Royal Wootton Bassett Town Veterana travelled to the Military College at Shrivenham for the first time for a friendly and were undone by two quickfire second half goals, that left them 3-1 down and unable to recover. With the first of these a highly dubious penalty and the second a cruel deflection, they can feel hard done by.
The game took place on a rock-hard pitch leaving the bounce unpredictable and the roll of the ball treacherous- a far cry from the luxury of the 4G carpet.
In truth the vets were never able to master passing on this surface, and the game was highly competitive and more a test of wills. Bassett lined up in a 3-5-2, Boys-Stones in goal with Jeffries, Lynch and Howse at the back, Cooper and Wilson wing backs, a midfield of Watson, Ohrland and Ramshaw, and Shaw and Hyde up front. Matt Johnson and Ben Gould started on the bench but were on after 15 minutes as Head Coach Paul Davis regularly refreshed.
Passes played square were becoming a hazard and, after great tracking back, Ohrland found this to his cost as a square ball across the area bobbled around and the JMCA took advantage, their forward twisting to place a shot wide of Boys-Stones into the corner. 1-0 down but the Vets had looked dangerous when turning the JMCA defence and they were soon back on level terms.
Martin Ohrland won the ball in midfield and spread the play out to the right to Justin Hyde, whose precise deep cross found Steve Shaw surging in at the back post, who finished calmly like the seasoned pro he is! The best move of the match.
The game was very competitive with the Acadamy not shy in the challenge and the referee whistling regularly for odd decisions but refusing to recognise the opposition Number 9's roughhouse tactics (brothers, perhaps?). Just before half time Shaw had an excellent chance to give RWB the lead, Cooper's through ball releasing him from half way, but after keeping the ball on track, the dreaded bobble got the better of him at the vital moment, the finish lifting over the bar.
Many of the Vets players showed great versatility, taking up different positions and communicating well. They were probably edging the second half when the ref struck a hammer blow. Having just a late challenge in midfield, JMCA found the resultant space out wide, where their young, strong players were. A cross into the area found the centre forwards feet and his usual tugging on the t-shirt and backing in ensued. However, Martin Jeffries stood firm and got himself between man and ball, clearing the danger. Inexplicably the whistle went and even their forward looked shocked to see his side given a penalty- not shocked enough to miss though.
This blow was compounded only minutes later, when the JMCA winger cut in from the right hand side and let fly on the corner of the area. Ohrland went to block and the shot clipped of his telescopic leg and arced wickedly into the far corner. Bassett then started to play their best football, which seemed to aggravate JMCA, with late tackles going unpunished although pernickety incidents seeming to upset the ref, Shaw, Cooper and Watson all going into the book for minor misdemeanours (Well, Shawsy did give him an earful!).
Chances were created, Hyde going close one on one in an impressive (Vets!) debut, and dead ball situations always looking dangerous; Lynch having a shot from a knock down blocked en-route. In the closing minute, Howse had a great chance to the left 15 yards out but just pulled his shot slightly and it rolled and bobbled wide.
On the whistle hands were shook and apologies given, a nice touch from the JMCA, as was the food and pound a pint drinks afterwards. Definitely worth a return fixture!
Man of the Match goes to Steve Lynch, true versatility and northern grit wherever he played.
Credit: Junior Striker
Last modified on Friday 20th July 2018 at 19:12
