Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 12 Girls returned to match action for the first time in four weeks, as they welcomed Bishops Canning Dragonflies to the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, with the girls looking to bounce back from their last outing, a home defeat against Marlborough Youth Tigers.
From the kick-off Bassett started on the front foot and created two early half chances, though both were easily saved. With only five minutes on the clock, Bassett took the lead, through Daisy Bundy's seventh goal of the season, when she slotted home from Bethany Humphrey's cross.
The game was being dominated by Bassett with midfield trio Mia Ohrland, Leah Jefferies and Bethany Humphrey winning the midfield battle. Together they were not giving the travelling Dragonflies a foothold in the game.
Captain for the game Freya King, alongside defensive partner Poppy Henderson, snuffed out any small glimpse of opportunity the Dragonflies had, with a strong aggressive defensive style.
Bassett extended their lead when early substitution Lillian Newbury scored twice in two minutes, both times running clear of the visitors' defence, the first time from a long through ball from Poppy Henderson, and the second time running on to Poppy Henderson' long throw in. Both finishes were dispatched past the helpless visiting keeper.
With the game looking out of reach for the visitors, Bassett rotated the subs giving a club debut to Lola Ashworth, who brought her high energy style game to the midfield.
Two minutes before half time, Bishops Cannings got on the score sheet when a defensive mix up from a Benita Gills goal kick ended up at the feet of a visiting player to score.
Bassett went in at half time leading 3-1. Bassett's coaching team were keen for the girls to continue to win the ball back quickly, and not let the visitors have time on the ball to get back in the game.
Bassett again made subs with Annabel Wellsbury, Olivia Deverall and Isabel Davies all starting the second half. Five minutes after half time more indecisive defending and missed tackles allowed Bishops Cannings to add their second of the game.
Luckily for Bassett two minutes later Bethany Humphrey scored, reacting quickest after her first shot was blocked to fire home from close range.
With the game starting to open up, chances came at both ends, with Daisy Bundy hitting the post at one end, and Benita Gill saving at the other. Lola Ashworth's run and cross from the right wing was then put wide by hard working midfielder Mia Ohrland.
With ten minutes to go the Dragonflies scored again to make the score 4-3 to Bassett. The game was now fully stretched. With big gaps being left in midfield, the visitors could sense the Bassett supporter's nervousness from the sidelines as they went in search of the equaliser. However, Bassett captain Freya King was in no mood to let the game slip away, standing firm to all the Dragonflies had to offer.
With time ticking away Bethany Humphrey once again turned provider with a slide rule pass for Daisy Bundy to smash home her eighth of the season and Bassett's fifth of the match with two minutes left on the clock.
The entertained home supporters standing on the Bassett bank greeted the final whistle with huge relief and cheers, as the Bassett subs bench ran onto the pitch to celebrate a hard-fought victory with their teammates.
Bassett's Player of the match was Lillian Newbury whose first two goals for the club had set Bassett on their way to victory.
Up next for this young talented team is an away game against Kingdown Lions, as they look to build on Saturday's victory, and try to climb into the top half of the table.
Credit: Martin Jefferies
Last modified on Monday 15th November 2021 at 09:14
