01 May 2013 - Greenmeadow Youth (H)

Date of Match: 1 May 2013 Team/Age Group: Under 13s - Yellows Opponents: Greenmeadow (Home) Result: Won 4-0 Scorer(s): Lewis Cholod (2), Euan Burke, Jamie Byrom

As the race for the Division 2 title entered its final stages, Bassett Yellows knew that this match against Greenmeadow could be a pivotal fixture to determine who would become champions.

The game started with both teams playing quality passing football on the hard yet grassy Ballard's Ash pitch. During the first 15 minutes Bassett had most of the play, but the skilful and well organised Greenmeadow team were never overwhelmed by the pressure. The Greenmeadow defence dealt admirably with everything that Bassett could muster, whilst equally the Bassett defence needed to be alert when faced with a quick counter attack. Indeed the first real scoring opportunity fell to Greenmeadow on 17 minutes when a break down the left saw the ball worked across the Bassett box and a timely blocking tackle was required from Josh to stop the goal bound shot

This chance was quickly followed by one at the other end when a long ball from the heart of the Bassett defence was chased down by both Joe and Lewis C, the Greenmeadow keeper coming off his line quickly to clear the danger from the edge of his area. A period of stalemate then pursued with both teams cancelling each other out.

On 28 minutes a switch in line up led to a switch in fortune when a quick throw down the right was not cleared by Greenmeadow and Charlie picked up the loose ball for his fist touch of the game. Instant control and a neat lay off was met by Lewis C at full speed to hammer the ball home with a first time shot.

As half time approached, a long ball from Euan found Lewis C, this time Lewis's shot was well saved by the out-stretched hand of the Greenmeadow goalkeeper. Half-time: 1-0

Built on their sound defence, Bassett maintained the pressure on Grrenmeadow in the second half of the match and almost extended their lead following an almighty scramble in the Greenmeadow box. Firstly some quick feet and neat dribbling by Tom presented a shooting opportunity, the ball being cleared off the line by a retreating defender. The ball fell to Jamie who shot from the edge of the box and it struck the back of a team mate as it was destined for the top corner. Charlie then picked up the bouncing and his shoot bounced agonisingly wide.

Moments later Greenmeadow cleared another goal bound Bassett shot off the line as Lewis C and Charlie played a neat one-two to create a chance for Lewis. Lewis chipped the ball past the advancing keeper but as the ball slowed as it approached the line a defender caught it up to clear.

Patience is a virtue and Bassett didn't let their lack of goals stop them from playing their stylish football. The team's persistence in playing “football” lead to Bassett's second goal. On 46 minutes George took the ball from his own box and passed down the line to Lewis C. Lewis passed inside to Jamie who drove forward from midfield down the left hand channel. Jamie squared the ball across the box and Lewis C was on hand to score with another first time shot.

Bassett almost made it 3-0 a minute later when a quick throw down the right found Jamie. Jamie played Tom in behind the Greenmeadow defence, but Tom's shot was well saved by an out-stretched boot from the Greenmeadow keeper.

Bassett did go 3-0 up on 57 minutes when a George corner was met at the front post by Euan to head home from 3 yards. The score was soon 4-0 as Bassett attacked down the right. George couldn't quite get his foot to the ball as it flew across the 6 yard box, but rather than give up, George ran after the ball, turned back inside and delivered the ball to Jamie to score a much deserved goal. Full-time: 4-0

Coach's Match Analysis: A controlled and disciplined performance by the boys with a huge slice of patience is the best way I can sum up this excellent win. It's hard to accept that these lads are the age they are as they play with such maturity. I've said it before but I am in complete awe of them stood on the side line and so proud of how they play the game. Well done boys once again.

Player of the Match: In a match where the Bassett defence played superbly well to limit the opposition to just two or three shots and record another clean sheet, today's POTM award goes to Josh Curtis for his timely interceptions and excellent distribution of the ball.

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

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