02 Feb 2014 - Shrewton Juniors (A)

The long drive South saw us arrive at Shrewton determined to build on last week's victory and, with a very large, muddy pitch before us, and a strong opposing team, it looked as though it would be a challenge.

What followed was, however, perhaps the team's best performance of the season, with a hat-full of goals and another defensive 'shut-out' to celebrate. The first chance actually fell to Shrewton who, with their first attack, found space in the area and a shot was sent just wide. But it wasn't long before our lads started to dominate and, after goal efforts from Jamie and Joe failed to find the target, a lovely move involving Jamie and Callum set up Lewis to fire home from close in - 1 : 0

We then enjoyed a period of dominance with further chances from Callum and Tom whose shot was saved by a 'keeper, just starting out on a busy morning's work! Then our hosts enjoyed a bit of time in attack, firing one over the bar and then calling Conor into action for a firm save. But it wasn't long before another Bassett attack ended fruitfully - this time it was Joe who cut inside his man and put Tom in for his first goal of the match- 2 : 0.

It was Tom that caught the eye now as, once more, he battled through from the left, slid the ball to Jamie who , in turn, put Callum in for a shot that was just wide. Our third was another Tom assist, this time putting Lewis through who made no mistake for his second goal of the morning - 3 : 0

We could have had a fourth soon after when a goalmouth scramble came to nothing and then it was Shrewton who fashioned a couple more chances - but both sailed high over our bar and our net stayed un-breached. Our hosts' frustration was complete for this half when Callum next scored a lovely goal of his own, clipping the ball cleverly round his marker and taking the ball on to score our fourth - 4 : 0

Half time: 4 - 0

The half started as it finished, with Shrewton unable to make any headway into Bassett's area and a rare shot from defender Ben was next to trouble their 'keeper. What followed was a beauty that summed up the lads' team approach when a move that started with George passing out of the left back area, found its way through player after player without Shrewton getting near it and ended at the feet of Jamie. He slid the ball through the legs of a defender to Tom who took it in his stride and fired home for his second of the afternoon - a truly fantastic team goal - 5 : 0

Shrewton nearly grabbed a consolation when they rattled Conor's crossbar, then Joe saw his own shot bounce off the same part of the Shrewton framework before Zak put Dan in for a one-on-one with the goalie who smothered the ball well. Jamie next worked some more magic in the middle and put Tom in once more, but he missed to the left of goal but soon after Joe went down the right wing and put a lovely ball through to Lewis who was able to grab his hat-trick with a well-placed shot - 6 : 0

To their credit, Shrewton never have up and next they had a good spell of pressure, but our defence stood firm , Josh being a frequent thorn in their side with a range of Bassett midfielders and defenders also snapping at their heels. We reached the ' magnificent seven' when a Tom corner caused confusion in the opposition box and Zak was able to to score from close in for his first of the season - 7 : 0 The game ended soon after with a satisfying scoreline and a feeling of a job well-done by all our players.

Man of the match: Once more, it is impossible to single out one player from what was a tremendous team effort today so the Man of the Match today is - the whole team.

Coach's comment An outstanding performance by all 14 lads from the first whistle.On a pitch that just didn't look like you could play pass & move football on it they simply did that & more throughout the match.I could go on for ages about the varying goals as there different types were so satisfying to watch but had quality in all of them. Shrewton are a very good side but they had no answer today & that says it all about how well they played.Top drawer fella's & keep up the hard work.

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

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