23 Mar 2014 - Kings Stanley (H)

After a dramatic hailstorm just before kick-off, Bassett entered the field of play determined to get back to winning ways on a squelchy pitch not particularly suited to slick passing or keeping your feet.

The early pressure came from King's Stanley as our opponents started well, passing and moving effectively in our half and it wasn't long before they opened the scoring after a strong shot could only be parried by Conor to the feet of an oncoming forward: 0 - 1 This early set-back spurred the Bassett lads into action and we almost grabbed an immediate equaliser when a lovely ball from Callum up to Lewis nearly bore fruit. Dan had to be alert at the other end, though, launching the ball over our bar to avert danger.

Tom started to shine down the right and his neat pass put Jamie in, but his shot was well saved. Next came a shot from Lewis which was again well saved, but he turned provider moments later with a superb cross from the left which was met by an on-running Tom who powered a header past the 'keeper to level the match: 1 - 1

There followed a period of end-to-end football, with neither side managing to get the upper hand before a chance fell to Jamie whose shot flew just over the bar. Then a bit of luck as a dangerous situation created by Bassett in the box ended with a dreadful slice from a Stanley defender that sent the ball past his own 'keeper to put us into the lead: 2 - 1 There was time for a mazy run from George down the left and a firm free-kick from Euan before the whistle was blown to end an entertaining and evenly contested first half.

Half-time : 2 - 1

King Stanley's half-time talk must have been a good one because they really came at us for the first part of the second half, putting together a series of strong attacking moves. Our defence stood firm, though and Conor pulled off the first of a number of fantastic saves when he leaped to stop a free-kick powered in from just outside the area. Then another Stanley shot and a further free-kick - it seemed that an equaliser just had to come. Tom broke free, though, and our first meaningful attack of the half saw him power forward and get a shot in on the Stanley goal.

Our opponents kept up the pressure, though, and a clever over-head kick nearly crept under Connor's bar before our lads started to turn the game in our favour with a few attacks of our own. First Tom with a run through the middle and then Callum, whose shot/cross flew dangerously across the goal.

Our third goal came after a Ben pass to Tom enabled him to surge through the middle again, this time putting the ball firmly into the back of the net: 3 - 1 Stanley were stung by this, and now came time for Conor to show his worth with a couple of stunning saves from two further chances before Callum put in a lovely pass at the end that Tom wasn't quite able to convert.

Our fourth goal was a delight, involving 4 players bamboozling in the box. First Jamie slid the ball beautifully to Tom who turned it into to Lewis who's shot was parried out to Callum who was able to poke it home from a couple of yards: 4 - 1

This scoreline began to seem a little unfair on our opponents but the truth is that we defended manfully and took all of our chances today - the mark of a truly effective team.

Full-time: 4 - 1

Man of the match: A joint award this week to a couple of players who had superb games at opposite ends of the pitch. Tom, who scored a couple and terrorised the defence repeatedly and Conor who pulled off several great saves at crucial moments in the match to ensure our skilful visitors remained frustrated.

Coach comment: A pleasing performance from all 14 players & despite the difficult conditions they deserved the win.The matches vs. Kings Stanley are always a good game to watch as they play football the same way we do & whilst the final score might have flattered us we earned our bit of luck through our hard work.We had the 2 star performers on the day as Conor had his best game in a Bassett shirt with some outstanding saves & Tom scored 2 good goals & was a threat all game.They were well backed up by the rest of the boys who all put in a good shift as well.

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

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