17 Feb 2013 - Wroughton Youth (A)

After the weeks and weeks and weeks of rain and snow and rain and snow, Bassett Yellows travelled to Wroughton to play their long awaited quarter final match in the Wiltshire County Cup. Fellow Division 2 side Wroughton head the table with a similar 100% record to Bassett, table topping by virtue of playing more games.

The early minutes of the game were a little scrappy on a very bobbly pitch. Wroughton had played a fixture yesterday and so were a little less rusty after the long lay-off and started to take control of the game. After 5 minutes, following some good work by Josh and Callum, Bassett were awarded a free kick on the left hand side of the penalty area, Euan's shot striking the angle and rebounding out of harm's way.

Wroughton went straight back on the attack and there forward found himself one-on-one with Conor. A slight bobble of the ball meant the shot on target lost a little power enabling Ed to run back and clear off the line for a corner. The pressure was maintained on the Bassett defence as Wroughton picked up the goal kick and if it was not for a brave save by Conor at the feet of a forward Wroughton would have taken the lead. On 10 minutes a loss of concentration meant hand ball and a penalty kick for Wroughton. To Bassett's relief the well struck kick bounced off the goal post and was cleared to safety. The Wroughton corner was not cleared and a shot flew inches wide of the left hand post.

The strong running Wroughton frontline were proving a handful for the Bassett defence and if it were not for some timely tackles from Luke and Ed Wroughton could have gone into a unassailable lead.

Bassett's next attack came down the left where Callum and Chartlie combined and won a free kick. This time the free kick was met by Jamie on the half volley, the ball flying just over the bar. A minute later Bassett got a lucky break when a long Wroughton free kick was deflected onto the post. This end-to-end passage of play almost saw Bassett take the lead when Charlie and Callum created space for Lewis C, his shot being well saved by the Wroughton keeper.

The deadlock was finally broken when Wroughton took the lead on 20 minutes. A quick break down the right created space and then Wroughton moved the ball in field and across the edge of the Bassett box. An unselfish lay off found the left winger on his own and he powered the ball into the far hand corner.

Bassett responded well and Ben, Tom and Jamie linked play down the right providing a shooting opportunity for Charlie, an outstretched leg of a Wroughton clearing the ball mili-seconds before Charlie's right boot sent the ball goal wards. Moments before half time Bassett almost drew level a Joe put Charlie through, one touch and then a left foot shoot flew past the keeper but unfortunately narrowly wide of the left hand post. Half-time: 0-1

During the opening minutes of the second half both teams cancelled each other out but it was Bassett that broke the stale mate on 42 minutes when they attacked down the right with George. Similar to the Wroughton goal, the ball was worked across the edge of the Wroughton area by Joe and then Charlie, who passed out left to Callum. A cool head and a classy left foot finish saw Bassett draw level.

The Bassett goal spurred Wroughton on and they once again took the lead after 47 minutes when power and strength created an opening and the ball was slammed home from 5 yards.

Patience is a virtue and Bassett showed maturity and character by not letting their heads down or panicking about being behind. Chances were always going to be created the result of this game was dependent on which team would grasp those opportunities.

On 57 minutes a Lewis W free kick fell at the feet of Jamie as his shot rebounded off a Wroughton defender Euan was tumbled over in the D. Euan picked himself up to fire his shot into the roof of the net bringing the scores level once again.

It was Bassett that created the next chance when Lewis W headed to Jamie, who passed onto Euan and then Charlie. Charlie's neat pass presented Joe with a shooting opportunity that fired narrowly wide. Another Bassett attack followed soon after when George broke down the right. Although tackled, George showed the tenacity to get the ball back and cross for Joe to shoot just over the bar.

As the game entered the last 5 minutes of normal time the Wroughton created a couple of chances that tested the nerve of Bassett. Firstly a long range shot hung in the air and dropped out of the sun but Conor was alert and showed some excellent safe hands to catch the ball. Soon after a Wroughton free kick on the edge of the Bassett box presented another scoring opportunity but to the relief of Bassett the ball sailed harmlessly wide.

With normal time up and everyone trying to decide if there was to be extra time and / or penalties Bassett were awarded a free kick wide on the left. Perfect delivery from Euan was met by a glancing header from Joe and the ball flew into the top corner to a huge roar from all the Bassett supporters. Full-time: 3-2

Coach's Match Analysis: A different type of performance from the lads today where they had to battle hard against a very good Wroughton team who showed why they are having an excellent season. To stay in the game when not playing our usual fluent passing football showed the character and team spirit the boys have got in abundance. We may have pinched the win but the quality of our 3 goals were worthy to win any game. Well done boys on a nail biting win!!

Player of the Match: Came off the bench and changed the dimension of the game scoring a classic last minute header to win the tie, today's POTM award goes to Joe Fenton

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, Declan Cox, Charlie Emmerson, Joe Fenton

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