08 Sep 2013 - Kings Stanley (A)

Bassett arrived at their first match in this top division ready to show what they could do against more challenging opposition. Having narrowly missed out on winning League Two after they lost the play-off final, it was going to be interesting to see them in action against a Stanley team that finished in a top half position last term.

From the off, it was clear that all the lads were up for it and with the downhill slope favouring them for the first half, it was Bassett that immediately looked the more dangerous. New signing Dan was straight into the action asking questions of the nervy defenders as Jamie began to work some magic through the middle.Stanley were also confident, though, and soon put a good attack together that ended with a ball at the feet of an attacker just yards out from goal. George snuffed things out, though, taking the ball off his feet and clearing strongly.

Bassett soon had the ball back at the other end and as Jamie twisted the defenders hither and thither he was hacked down unceremoniously, giving Euan the chance to launch a free-kick that the goalie saved well with an out-stretched toe.

Bassett now seemed to really step things up and all of them showed what they can do in terms of passing football – some lovely triangles opening up space and opportunities. Tom and Dan were the providers for our first goal on 17 minutes, – Tom battling down the right, passing to Dan who was able to slot the ball across to Charlie who nipped in to score from close in.

1 – 0

After further pressure from Bassett and another Euan shot,Stanley enjoyed a period of pressure, their skilful forwards putting together some impressive triangles of their own and Conor had to tip an effort past the post before a series of corners and a free-kick gave our hosts still further reason to expect an equaliser.

Tom and Jamie then showed some great skill, taking turns to bamboozle the opposition and it was no surprise that the ball ended at the feet of Lewis whose shot only just missed the left-hand post.

Josh and Ed were having fine games as they both broke up play splendidly, intercepting the ball and launching attacks up front. Man of the match Callum made things very difficult for Stanley, too, turning defence into attack on many occasions but there was no further score before the ref. blew for the interval.

Half time: 1 – 0

The second half started with a full-on Bassett attack that resulted in three strong shots from Euan , Callum and Euan again but the goal remained unbreached. A second goal was obviously coming, though, and on 50 minutes Callum stroked the ball out to Joe who made no mistake from the edge of the box – firing in to the goalie's right.

2- 0

This second goal seemed to have taken the wind from Stanley's sails but nevertheless it wasn't long before they narrowly missed pulling one back – a loose ball finding an attacker close in on the left who only managed to scuff his shot wide with the goal at his mercy.

It was still end-to-end stuff and Conor had to be alert to swallow up a better shot before a Bassett attack sent the ball into the Stanley area only for their goalie to fumble it, a quick-thinking Adam pressuring him into a desperate grab at him which gave the ref. no choice but to point to the spot. Euan slammed the penalty in with confidence and the game was essentially put to bed.

3 – 0

The last few minutes of the game saw our hosts battling admirably to rescue something and they got their reward when a shot found Ben's arm and a penalty was awarded in their favour. This was dispatched with skill and the first goal to be conceded was notched up.

3 – 1

There was no time for a revival, though, and the game ended with a satisfying victory in the bag after a splendid team performance.

Final score: 3 – 1

Team: Callum Bridges, Euan Burke, George Staten ,Jamie Byrom, Lewis Cholod, Joe Fenton, Conor Chivers, Edward Fish, Ben Croydon, Josh Curtis, Charlie Emmerson, Tom Miller, Daniel Hulse ,Zak Robinson , Adam Robbins

Man of the match: There were many candidates for man of the match today but one player typified our approach on this first day of the season. Ever reliable and all-action throughout - the award today goes to Callum Bridges.

Coach comment: A cracking performance from all 15 players, got the season off to a winning start as they all worked hard for each other & played some good passing football on a fantastic playing surface. The flexibility in the squad was apparent as the shape remained no matter how the personnel changed during the match. Well done boys on a deserved win.

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