02 Oct 2011 - Highworth Town Juniors 'H' (A)

The heat of a barmy autumn day and what looked like a “2 in 1” gradient pitch welcomed Bassett to Highworth Town for their latest match in the North Wilts League. After two hefty defeats the team needed to show character and belief to compete against another strong team.

The opening minutes of the game were frantic with both teams passing the ball on the bouncy pitch and making some big tackles, Harry, Ollie and Charlie in particular letting the opposition forwards know that pace and tricks are nothing if you don't take the ball with you.

It was Bassett that created the first real shooting chance on 12 minutes and scored from it! A long clearance was allowed to bounce and Lewis picked up the free ball and knocked a pass over the defence to Zach. Zach turned and passed back to George in space. George made perfect use of the time he had and delivered a diagonal ball into the Highworth box which was met by Declan Cox who diverted the ball past the Highworth keeper from 8 yards.

It was almost ten minutes later when the next chance was created. This time it was Highworth who threatened to score. A quick break down the right left the Bassett defence stretched. The Highworth winger beat two men and cut the ball back from the byline but luckily the Highworth forward miss kicked the ball and Conor was able to dive and stop the ball before it ran into the bottom corner. A minute later Highworth almost drew level again when a mix up in the Bassett box let the Highworth forward take the ball, shouts for a penalty were not rewarded but the ball fell to the persistent forward who shot on the turn into the side netting.

The pressure finally told and Bassett did concede the equaliser on 25 minutes. A quick long throw caught the Bassett defence on the back foot and a great volley on the run from the Highworth forward produced an even better save from Conor who knocked the ball over for a corner. The corner was delivered into the Bassett box but despite a couple of chances the ball wasn't cleared and was eventually slammed into the back of the Bassett goal from 6 yards.

As half time approached Bassett won a corner. This was delivered by Callum right under the cross bar but a great defensive header cleared the ball for another corner. This time Zach met the ball with his head, only to see it cleared off the line. The ball fell nicely for Highworth and within the blink of the eye they were on the attack. A great covering tackle from Jordan averted the danger and the referee's whistle blew for half time before the throw could be taken. Half-time: 1-1

The first incident of the second half was around the Bassett box. A long ball was allowed to bounce and was picked up by the Highworth forward. A trip on the edge of the box gave Highworth a free kick. After shouts and panic from all 4 sides of the pitch to organise a wall and the defence, the free kick was blasted well over the Bassett bar. A minute later another long ball wasn't dealt with and another covering tackle form Jordan slowed the advancing forward to allow Conor to grab the loose ball.

On 37 minutes Bassett put a few passes together and Declan Cox struck the ball from the angle to produce a good save from the Highworth keeper. The next ten minutes were played out without any real scoring opportunities being created. Lachlan protected the defence well and George or Declan Coffey always provided an outlet down the right with their endless running.

On 50 minutes James started a move down the left with Callum which won Bassett a throw. James took the throw and found George who lobbed the keeper but unfortunately the ball landed on the roof of the Highworth net. On 54 minutes Highworth looked to have stolen the win when a great ball across the Bassett defence found the right winger advancing on goal, just as the right foot was about to shoot Ed stretched out a leg to clear the danger. A minute later Highworth threatened again when the Highworth forward outpaced the Bassett defence, Conor making the vital save.

Despite this pressure Bassett might have nicked the game with two attacks, both times the ball fizzing across the Highworth box but agonisingly inches away from a Bassett player to divert the ball goal bound. Full-time:1-1

Coach's Match Analysis: A much improved team performance from all 14 players ensured we got a point, which was the least their efforts deserved. Still things to work on with the team shape and the players realising that we're trying to help them conserve energy in lots of things we're saying at training and during games. As the old saying goes, “Rome wasn't built in a day”. These are a terrific bunch of players to work with, and today was a massive step in the right direction to our “Rome”. With hard work and determination we'll get there. Well done to all 14.

Player of the Match: A tough decision as all 14 players put in a good stint in the heat of the day. In the end the decision for POTM couldn't be split between two and so was awarded to Charlie Poynter who followed his best game in a Bassett shirt last week with his best game in a Bassett shirt today. Charlie needs to share the award with George Staten who showed his real football talent throughout this match, running tirelessly up and down the right wing and most importantly, delivering the telling ball when necessary.

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

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