Royal Wootton Bassett Town Under 12 Girls travelled to play Kingsdown Lions, looking to build on last week's victory. Unfortunately, they came up against a strong, ruthless outfit, that punished every mistake from the visitors and who triumphed 8-3.

In a crazy opening 15 minutes, the teams shared six goals. It was Bassett that took the lead, when in-form forward Daisy Bundy opened the scoring inside two minutes, finishing low to the 'keeper's right.

Bassett's lead was short ived, as a hopeful long range shot from a Lions' player hit goalkeeper Benita Gill on the foot, before spinning into the Bassett goal.

Almost straight from the kick off, Bassett went back in front through Daisy Bundy's tenth goal of the season when her thunderous drive found the top corner.

Again, the Lions hit back inside a minute, when captain Jess Watkinson and defensive partner Poppy Henderson were both drawn out of the box, leaving an unmarked Lions forward to score from close range.

The madness in front of goal continued. With only ten minutes on the clock, Kingsdown went in front for the first time in the match. Kingsdown attacked down the left side, and again found an unmarked player in the Bassett area to score.

With time running out in the first quarter, Robyn Spencer picked up a loose ball in midfield and set out on a mazy run. With the Lions' defence all over the place, Robyn pulled the ball back for Daisy to score a first quarter hat trick.

After such a crazy opening to the game, both coaches were looking for more defensive stability. With Bassett sending on midfielders Sienna Badman, Lola Ashworth and Evelyn Lee-Gerrish for the second quarter.

Kingsdown started to take control of the game, as the over-worked Bassett midfield struggled to get to terms with the home side's movement.

Only a couple of good saves from Benita Gill stopped the home side from scoring again.

Eventually the pressure paid off. Kingsdown attackers were quick to pressure the unfortunate Annabel Wellsbury, who lost control of Benita Gill's throw out, before nicking the ball to score for the fourth time inside the opening 20 minutes.

Goal dizzy spectators were left scratching their heads in disbelief at the early scoreline.

Substitute Ruby Gower was introduced to replaced Daisy Bundy in attack. Unfortunately for Ruby she was left chasing the ball, in the hope of forcing a mistake from the Lions defensive line.

At half time Bassett's coaching team were looking for more positional awareness and team shape, with the team struggling to keep the ball.

The team talk looked like it had worked, with Holly Wannell and Liv Deverall wrestling possession back for Bassett in the midfield battle.

Once again, the brilliance of keeper Benita Gill came to Bassett's rescue, saving twice from close range to frustrate the Lions' forwards.

Benita was helped by Jess Watkinson who cleared off the goal line late in the third quarter to keep Bassett in the game.

With the girls tiring in the final quarter on a heavy pitch, Kingsdown took full advantage and ruthlessly put Bassett to the sword, scoring four times, in the final 15 minutes to lead 8-3.

To the Bassett girls' credit they continued to push forward in search of goals.

Late efforts from Liv Deverall and Daisy Bundy went wide, before Sienna Badman effort from the edge of the box was easily saved.

With a string of stunning saves Benita Gill was named player of the match for Bassett.

Bassett will be on the road again next week, when they make the trip to Bath to play second bottom Larkhall Athletic as they look to bounce back from this defeat.

Credit: Martin Jefferies
Last modified on Monday 22nd November 2021 at 09:40