15 May 2014 - Wootton Bassett Town 'B' (H)

Our last game of the season saw the eagerly awaited derby with Bassett "Blue" & although we were supposed to be the Home team we had to travel to the "Blues" ground at Beversbrook, as the goals had been taken down at Ballards Ash. We were already without Lewis Cholod who had chosen to leave the team by a Text message, George who was involved in a School football semi-final & Ben who once again dropped out at the last minute due to a knee injury, so it was down to the 11 players left to play all of the game.

Both teams also had players who had played in a house football tournament after school so energy levels were going to be pushed to the limit as it was the hottest day of the season & also played on the biggest pitch of the season. On a surface that was superb both teams played a passing game from the outset & it was very even as both defences were on top form. Tom created a good chance for himself after 5 minutes when a surging run past several tackles saw him shoot over from just inside the penalty area. The game was going from end to end & their were corners for both teams that came to nothing.

Our defence of Zak, Dan, Ed & Josh were providing a good shield for Conor & it was pleasing to see how they organised the marking of the single striker & the runners from midfield. In midfield Lewis, Charlie, Euan & Callum worked very hard & Jamie was enjoying his free role just behind the dangerous Tom up front. The breakthrough came when a good move ended with a superb pass from Euan into the galloping Callum's run & saw an expert lob from Callum over the advancing goalkeeper into the net from just inside the penalty area. This was Callum's 10th goal of what has been an outstanding campaign for him. We nearly got another goal just before half time when Tom shot across the goal but it drifted wide of the post. Half Time 1-0

Bassett "Blue" came straight at us in the 2nd half but the boys organised themselves well all over the pitch to stem the constant flow of pressure. It was from a pass from Jamie that Tom beat the defender & goalie to the ball & from a narrow angle he scored his 16th goal of the season to give us a 2-0 lead. A change in formation for the "Blues" once again saw us with our backs to the wall & it was no surprise when a lapse of concentration saw them get a goal back from close range.

We were now having to dig up all the levels of energy the boys had left as the "Blues" went all out for an equaliser. The closet they came to that was when a bit of penalty area pinball saw Ed clear expertly off the line with Conor beaten. We continued to try to play football & Jamie & Tom came close to getting clear through on goal on several occasions but the final pass was intercepted.

As the game descended into the final few minutes the lads held firm for what was a hard fought victory in what was a great game of football played in a harsh temperature but in great spirit by both teams. Coaches analysis- What an end to a great season as the grit & determination showed by the players today showed just how far they've came during this campaign. At times this season we've played some fantastic passing football but this performance was all about the togetherness & willingness to help each other out & grind out a victory over a very good team. To finish in 3rd place in a very tough Division 1 is a great achievement by the players & we as coaches are proud of each & every one of them. Player of the Match- An easy decision to award this to all 11 players as they all deserved it. Squad- Conor, Zak, Dan, Ed, Josh, Lewis G, Charlie, Euan, Callum, Jamie(Capt) & Tom.

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