13 Oct 2013 - Stanley Park (A)

After the news that our captain Ed was injured for this clash with all -conquering Stanley Park, our lads could have been forgiven for feeling rather apprehensive. An early attack from our hosts with a header just wide gave a hint of what may be to come, but it was Bassett who then proceeded to play the football and a very entertaining half unfolded.

It was increasingly hard to believe that Stanley were the strong favourites as our lads put passing moves together one after another. An early, searching free-kick from Callum was swung into the penalty area just begging to be nodded home. In the middle, Jamie didn't give our opponents time to settle and all our players just harried and battled in a fight for the right to play as Stanley found it hard to make an impression in the game. They had dangerous men up front, however, and our defence had to be wary when they ran on to strong through balls. They did this well - particularly Dan who was filling an unfamiliar role at the back manfully. It was a pity, then that their opening goal, when it came, was a such a soft one with a simple defensive stumble on the ball giving their attacker a clear run at Connor who had no chance: 1 - 0

This early setback didn't throw us and the lads simply carried on playing delightful passing football in increasingly difficult weather. Our equaliser was fully deserved and came at the end of a fantastic move involving many of the players, Euan picking up the ball just outside the area, making space for himself and launching a tremendous shot into the bottom corner: 1 - 1

We really were matching Stanley in all areas of the pitch and it was great to see them panicking in their own box as they frequently had to clear the ball out from under Bassett feet. A corner from Callum went straight through everybody and out the other side and soon after a Lewis shot only found the Stanley 'keeper - who was becoming busier than Conor by the minute.

Some pressure from our hosts then followed with Dan putting in a particularly good interception before George sparked more panic in the Stanley box with a searching free-kick that just evaded everyone. Moments later, it was simply pin-ball in their penalty area as the ball couldn't be cleared, but no Bassett foot could quite poke it home.

Then, out of nothing, a penalty was awarded to Stanley Park for a trip in the area and a barely deserved goal looked likely. Fortunately, the spot- kick was blasted over the bar to ensure our lads were still level at the break. A truly outstanding half of football from Bassett in which they matched Stanley all the way and were unlucky not to have the lead.

Half-time: 1 - 1

The second half picked up where the first had left off with both teams looking to win the game. The rain, though, was now teeming down and our passing moves started to suffer as a result. Stanley's direct approach was,in truth, more suited to the worsening conditions and they started to show far more attacking threat. Nevertheless, there was still time for another mad moment in the Stanley defence as the ball once more turned pinball , helped by the likes of Joe and Tom but it just couldn't find a way through the sea of legs. It is a compliment to our lads that Stanley's best moments all came from counter-attacks - but what devastating counter-attacks they were. Connor pulled off a tremendous save after one attack and Josh had to be alert to scramble the ball away after another but Stanley now enjoyed their own purple patch and before we knew it, we were first 2 - 1 down, then 3 - 1 down - speedy counter attacking and clinical finishing really being the difference.

To our lads credit, they didn't let the goals and increasing downpour of rain stop the search for another goal and they still gave Stanley some hairy moments, without the final killer ball doing any damage. George dribbled through into the box but couldn't get a shot away and long shots from Lewis and Euan didn't manage to beat the keeper.

Cruelly, a fourth and then fifth goal were further conceded before a bedraggled Bassett team finally admitted defeat on what had truly been a game of two halves . Our high- flying opponents knew they had been a game and might have even counted themselves a little lucky to have come away with the points despite the seemingly one-sided scoreline. Let's see what we can do when we next meet them! Final score: 1 - 5

Man of the match: On a day when all 12 players gave their all and in some ways played an excellent Stanley team off the pitch at times, the award goes to all of them - it being impossible to single any one player out.

Coach's comment: A fantastic performance from the 12 players available who can't be faulted for their efforts today.The final score line was cruel as we more than matched our opponents & played some great football.We're not getting a lot of luck during matches also but we have to continue to try & do the right things & I'm sure (hopefully) Lady Luck will return.Well done boys.

Team: Callum Bridges, Euan Burke ,Jamie Byrom (capt.) Lewis Cholod, Joe Fenton, Conor Chivers, Ben Croydon, Josh Curtis, Charlie Emmerson, Tom Miller, Daniel Hulse,George Staten

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