18 Sep 2011 - Greenmeadow Youth (A)

Dark black storm clouds were in the sky as Bassett travelled to North Swindon to play against Greenmeadow in their second fixture of the 2011/12 season. Were the clouds a bleak omen of things to come or would Bassett continue the form shown the week before when beating Ferndale.

Mercifully, the rains stayed away but straight from kick off Bassett were made aware of the abilities of this strong Greenmeadow team as the ball was moved swiftly between players to create the first scoring opportunity for Greenmeadow without a Bassett player even touching the ball.

Bassett went behind on 3 minutes when Greenmeadow spread the play out right. With time and space the Greenmeadow winger crossed to the back post and well finished.

Bassett struggled to keep the ball. Passes went astray and tackles were missed. Greenmeadow extended their lead on 8 minutes when Bassett couldn't clear the ball, the Greenmeadow forward, having plenty of time to pick his spot and fire past Conor.

Bassett's first chance came on 14 minutes when Callum advanced down the left and pssed inside to Zach, who couldn't find enough power in his shot to trouble the Greenmeadow keeper. Moments later Declan found Zach in space in the Greenmeadow area. This time Zach beat the keeper but the ball rolled agonisingly wide of the right hand post.

This little spell of Bassett pressure was rewarded with a goal on 17 minutes. A long ball from the back by Edward found Callum. Callum knocked the ball over the Greenmeadow defence and as the keeper and defender dwelled on who would clear, Declan ran between them both to head the ball into the back of the net.

The goal gave Bassett hope but Greenmeadow remained in control of the game with some excellent control and passing. As half time approached Bassett didn't clear the ball and paid the penalty as the Greenmeadow forward shot across goal and into the far corner. A minute later Bassett conceded again when a long ball wasn't dealt with and a firm strike gave Conor no chance.

Half-time: 1-4

Bassett created the first chance of the second half when Lewis passed a ball through the Greenmeadow defence into the path of Declan, only brave keeping denied Declan a second goal.

Greenmeadow went further ahead on 36 minutes when a Bassett pass didn't find a team mate and was picked up by the Greenmeadow defence. The ball was then moved towards the Bassett goal with ease and the resulting shot sailed into the roof of the net.

To their credit Bassett could have folded at this point and conceded a cricket score. However, the boys worked extremely hard and maintained a much more discipline shape. Greenmeadow were always the better team, but Bassett showed enough ability and commitment to give themselves confidence and belief for future games.

Full-time: 1-5

Coach’s Match Analysis

Today's game was never going to be easy, in fact this league was never going to be easy. But we need to be positive in defeat, the boys battled hard today, once we got some shape in the second half we restricted the opposition to a limited amount of chances. We need to retain the ball better so we give ourselves a better opportunity to create chances. But at the end of the day the boys battled well and we need to keep there heads up and work hard for the rest of the season, we have a good set of boys who if they keep working hard will get their just rewards. Well done everyone.

Player of the Match

Energetic running and good use of the ball made Callum Bridges Basett's stand out player today for which he was awarded the POTM award.

Team

Conor Chivers, Matthew Nicholls, Edward Fish, James Evans, Ollie Cameron, Jordan Langford, Declan Cox, Callum Bridges, Lewis Ward (Capt), Lachlan Beggs, Zach Bunce, George Staten

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