09 Dec 2012 - Highworth Town Juniors H (H)

Date of Match: 9 December 2012 Team Age Group: Under 13s - Yellow Opponents: Highworth Town H FC (Home) Result: Won 2-0 Goal Scorers: Joe Fenton (2)

The reversal of the NWDL fixtures meant that Wootton Bassett played host to Highworth Town H, the team they had beaten so convincingly the previous weekend. Running out 9-0 winners in the away fixture, would a similar score line be achieved today?

The omens looked good from the start as a strong tackle from Ed won the ball for Bassett. Josh passed to Jamie who advanced through midfield and passed the ball between the Highworth centre backs. Lewis C ran onto the ball, unfortunately his shot went wide. Bassett kept up the pressure and moments later Lewis W and Tom combined on the right, Lewis delivering the cross into the 6 yard box but no Bassett forward could get onto the ball and it was cleared for a corner. Soon after Callum's corner was half cleared, Euan firing a half volley just over the bar.

Although Bassett had most of the possession, it was easy to see that this match was going to be a sterner test than the last game for the Bassett boys. To their credit, Highworth had learnt from the previous week and looked a much stronger unit this time out. More organised in defence with the midfield competing for every ball, Highworth were going to make this a lot harder for Bassett.

Highworth restricted the Basset scoring opportunities and it was not until midway through the first half until Bassett got another chance, this time Lewis C broke cleared but dragged his shot across goal. Moments later, Luke's long clearance was met by Joe his shot needing a fine save from the Highworth keeper to keep it out of the back of the net.

On 28 minutes Tom “megged” the Highworth defender and Lewis C picked up the ball, his shot again being well saved by the Highworth keeper. Joe picked up the loose ball but his shot was also saved. The ball rebounded to George and at last his shot beat the Highworth keeper but unfortunately went inches wide of the right hand post.

As half time approached and the coffee flasks were being unpacked ready for use, Lewis W and Tom combined well again down the right, Lewis's cross picking out Lewis C whose shot was pushed onto the post by the Highworth keeper. Half-time: 0-0

Bassett started the second half with a good move down the left. Ben and Jamie combined then Jamie passed behind the fullback presenting George the opportunity to run on and deliver a fine cross but unfortunately for Bassett no one could get to the ball and it was cleared for a corner. This lead to a spell of Bassett pressure and no matter hard Highworth tried, they couldn't clear their lines. The Bassett boys maintained possession throughout this passage of play and they were rewarded when Lewis W found Tom on the right, Lewis continued his forward advance and took the return pass from Tom and then passed behind the defence for Joe to run through and shoot first time past the Highgworth keeper to make it one-nil Bassett.

Highworth hadn't made many chances during the first half and rarely threatened thegoal but soon after Conor proved he was still totally focused on this game as he came off his line to quickly gather the ball as the broke free in the Bassett box.

It was not until halfway through the second half that Bassett extended their lead. Joe picked up a loose ball in the Highworth box. Instant control and an amazing turn put him clean through on goal and he chipped the keeper to score his second of the match.

Soon after a Bassett corner was cleared to Luke on the edge of the box, Luke's power drive flew just wide of the angle. The resulting goal kick went straight to Charlie who passed onto Joe but Joe's shot went over the bar. On 65 minutes Josh found Jamie, Jamie carried the ball and passed through to Charlie, his shot producing another fine save from the Highworth keeper. Jamie latched onto the resulting corner but his shot went just over the bar. As the final whistle was about to be blown, Bassett produced a fine move down the left when Callum passed through to Charlie. Charlie headed the ball into the path of Joe who unfortunately shot wide. Full-time: 2-0

Coach's Analysis: A different sort of display from the flowing football of the last few weeks with the wind and bumpy pitch making it difficult. The lads still created lots of chances and all credit must go to Highworth who battled throughout the match. Our second goal however, showed the quality the players we have and another clean sheet ensured 3 more points. Well done boys for your patience and hard work.

Player of the Match: A constant force coming forward and never tired of perfoming his defensive duties, today's POTM award goes to Jamie Byrom.

Team: Conor Chivers, Edward Fish (Capt), Luke Weekes, Ben Croydon, Josh Curtis, Lewis Ward, Callum Bridges, George Staten, Euan Burke, Jamie Byron, Tom Miller, Lewis Cholod, Charlie Emmerson, Joe Fenton

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