08 Jan 2012 - Malmesbury Youth (A)

Date of Match: 8 January 2012 Team/Age Group: Under 12s Opponents: Malmesbury Youth (Away) Result: Lost 0-3

Ending 2011 on a high with 3 excellent results, the Christmas break in fixtures really came at the wrong time for Bassett Under 12s. A good start to the year would help consolidate their position within the league.

The game started slowly with Malmesbury keeping most of the possession but not creating any real chances. Bassett couldn't retain the ball when going forward, the formations and shapes worked on in training hadn't transferred to the pitch.

Bassett first strung a few passes together on 10 minutes when Charlie played the ball out wide to George. George advanced towards the Malmesbury box and crossed to Zach, whose shot went wide of the left had post. It was Malmesbury that created the next chance, their left winger beating 3 Bassett defenders, his shot from the angle of the 6 yard box forcing a good save by Conor.

A few minutes later Bassett created another chance, Lewis then Callum working hard in midfield to win the ball. Callum then put Declan through on the keeper, the Malmesbury keeper standing his ground and making a good save. Malmesbury went straight down field and a long ball into the heart of the Bassett defence was not cleared. The Malmesbury striker ran onto it and hit a super half valley which produced an equally impressive diving save from Conor.

Malmesbury were now in control of this game and Bassett conceded a free kick out on the left wing. The kick was whipped in over the wall and glanced off a Bassett head to make it 0-1 to Malmesbury. As half time approached Malmesbury almost extended their lead as a ball over the Bassett defence was met by the Malmesbury winger his lob going wide of the post. Half-time: 0-1

Malmesbury did extend their lead only 4 minutes into the second half. A Bassett goal kick was picked up by the Malmesbury forward who controlled the ball and fired straight back past Conor.

This goal was followed by a spell when Bassett actually showed some passion and teamwork. The boys started to play for each other and looked like they could compete with Malmesbury. Unfortunately Bassett couldn't convert this momentum into a goal scoring opportunity and it was Malmesbury who scored again when a long throw was allowed to bounce across the 6 yard box and was slammed home from close range by the grateful Malmesbury forward. Full-time: 0-3

Coach's Match Analysis: A day to forget and quickly move on from as we were second best throughout the match. On a difficult pitch we never kept the ball moving and kept taking one touch too many which resulted in the ball getting caught up in our feet. Not the best start to the New Year but onwards and upwards to next Sunday's game.

Player of the Match: In a match where Bassett were on the back foot for most of the game, today's POTM award goes to Ed Fish who did more than his fair share of tackling.

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

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