19 Feb 2012 - Greenmeadow Youth (H)

Date of Match: 19 February 2012 Team/Age Group: Under 12s Opponents: Greenmeadow (Home) Result: Lost 1-5 Scorer: Declan Cox

After a couple of weeks lay-off, it was always going to difficult for the lads to build on the many positives shown in recent weeks – doubly so against a team like Greenmeadow who boast a number of North Wilts Rep players. Bassett, however, started with a good solid look to them and the first few minutes of the game were played out in the visitor's half with some strong challenges going in to gain possession and then look to build attacks, Harry in particular showing a determined attitude and flashes of skill as he interplayed with Callum down the left.

Greenmeadow did show danger signs though and a quick break lead to a corner, followed by two long shots – too weak to bother Connor however. Then a pass from Brad out to George on the right enabled him to take the threat quickly down the wing, easily beating two players before floating over a lovely cross for Dec to poke home past a despairing ‘keeper – first blood to Bassett: 1- 0

This sparked Greenmeadow into more urgent play and they quickly had a clear shot on our goal which was scuffed wide. Moments later a crucial headed interception from Ed was followed by the first of many great saves from Connor. Callum was fighting hard down the left wing and some encouraging interplay between him and Dec almost turned things our way again, but our visitors started to impose themselves more and more with just Connor's brilliance keeping us in the lead. James got in some crucial challenges and Zach and Jordan caught the eye with their tenacity in the middle of the park but we couldn't seem to get forward with any conviction.

Greenmeadow then had a clear shot on goal again and promptly blasted it over the bar, but it was only a matter of time before our visitors drew level - which they did when a powerful multi-player attack ended with the ball passed across the penalty area and a confident shot gave Connor no chance: 1 – 1 We kept our visitors at bay for the remainder of the half nevertheless, with all our lads determined to get stuck in and the prospects for the second half didn't look too discouraging. Half Time: 1-1

Early pressure on the Bassett box was skilfully cleared by Charlie and Ed and both Matt and Olly showed determination to break up play, but the writing was on the wall after just a couple of minutes when the ball was passed quickly between Greenmeadow players opening up the first of many successful chances to follow :1 – 2

We did have some relief when we did a little passing of our own at this point and Callum found space down the left and launched a fantastic lob which their keeper only just brought under control on the line. But it was a tale of ‘what might have been' as the rest of the game seemed to descend into complete Greenmeadow dominance and a third , then fourth goal were added in quick succession. Our lads did seem to lose heart somewhat, although it was a cruel fifth goal that was added after a clear throw- in was not awarded down the left and yet another skilful opponent was able to dance through to slot home. Final score : 1 – 5

Coach's analysis: Wow, we've had a few games this season where it's been a tale of 2 halves but nothing quite as severe as today. We were simply blown away in the 2nd half by the quality of the 4 Greenmeadow "North Wilts League Rep Players" & have to give those players great credit. A few heads also went down which was the first time this season but the lads have battled hard all season & have to put today down to experience.

Man of the match: A busy afternoon for our ‘keeper – he kept us in the game at crucial moments early on and pulled off a number of great saves right to the end, despite incessant pressure from the opposition. MOM today goes to Connor Chivers.

Team: Team: Connor Chivers, Charlie Poynter, Matt Nicholls, James Evans, George Staten, Callum Bridges, Zach Bunce, Dec Cox, Ollie Cameron, Jordan Langford, Brad Sealey , Edward Fish, Harry Woodhouse (captain)

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