29 Jan 2012 - FC Calne Bears (H)

Date of Match: 29 January 2012 Team/Age Group: Under 12s Opponents: FC Calne (Home) Result: Lost 0-1

The dense early morning fog made Ballards Ash look more like a scene from the Hounds of the Baskervilles than a sports ground. Who knew what dangers lurked out there as Wootton Bassett U12s entertained last week's opponents FC Calne.

As the fog slowly lifted both teams relished playing football without a howling gale and were quick to play passing football. The Calne players were more comfortable on the ball and put some neat moves together and kept Bassett camped deep on the edge of their own box. Despite the majority of possession, Calne could only muster a couple of long range shots on the Bassett goal which Conor easily saved.

Bassett's first real threat on the Calne goal came on 14 minutes when Callum advanced doen the left, passed onto Zach who found Brad. Brad's shot going wide of the target. A couple of minutes later Calne almost took the lead when Calne were first to a Bassett goal kick, the shot requiring a good save from Conor. Calne continued to press, but strong defensive play by James, Charlie, Jordan and Ed ensured that no clear cut chances were created.

On 22 minutes a brisk attack from Calne meant for the first time that a Calne attacker winger was left unmarked on the edge of the Bassett box, good control took him towards goal but luckily for Bassett his wild shot flew over the bar.

As the half time whistle was about to be blown, a crunching tackle by Matthew saw the ball fall to Jordan. Jordan passed to George who fed Lewis down the right wing. Lewis's early cross was controlled by Declan but Declan's “scoop” shot over the advancing keeper hit the bar and luckily for Calne straight back into the keeper's arms. Half-time: 0-0

Calne started the second half strongly and kept the pressure up on the Bassett goal. On 36 minutes they took the lead, a cross from the left going across the Bassett box to an unmarked player. The final shot went through a crowd of players, giving Conor no sight nor chance of stopping the shot.

Bassett almost drew level on 41 minutes when Jordan and Callum combined on the left, Jordan's cross just eluding the outstretched legs of the Bassett attackers. As the game entered the final quarter, a change in formation was called for to try and get an equaliser. With players pressed forward a quick break from Calne on 52 would have put the match beyond Bassett if it were not for the timely tackling of Edward to avert the danger.

With 2 minutes to go, Bassett won a corner and committed almost everybody forward. Calne won the ball and broke at pace leaving Bassett exposed at the back. A fine save by Conor, quickly followed by Harry clearing the ball off the line ensured that the final margin in this game was just one goal. Full-time: 0-1

Coach's Match Analysis: Another tight game spoilt by the size of the pitch where any player found running with the ball very difficult, meaning goal mouth action was sparse for both teams. It's to the player's credit that they continue to work hard and play the game the right way. Well done boys and unlucky.

Player of the Match: Covered an immense amount of ground and played his part in a very physical battle with all the Calne left sided players. Today's POTM award goes to George Staten

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, Brad Sealey (Capt.)

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