustery day Wootton Bassett came to play Larkhall Athletic at the Sullis Club. Wootton Bassett was a girl down, so could only field 6 people. Larkhall had a full team and wished to play everyone, so they played with the customary 7 people, with substitutes. The game kicked off at 11 am and Wootton Bassett took possession and after 6 minutes Amy Mathews scored for Bassett and gave hope that we would not come away from the match completely empty-handed. However, despite that ray of hope, Larkhall, who are good on the ball once they have it, managed to gain possession and pressurised the Bassett goalie and defence. Eventually, despite Shannon Furey's and the rest of Bassett defence's best efforts, Larkhall had several corners and scored in the 9th, 10th and 12th minutes. The supporters' hearts sank a little. Then, as if Bassett found new determination and had taken notes from Lavington, they moved up a gear and all the players pitched in and took on the roles of mid-field and defence as required. Instead of Bassett letting their heads down and going completely into defence mode, they worked together as a team keeping possession of the ball, passing well and running it up the field, thus relieving pressure on their own defence. This also created goal opportunities for Bassett so that they could score to keep in the match. Amy Mathews ran herself ragged up and down the pitch but with Felicity Talbot, Hannah Townsend and Katie Rea, they kept possession of the ball and set up goal opportunities for Rach Buchanan, who scored in the 22nd minute. Then Katie Rea kept up the pressure and managed to score right on half-time to draw us level!

Half-Time Score: Wootton Bassett 3 : Larkhall Athletic 3.

In the second-half it was suggested Shannon Furey would come out of goal and Katie Rea would take her position. This gave Bassett effectively a fresh set of legs. Although the scores were level, the supporters held their breath for all of the second-half just in case Bassett's stamina failed. However, Felicity Talbot and Shannon Furey both managed to be in mid-field, with shots at goal and back in defence. Hannah Townsend came to the fore more in mid-field and had some attempts at goal. With Hannah Townsend more in play, Amy Mathews, was able to stay back and do a superb job at defending and clearing. Rach Buchanan, battered and bruised from slipping over and being hit by the ball kept going relentlessly and was rewarded with a goal in the 10th minute of the second half. This was exhilarating for the girls and supporters but still nerve-racking as there was still plenty of playing time. Then Rach Buchanan was tackled and this time she came off for attention to her leg. Thankfully, she came back on and continued to do her best in mid-field. Finally, after what seemed an age, the final whistle blew and Wootton Bassett had done it. They had kept the lead and won. Larkhall were good players but with stamina, versatility and sheer eagerness to possess and play the ball, Wootton Bassett's team had become cohesive and every player gave it their all and morphed their positions during the match to get the best outcome. Well done Bassett players and also the supporters whose nerves were stretched to breaking point as well!

Full-Time Score: Wootton Bassett 4 : Larkhall Athletic 3.

Versatile players, who had all been in defence at one time in their footballing experience but were fit enough and eager to get the ball

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