09 May 2015 - Greenmeadow Youth (N)

The game started with Bassett playing into the wind, which, added to the fast start by Greenmeadow, meant that the team were pinned back for long periods of the first half.

But with the solid Ollie Case, Adam Jones and Jake Dixon defending superbly Bassett restricted Greenmeadow to only a few long shots which were off target and a few corners that were dealt with comfortably.

The strong wind didn't help as Bassett tried to play out from the back using Jack Holder's pace to burst forward down the left side, but his crosses were all cleared by the defence. Dixon, Freddie Merrett and Billy Saunders were working hard in the centre but it was tough going under a lot of pressure from the Greenmeadow team who were working together and pressing all the time.

Bassett had a scare from a free kick which was headed wide and Dave Chimbaza in goal tipped another long shot from a free kick over the bar to be safe.

But the second half was more Bassett as a change in formation ensured more of the ball and the chance to start playing from the back and attack in numbers. Ben Jones' introduction gave the team more possession as he and Nat Bell were breaking up the play and giving Merrett and Holder more of the ball to work with on the wings.

But Greenmeadow had a great chance and almost scored when their striker was through on goal. Chimbaza saved the initial effort but the rebound fell to an attacker whose shot hit the post, rebounded back to him and his second effort heading goal ward was cleared by Adam Jones!

A free kick for a foul on Saunders gave Bassett a chance which Adam Jones put over the wall but unfortunately it hit the cross bar and bounced down where it was scrambled away.

Jack Langcaster came into the game well in the second period and one move took him past the defender out on the right and his cross was cleared to Raisham Mudhar outside the area and his first time shot was just wide. He then had another effort from distance with an early snap shot which went over the bar.

Extra time was tense as Bassett continued to look to play their way through their opponents. Nat Bell had a good run taking him past a couple of players but he couldn't get a shot away. Greenmeadow had another free kick which was headed clear by man of the match Case.

And so to penalties, Ollie Case went first and scored along with the Greenmeadow player. Nat Bell then stepped up, but oh no, the keeper guessed the right way and it was saved. Greenmeadow scored to put Bassett 2-1 down. The pressure was on but up stepped Ben Jones who scored. Dave Chimbaza kept his cool and saved the following Greenmeadow spot kick to level it at 2-2. Adam Jones was next and he scored along with Greenmeadow to make it 3-3. That made it sudden death. Billy Saunders was up next and found the goal!!! So Greenmeadow had to score, but super Dave Chimbaza guessed right and pushed it away.

It took a few moments for the boys to realise that they had done it and won the cup but they all ran to their keeper and celebrated as one.

Overall it was an even game and a shame for one side to lose on penalties, so well done to both teams.

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