09 Oct 2011 - Purton Youth (H)

A blustery Ballards Ash greeted Bassett and their opponents Purton for this first round tie of the North Wiltshire District Cup. On the back of the well earned draw at Highworth 7 days previous, this was going to be another hard workout for the Bassett boys against Division 1 opponents.

Purton started the game very confidently and moved the ball around the pitch with ease, all players looking comfortable in possession of the ball. The first chance of the game was created by a flowing Purton move, from their own box to the Bassett box, Conor making a good save to keep the scores level. On 4 minutes, James made 3 consecutive tackles but the persistent Purton winger eventually got a cross in for the forward to clip it over the advancing Conor but luckily over the bar too.

Bassett's first attempt on goal came on 6 minutes when Callum's free kick was comfortably saved by the Purton keeper. Bassett were now getting into this game and began to compete with Purton, chasing down the ball and forcing the odd error. However, with two very quick and skilful midfielders Purton were always a threat. On 11 minutes the ball was lost on the edge of the Bassett box and Conor made a diving one-handed to stop the resulting shot. As the Purton attacker rushed to get the loose ball George showed his pace and cleared the danger.

Bassett created the next chance of the game when Zach found half a yard of space, his shot being well saved by the Purton keeper. On 21 minutes Purton had a free kick 20 yards from the Bassett box, a chipped kick over the Bassett defensive line left Conor exposed to the on-rushing forwards, his bravery to dive at the feet of the forward and block the ball stopped a certain goal, this time Edward sweeping up the danger and clearing the loose ball.

A spell of Purton pressure pursued and almost ended in a goal when a cross from the right was headed against the Bassett bar. As half time approached Lewis combined with Lachlan and the ball was passed to Declan Cox. Turning inside the defender to shoot, a lunge from the last defender blocked the goal bound shot.

Although Purton were the better team, Bassett deserved to go in at half time on equal terms. Them team defended stoutly, with Declan Coffey, Callum and George all working back on their wings to assist Jordan, Harry, Matthew, Ollie and James in the full back positions. Half-time: 0-0

The second half started with a scare for Bassett when a long ball was fired into the box from the right. Purton had two players free both waiting to seize on the ball but Harry nipped in and cleared the danger.

Purton did finally take the lead on 40 minutes when they took a quick free kick on the halfway line, two touches created a shooting chance, the ball flying into the top corner giving Conor no chance. Moments later Purton would have been two up if it wasn't for a well timed tackle and clearance by Charlie. Purton did make it two on 46 minutes when a corner was perfectly delivered from the right, the ball deflecting in off a Bassett player for an own goal.

A couple of minutes later the game was put beyond Bassett as Purton scored their third. A break from midfield and a well placed pass gave the winger space on the corner of the Bassett box. His shot across the goal was well saved by Conor but the alert Purton forward followed up to knock the ball home from 6 yards. With the game drawing to a close, Bassett conceded a penalty which was neatly tucked away by the very impressive Purton #10. Full-time:0-4

Coach's Match Analysis: A performance that offered so much in the first half and who knows what might have been if a penalty had been awarded to us with the score at 0-1. The lads can be proud of their efforts to push last season's double winners and whilst the final score line was somewhat flattering to Purton, they deserve the win.

Hopefully our players will learn that concentration is needed from the first whistle to the last and that will help their development. Well done boys.

Player of the Match: Worked not stop and lead the team by example. Todays POTM award goes to Zach Bunce

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

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