09 May 2013 - Shrivenham and Watchfield (H)

Having arranged to play this last fixture on the full-size pitch at Ryland's Way to mark the end of the stadium's life and celebrate what has been an outstanding season, we were all looking forward to this match more than usual. A win would see us level on points with Wroughton and a play-off for the title to be arranged.The windy and wet conditions didn't bode well for a side so renowned for their slick passing but at least the stands gave shelter to the large group of supporting parents.

There was early pressure from Shrivenham who are a physically strong side and had clearly not just come to make up the numbers. Luke, in particular, was alert and effective at the back before Tom made the first of many powerful right wing runs – crossing for Lewis who brought an early save from our imposing visiting ‘keeper.

Josh showed some lovely skill at left back, beating his men and looking to launch an attack forward and then a magical pass from Jamie nearly put our forwards in with grateful gloves gathering. A chance at the other end saw Connor grasp the ball firmly into his midriff and then Tom, once again, caught the eye, jinking and twisting through a bevvy of players before losing the ball in midfield only to gallantly track back to make up for his brief lapse.

Joe wasn't seeing much to sniff at up front but battled hard and then....our break-through. A foul on Tom on the edge of the box saw Euan step up to launch a powerful hit that had the ‘keeper wrong footed and the ball flew into the gaping net – 1:0

To their credit, our visitors immediately took up the fight and soon won a free-kick of their own which Luke defended away. Euan then put a beautiful ball through for Tom to run onto and soon after a lovely series of passes from Callum, Joe and Jamie saw the Shrivenham start to realise what they were up against.

Our second goal came after an almighty scramble involving almost everyone with Tom in the right place to prod home gratefully from a yard out to double the score – 2 : 0

A third followed almost immediately as Jamie bustled through the middle and slid the ball precisely home past a now despairing ‘keeper 3: 0

And a fourth when Tom burst forward once again himself and powered past the defence to grab his second of the game – 4: 0

Half-time: 4 – 0

Bassett were soon fully back in their stride and looked likely to score more, although our fifth had an element of fortune about it as Euan hit a shot that the goalie thought he had covered, only to see it disappear between his legs into the net – his wet gloves doing him no favours – 5 – 0

This reverse didn't cause Shrivenham to give up though and there followed a period of play where neither side could do much as tackles and interceptions dominated and a series of throw-ins on the far-side of the pitch led the crowd's eyes to wander skywards where they could see hopeful glimmers of better weather. The match to this point had, at times, been played in torrential rain. Another factor in the game was the enormous pitch which took some adjusting to but still the shots rained in with Euan and Joe both having shots before a Callum cut inside saw a pass to Dec whose shot bounced off the bar out to a lurking Tom to slot home his hat-trick -: 6 – 0

George took a couple of corners that came to nothing and then a beautiful individual goal was fashioned by Callum who chipped one in from way out – no mean feat against such a large ‘keeper!: 7 – 0

Our final goal came after a lovely series of passes which typified the season – all lads looking to put their mates in and seek to receive the return – it was lovely to watch. Only George will know whether his strike was a shot or a cross but it looped high across the goalmouth where a powerful header from Joe at the far post saw us grab a satisfying eighth goal of the night : 8 – 0

Final Score: 8 – 0

Man of the match: We needed someone to steady the ship at the start and enable this potentially nervous last match to build from a strong foundation. Always willing, always looking for the way to turn defence into attack – today's man of the match goes to Luke Weekes.

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

Coach analysis: What a great way to finish our league campaign as we enjoyed the wide open spaces of Rylands Way & after a nervous start the boys relaxed as soon as we scored the first goal. The 8 goals all had a touch of the quality the boys have showed over the season. The much wanted clean sheet was achieved & for this group of lads to have scored 109 goals & concede only 9 in 18 games is testament to the talent they have in abundance. A very proud group of coaches salutes you boys.

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