27 Nov 2011 - Blunsdon Colts (A)

A strange quirk of the fixture list put the Under 12s against Blunsdon Colts the week after being defeated 0-4 at home by the same team. A show of character was needed by Bassett if this result was going to be reversed.

The match started at a frantic pace with both teams intent on playing good passing football. It was Blunsdon who had most of the play in the opening period but excellent defensive headers by Charlie and then Jordan kept the Blunsdon scoring opportunities to a minimum. On 8 minutes Blunsdon had consecutive corners, the second resulting in a long range shot striking the when the Bassett bar.

Five minutes later another Blunsdon corner and the same result, the ball hitting the bar from another long range shot. On 14 minutes a quick throw by Blunsdon caught Bassett on the back foot and the striker was put through one-on-one only to shoot tamely giving Conor an easy save.

Although Blunsdon had the better goal scoring opportunities, this was far from one way traffic. Built on the sound defensive play of Jordan, Charlie, Ed and James, Bassett looked to use the ball wisely and it was a pleasure to watch how the boys looked to pass the ball, each player creating space, and the opportunity for another team member to pass to them. Callum and George were running down the wings at pace, with Zach and Lewis linking the play through the centre of midfield. Ollie and Declan showed quick feet and neat touches up front to keep pressure on the Blunsdon defensive line.

Bassett's first chance came on 23 minutes when George advanced down the right wing. Determination and skill got George beyond the Blunsdon defender but his cross was agonisingly inches away from both Declan and then Callum at the back post.

As the referee was about to blow for half time, James made a very timely tackle to keep the game nil-nil and bring an end to a very enjoyable first half of football. Half-time: 0-0

Where the first half left off, the second started. Both teams intent on playing football and in the first minute Bassett almost scored when the ball broke to Declan, his shot being blocked as it headed towards goal. A minute later Bassett were awarded a free kick, Callum's long range effort almost slipping under the Blunsdon keeper

Despite the half time substitutions, Bassett maintained their shape and the way Brad, Matthew and Harry all got accustomed to the speed of the game was very impressive. On 45 minutes Bassett almost took the lead when Lewis picked up the lose ball after a crunching Ollie tackle. Lewis advanced from midfield, his shot having the Blunsdon keeper scrambling to his left to make the save.

Bassett did take the lead on 52 minutes when a Matthew throw in was flicked on and Callum made a pass through the Blunsdon defence for Declan to run onto and score with an excellent first time shot that flew into the back of the net.

This goal was no more than the team deserved and set up an extremely exciting end to the game. Bassett maintained their shape and remained focused, the team dealing with anything threat that Blunsdon could offer. Full-time: 1-0

Coach's Match Analysis: A fantastic effort from all 14 players involved showed that with commitment, hard work and team spirit, coupled with the ability we've got we can climb the league. For the first time this season lady luck smiled on us with the 2 shots hitting the top of the bar and we grew in confidence as a result. The lads played some good passing football but the willingness to fight for each other and the second ball was as good as anything we've seen as coaches since we started at U8s and was key to the result. It's now down to the lads to do this in each game as they've set the standard and seen what happens when they do it.

Player of the Match: Teams win more matches than individuals and this match was won by the WBTFC U12 Team. An amazing effort and show of character by the boys means that today's Player(s) of the Match are: Conor, Jordan, Charlie, Ed, James, Matt, Harry, George, Lewis, Zach, Callum, Declan, Ollie, Brad

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

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