22 Jan 2012 - FC Calne Bears (A)

Date of Match: 22 January 2012 Team/Age Group: Under 12s Opponents: FC Calne (Away) Result: Draw 2-2 Scorer: Lewis Ward (2)

Bassett travelled to Calne for their latest league fixture, a very strong wind blowing straight down the pitch providing the welcome. During the opening minutes of the game playing into the wind seemed to help Bassett with a good move down the right between Matthew, George and Lewis, quickly followed by some neat play on the left by Ollie, Callum and Declan put Calne on the back foot.

Bassett created the first scoring opportunity of the game on 3 minutes George cut in from the right, passed to Declan who then found Zach in space. Unfortunately, Zach's shot went wide of the left hand post. On 7 minutes another Bassett attack involving Declan and Callum on the left created a shooting opportunity for George, the ball flying over the cross bar.

Bassett did take the lead on 11 minutes when Harry's throw was flicked on by Declan. Zach picked up the ball and past back to Declan who ran on and crossed into the box. Lewis went across the defender, controlling the ball and shooting with his left foot past the stranded keeper.

The goal seemed to inspire Calne more than Bassett and they took control of the next period of the game using the wind wisely and pinning Bassett deep in their own half. If it wasn't for important tackles from Jordan and Matthew Calne would have drawn level sooner than they did. It was on 19 minutes when Calne did score. On this occasion Bassett failed to clear the ball and a neat back heel flick sent the ball just inside the left hand post.

Bassett threatened to regain the lead 5 minutes later when Callum's through ball was met by Lewis. Lewis's first time shot producing a fine one-handed save from the Calne keeper. Despite this attack Calne maintained the pressure on the Bassett defence, and two timely clearances, first by Charlie and then James averted the danger.

As half time approached a Calne cross from the right flicked off a Bassett head, Conor diving to his left to push the ball around the foot of the post. The resulting corner was floated into the Bassett box and met by the head of Calne forward four yards out from goal. Half-time: 1-2

The second half proved to be as compelling as the first with both teams needing to adjust to the opposite direction of the wind. Bassett create the first real scoring opportunity when Callum put Lewis through, again, Lewis's shot producing a good save from the Calne keeper. Moments later Calne almost extended their lead when a shot from the right side of the box held up in the wind and drifted agonisingly, for the Calne winger, wide of Conor's right hand post.

On 48 minutes Bassett drew level when a Matthew throw was knocked onto Lewis by Brad. Lewis ran through the Calne defence and hit a left foot shot which this time beat the diving Calne keeper and into the back of the net.

Bassett almost went ahead two minutes later when Zach was first to a Calne goal kick. A neat passing move with Lewis gave Callum a shooting opportunity. Unfortunately, the narrow angle allowed the Calne keeper to push the ball out for a corner. Both teams were now pushing hard for the win, allowing the game to become very open. A quick counter attack by Calne almost ended with a goal but luckily for Bassett the ball struck Conor's left hand post and was then cleared to safety.

With only two minutes left, Bassett looked to have stolen the game when the ball was worked from right to left by Zach, Declan and then Callum. Once again, the Calne keeper made the important save to deny Callum a goal. With the game going into injury time Calne broke away and the tricky striker got clear of his marker. The game looked to be lost as the ball was shot past Conor but the coolness of Ed averted the danger as he cleared the ball off the line and then dived to block the Calne follow-up shot to keep the scores even. Full-time: 2-2

Coach's Match Analysis: The strong wind made things difficult throughout the game for the boys and at times we played some good passing football. Both goals came from good moves and we created several other good chances which was good to watch. The less said about the goals we conceded the better but another hard earned point.

Player of the Match: Two well taken goals were just reward for the commitment shown throughout this game, today's POTM goes to Lewis Ward.

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

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