07 Oct 2012 - Stanley Park Youth (H)

Following their 11-1 demolition of the opposition last week, Bassett approached this cup fixture with confidence although holders Stanley Park were always going to be a different proposition having shown in the pre-season friendly that they are well-organised, skilful and physically imposing. An early Stanley blast over Connor's bar gave due warning, but it was Bassett who started playing the more impressive football with Callum and Tom making strong runs down the wings and our midfield more than holding their own against some powerful opposite numbers.The opening goal was fully deserved with Lewis sending in a strong shot that spilled out to Tom whose slanted follow-up crept over the line from close in: 1- 0

The goal sparked still more inspiration from the lads and a Callum corner shortly after was unlucky not find a Bassett head although Stanley were not to be out-done and they soon equalised when their outstanding No.9 was sent through one on one with Conor and made no mistake: 1 - 1

Conor was having a strong game in goal and pulled off a couple of saves before Bassett grabbed the lead once more with a great bit of closing down from Tom that gave him possession out on the right from where he launched a delightful shot high into the net past a despairing keeper : 2 - 1

The game now entered a very exciting phase with both teams fighting for possession and Bassett matching their Division 1 opponents every step of the way. Our passing game started to pay dividends with delightful interchanges between the lads in all areas of the pitch. Charlie caught the eye with a really tenacious performance up front and it seemed that a third goal may well come. When Dec crossed from the right and the ball looped towards a couple of blue shirts it looked like it had, but a corner was all we had to show. How close we came just seconds later when George sent over a beauty from the left and Charlie's glancing header was just a dollop of brylcreme away from giving a two goal lead. How cruel, then, that Stanley should equalise yet again shortly afterwards when yet another strong run from their talisman striker ended with the ball in the home net to take the half time score to a tantalising 2 - 2.

Bassett took no time in settling into a good pattern of play at the start of the half with some strong attacks combining with powerful and intelligent defence from Ed, Luke and Josh but Lady Luck was about to play a cruel trick. A corner from the right seemed to have been safely gathered by Conor, but a strong challenge on him from the Stanley centre-forward caused a spill into the net that led to much touch line debate but no change to the new score line of : 2 - 3

This could have seen our lads' heads drop, but on the contrary, they continued to take the game to their opponents with all showing great application and skill. Stanley were never allowed to rest on their lead and a number of chances were carved out including a crossbar moment from Tom.Stanley were always a threat of course and there was no arguing about their next goal, a strong shot from way out that found a way through from outside the penalty area over Conor's out-stretched fingers: 2 - 4

Amazingly, the Bassett shot count now went into over-drive with chances falling to various players who just couldn't quite make them tell. A Luke free-kick just whistled wide and then a pin-ball match in the Stanley box just couldn't be turned in. A Jamie shot was fumbled by the goalie and just scrambled away and then player after player had a chance - it just didn't seem our day.

A fifth Stanley goal was a cruel and unfair ending to the match but it came after a Stanley player turned strongly and slotted home at the other end after so much Bassett pressure: 2 - 5

Man of the match: Once again, there were many contenders, but both Lewis and Charlie up front deserved special mention for their constant battling and skilful play. A rare joint award, therefore, for our front men who, on another day, could have had a hatful. Coaches Comments- The boys can be proud of their efforts & on another day I'm sure they would've got their rewards as there were so many nearly moments in both halves that could've lead to Bassett goals that eluded outstretched legs & heads. All credit to Stanley Park who are a very good side with an outstanding centre forward who was the difference along with lady luck between the 2 teams on the day. Well done boys Mal & I couldn't have asked for anymore from you. Bassett Squad- Conor Chivers, Ben Croydon, Ed Fish (Capt), Luke Weekes, Josh Curtis, Tom Miller, Euan Burke, Jamie Byrom, Callum Bridges, Lewis Cholod, Charlie Emmerson, George Staten & Declan Cox

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