09 Mar 2014 - Ashton Keynes (H)

Spring has arrived ! A glorious afternoon with clear blue skies welcomes the boys to their next home game of the season v the current league leaders, Ashton Keynes. Unbroken sunshine and some long awaited warmth is a stark contrast to the conditions experienced last weekend – what a difference a week makes !

The Whites are put under pressure right from the start as Ashton Keynes look to assert themselves straight away. The boys are having to defend hard and any good possession is initially hard to come by.

Harry G breaks up an Ashton Keynes attack at the back and starts Bassetts first fluid move of the game. A good string of passes, Harry to James, to Zach, to Sam, and onto Mo sees the ball moved nicely upfield. Mo is pushed out wide right but manages to get a fine cross through the box but the Ashton Keynes defenders are able to clear.

Wootton Bassett are a match for their opponents for a while. Ashton Keynes keep trying the ball over the top of the Bassett defence and this time the attacker bursts through, beating the defenders on the turn. Daniel rushes out to intercept but the attacker just beats him there and is able to lift the ball overs Daniels head for the first goal of the afternoon.

Bassett 0 – 1

Having taken the lead Ashton Keynes continue to put some crisp passing together. They win a corner which is delivered to the Bassett near post. Daniel dives to the feet of the Ashton Keynes forward and gets clattered but is soon back on his feet.

James finds Mo on the right who, after a short run, delivers another fine cross towards Kieren making his way into the box but an Ashton Keynes defender beats him to the ball to clear.

Ashton Keynes win a throw on their right and, from that, work the ball into midfield. Their player beats a couple of challenges and has a nice touch on the edge of the box to fox the Bassett defender and makes room for him to slot home for Ashton Keynes second goal.

Bassett 0 – 2

Kieran wins the ball in midfield and clears down the left to Mo. Mo collects and makes a great run down the byline before launching a great cross / shot that is only just over the Ashton Keynes crossbar.

Ashton Keynes break back down the right and deliver a ball into space behind the Bassett defence. Kyle covers a lot of ground to beat the attacker to the ball and prevents the attack.

Half Time - Wootton Bassett White 0 Ashton Keynes 2

Bassett start the second half the better side and enjoy some good possession. Zach is getting stuck in in midfield and wins the ball. A good pass finds Nial who makes a good run down the right and gives a good ball to Kyle coming up on the inside. Kyle takes the ball in his stride and tries a shot from range but the keeper saves.

The Bassett possession continues as the boys start to exert some pressure on the Ashton Keynes midfield. Brad wins the ball and pushes it through the heart of the Ashton Keynes back-line and Mo sprints through to collect, but another defender is across quickly to intercept. The ball comes out to Nial who breaks right and delivers a great cross but there is no-one in the box to finish it off.

A good long goal kick from Harry G puts Bassett in a great position. Mo's pace wins the ball and he makes room to shoot but the shot is again saved by the Ashton Keynes keeper.

Then Bassett get the ball back from a short Ashton Keynes goal kick. James battles to win the ball and makes space for a shot but there is no power in it and the keeper saves again.

Ashton Keynes push back and manage to win a corner. The corner is well delivered into the Bassett box where it is well met by an attacker and Ashton Keynes extend their lead.

Bassett 0 – 3

The Whites keep up the pressure and are really playing well – lots of enthusiasm, effort and commitment. The ball goes into touch from a promising Bassett attack and Ashton Keynes have a throw in deep in their own half. The ball is cleared but only as far as Kyle back near the half-way line. Kyle meets the ball with a terrific looping shot which covers nearly half the pitch and crashes into the Ashton Keynes goal off the upright.

Bassett 1 – 3

Bassett are back in the game now and showing some passion – strong tackles and good movement, battling for every ball. As Bassett push up, looking for another goal Ashton Keynes win the ball back and break through at speed. The attacker is too fast for the Bassett defenders on the turn and manages to get his chip-shot off just before Harry M can intercept, and the shot loops over Daniels head and into the net.

Result - Wootton Bassett White 1 Ashton Keynes 4

Coaches Comments : As with the away leg earlier in the season the boys played some strong confident football and showed some of the drive we all know is there but has been lacking recently. Keeping a score line similar in both games shows the team is going in the right direction and with a number of games still ahead hopefully we can get back to form and show what we are capable of.

Wootton Bassett Whites : Zach Bunce, Muhammed Cham, James Evans, Kieran Gorman (Capt), Harry Griffin, Jordan Langford, Kyle Legg (1), Harry Melling, Sam Murby, Brad Sealey, Nial Wright, Daniel York

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