11 Dec 2011 - Ferndale Rodbourne (A)

Bassett travelled to Ferndale looking to consolidate on their two recent performances, a win today would see them move up the table and gain important ground on some of the other teams who have played a game more.

The first 5 minutes of the match were very scrappy with neither team settling into a system of play on this large and wide pitch. It was Bassett who did start to find a bit of form first, a neat interchange of passes between Zach and Callum provided Declan with a shooting opportunity, the ball being blocked out for a corner as it headed towards goal. Bassett now started to take control of the game and a period pressure resulted in the opening goal on 10 minutes, Callum passing the ball through to Declan, whose fierce shot gave the Ferndale keeper no chance.

A second goal almost followed straight away when James fed George on the left. George then worked the ball through to Oli, whose shot was well saved by the Ferndale keeper. It wasn't long before Bassett did increase their lead as on 16 minutes George was first to a Ferndale goal kick, he then threaded a fine pass through to Declan who once again slammed the ball into the back of the net for his, and Bassett's second.

Bassett went further in front when once again George was first to the Ferndale goal kick. Once again George passed through to Declan, who for a change, lobbed the ball over the on-rushing keeper for his, and Bassett's third.

Bassett were playing some quality football and once again delighted by keeping their shape and playing in little units within one big team. The defence played particularly well keeping Ferndale down to only a couple of speculative long range shots that didn't trouble Conor. It is now noticeable how Jordan, James, Charlie, Ed, Harry and Matthew are looking more confident and wanting to play the ball out of defence when they have time to do so.

On 25 minutes Lewis broke up a Ferndale move and passed the ball into the path of Declan. Declan cut inside the defender and curled his shot inside the right hand post for his, and Bassett's fourth.

As halftime approached Ferndale did get through the Bassett defensive line, but a “trademark” sliding tackle from Ed cleared the ball just as the Ferndale forward was about to shoot.

Half-time: 4-0

Five minutes into the second half Bassett extended their lead when a long free kick from Ed wasn't cleared, Zach squaring the ball to Brad to score from 8 yards.

Bassett made it six on 42 minutes when George travelled with the ball for over 30 yards down the left wing, George passed to Declan, who's shot was blocked, the ball falling to Brad, who's shot was blocked, the ball falling to Callum, who's shot flew past the Ferndale keeper.

A minute later Ferndale were awarded a penalty for handball, the Ferndale striker shooting the spot kick just inside the right hand post giving Conor no chance. This goal gave Ferndale some confidence and they enjoyed their best spell of the game, passing the ball around and using the pace of the strong running forward. Ferndale almost scored again on 50 minutes when a half volley forced a fine diving save from Conor.

A minute later Bassett thought they'd scored again as Lewis's long range shot hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced down and then back into the hands of the keeper. No goal was awarded. The calls for touchline technology to be introduced may have been a little louder had the scores been closer!

On 54 minutes Bassett did make it seven when Conor collected the ball and quickly threw it out to Callum on the right. Callum carried the ball 20 yards and the passed through to Zach. Zach's persistence got him through one tackle and then he fired the ball low past the advancing keeper.

Full-time: 7-1

Coach's Match Analysis: Another very good team performance where the players finally got the goals their hard work has deserved. There were 7 very different goals but all had the teamwork that epitomises the collective spirit that is developing within the team. We passed the ball superbly and worked hard to win possession back, and these are two vital components that any team needs.

Well done boys you should be proud of yourselves.

Player of the Match: An excellent team performance where everyone contributed to the result of this game. Two people stood out and share the POTM award: Declan Cox for his goals and determination up front, and George Staten for an outstanding display on the left wing, covering an amazing amount of ground and providing 3 “assists”.

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

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