04 Dec 2011 - Highworth Town Juniors 'C' (H)

Date of Match: 4 December 2011 Team/Age Group: Under 12s Opponents: Highworth Juniors C (Home) Result: Drew 1-1 Scorer: Lewis Ward (pen)

Following last week's excellent team performance, the level of expectancy was high as the Under 12s entertained Highworth Juniors C at the ever cold and windy Ballards Ash.

It was actually Highworth that started the game stronger as Bassett found it difficult to maintain any possession of the ball. If it were not for some excellent defending and strong tackling, in particular by Harry on the left side of defence, Highworth would have created more than the two half-chances that they got in the opening minutes.

Five minutes later Highworth almost extended their lead following a well taken corner which resulted in a goal bound shot being grasped by Conor just as the ball looked like it was crossing the line.

On 19 minutes Callum was bundled over in the Highworth box and a penalty awarded. Lewis ran up to hit a firm strike and knock the ball into the bottom left corner to make the score 1-1.

This goal was followed by Bassett's best spell of the game. Firstly Brad and Declan combined well and nearly created a scoring chance. Moments later, Declan and Callum combined well, the ball fizzing across the 6 yard box but unfortunately no Bassett player could get on the end. Bassett kept maintained the pressure on Highworth, this time Ollie playing a dangerous ball into the, but unfortunately a Bassett player couldn't get a shot on goal.

Highworth created to good chances just before half time. The first came from a corner, Edward bravely heading the ball clear as it travelled towards goal. A minute later, a quick free kick caught Bassett napping, the Highworth winger taking the ball into the box and crossing only for his forward to knock it wide from 5 yards out. Half-time: 1-1

Highworth started the second half the way they finished the first. This time a cross from the left was headed narrowly wide of the Bassett goal. Highworth maintained the pressure on Bassett but couldn't find a way through as Bassett defended very well.

The team kept a disciplined shape, with Jordan, Charlie, Edward, Matthew, Harry and James all communicating well and played their part in holding a good line when required to do so. Ollie and Lewis combined well in the centre of midfield, stopping any advance down the middle, while George and Callum ably supported the fullbacks “double-teaming” the quick and skilful Highworth wingers.

The commitment to defending as a team was exemplified by Zach, Brad and Declan who all worked incredibly hard to put pressure on the Highworth defenders, giving them no time to sit on the ball and build an attacking opportunity.

Highworth did come close to breaking the deadlock, but timely tackles by Charlie and Lewis kept the ball away from the Bassett goal. As the final whistle loomed, all the hard work by Bassett looked to have been undone as the Highworth left winger eluded three tackles and fired the ball low across the Bassett goal less than a yard away from the goal line. The slightest of touches from anyone and the ball would have ended in the back of the net. Luckily for Bassett, the ball eluded everyone and was cleared to safety. Full-time: 1-1

Coach's Match Analysis: Another impressive team display, especially whilst defending kept out an impressive Highworth team. The fitness levels are improving with this run of fixtures which is good to see. What we have to be aware of is that we also need to improve offensively and develop a more killer instinct in and around the opposition's penalty area. This is an area to work on and hopefully we'll creat more goal scoring chances. Well done boys on a hard fought point!

Player of the Match: Held firm in the centre of defence and made some very timely tackles to stop the skilful Highworth attackers. Today's POTM goes to Charlie Poynter.

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

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