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Bassett storms over City: City of Bath D 1 – 9 Wootton Bassett A (14 November 2009) The early start for Luke Salisbury’s side was quickly forgotten. Arriving in Bath for this Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 clash, the team’s confidence was high, despite the hail and wind driving into their faces. As soon as the whistle blew Bassett were dominating the ball, passing into space, and soon finding Matt Daniell on the wing. His powerful cross was met well by Sean Sykes to drive home for Bassett’s first goal. From the restart Bassett pounced to drive forward again as the weather worsened. Jake Nunns skilfully turned a Bath defender and shot from the top of the D, finding the bottom left hand corner. This was followed by another goal from Sykes, when a strike from the top of the D gave the keeper no chance. However the home side responded just before half time when a misplaced pass found a Bath attacker to pull a goal back. The weather meant there was no appetite for an extended team talk during the break. From the restart the visitors dominated the midfield with precise passes from Trevor Capon, who managed to find Sykes again for his hat trick. Bassett kept a strong grip on the game, shutting out any opportunity for City to work a goal. At the back Tom Ponting threaded a long ball up to Glyn Rowe, who finished nicely to make it 5-1. The final five minutes was spectacular, with Bassett punishing City with wave after wave of attacks. Daniell was waiting at the far post to put in the sixth, then a deflected ball that went high in the air was met by Rob Appleby to strike home at waste height and then, 30 seconds later, a fast attack presented Sykes with the ball again to make it eight. Finally, as full time approached, a beautiful sequence of passes between the midfield four found Daniell in front of goal to slip it back to Appleby for his second, and make the final score 9-1. Luke Salisbury complimented his team’s performance, and said that the final five minutes were the best the team had played. Scorers: Sean Sykes (4), Rob Appleby (2), Glyn Rowe, Matt Daniell, Jake Nunns. Man of the Match: Matt Daniell Team: L.Baldry, D,Metson, M.Daniell, R.Appleby, T.Capon, T.Ponting, G.Rowe, A.Hawkins, S.Sykes, J.Showering, M.Davies, L.Salisbury (c), R.Pinnuck, J.Nunns. ---------------------- Bristol UWE A 4 - 2 Wootton Bassett (7 November 2009) After knocking Shepton Mallet off the top of the Avon Division a week earlier Bassett hoped to repeat the feat against high flying Bristol UWE on Saturday. Bassett started on the attack and dominated the opening encounters. Kyle Barnes went close with two attempts from difficult angles and Jakeem Lee broke through the defence to create a couple of chances up front. Following a period of sustained Bassett pressure UWE broke out of defence and won a short corner. The unusually bouncy pitch came into play as the short corner was converted with a bobbling strike. A second goal, also from a short corner, quickly followed. The two goals against the run of play affect Bassett and they never managed to regain their early attacking form in the first half. After half time Bassett’s poor form continued and eventually gifted the home side a third goal, again from a short corner. As the final fifteen minutes approached Bassett finally picked themselves up and went back on the attack. Kristian Mansfield linked up with Barnes for the first goal, Barnes providing the finishing touch. Barnes was at it again two minutes later, pulling the score back to 3 - 2 following a good run from Lee. As the final whistle approached Bassett went in search of a winner with Dan Jeffery and Mark Skivington going close from short corners and Barnes almost completing his hat-trick. However, as Bassett committed players forward UWE finally put the result beyond doubt with a well taken break away goal. Scorer: Kyle Barnes Man of the Match: Ali Sammon, Max Brennan, Jakeem Lee Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, D.Jeffery (c), A.Wood, M.Brennan, N.Baldwin, A.Sammon, P.Law, J.Macleod, M.Skivington, K.Mansfield, K.Barnes, J.Lee, M.Turner ----------------------- Wootton Bassett 2 - 1 Shepton Mallet (31 October 2009) Following last weekend's impressive away win at Westbury, Bassett played host to top of the league Shepton Mallet on Saturday. The first half began with both teams enjoying even possession bit neither creating any clear cut chances. As the half wore on Bassett gained the upper hand and began the onslaught on the away team's goal. Kyle Barnes went close to scoring the opener on numerous occasions but couldn't find his usual goal scoring form. Having wasted a string of short corners Bassett finally took the lead from open play when Patrick Law lifted the ball over the Shepton keeper, the shot hitting the cross bar and post before going in. The second half started with Bassett back on top. A couple of mazy runs from Jakeem Lee set up chances for Ross Pinnuck and Barnes, but neither could add to the scoring. Debutant Ben Tompkins improved as the match wore on and sent a number of crosses in the D. Bassett eventually doubled their lead five minutes from the end when Barnes rounded the 'keeper and slotted the ball home. Shepton pulled a goal back in the last minute from a short corner to leave the final score at 2 - 1. Scorers: Patrick Law, Kyle Barnes Man of the Match: Patrick Law Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, A.Wood, M.Brennan, M.Skivington (c), M.Tolley, A.Sammon, P.Law, K.Mansfield, M.Turner, J.Lee, K.Barnes, R.Pinnuck, B.Tomkins Swindon B 2 – 0 Wootton Bassett A Bassett’s five game winning run came to an end at Isambard on Saturday when they faced Swindon B in their toughest match this season. The game started well, with defenders Tom Ponting, Dan Metson and Trevor Cappon keeping the ball away from the D. Together with Matt Daniell, they successfully snuffed out the two short corners that Swindon managed. Clever passing got the ball into the opponents D on numerous occasions, but Bassett couldn’t capitalise, going into half time at 0-0. The second half started with some good passing by Bassett but Swindon were soon back on the offensive, scoring from a rebound in a short corner. The visitors pushed hard to get a goal, but despite numerous incursions into the D by Sean Sykes and Jake Nunns failed to put any away. A second goal for Swindon came 10 minutes after the first, passing it around the defence and slotting in the goal. Man of the match Hugh Waggett and winger David Beale tried to link the ball back up with the attackers, but Bassett couldn’t penetrate the Swindon backline. The result brings Swindon up to third place in Wilts & NE Somerset 2, whilst Bassett drop to second behind Chippenham on goal difference. Man of the Match: High Waggett. Team: T.Williamson, T.Ponting, D.Metson, T.Cappon, A.Hawkins, L.Salisbury, D.Beale, S.Sykes, J.Nunns, R.Appleby, M.Daniell, H.Waggett, G.Kirkup. ------------------------- Bassett within 15 minutes of 3rd round of England Hockey Vase (25 October 2009) Wootton Bassett 1st XI 1 - 3 Tunbridge Wells 1st XI A strong, but depleted, Bassett side brushed off the cobwebs from Saturday’s win to face Tunbridge Wells in the 2nd round of the England Hockey Vase on Sunday. Bassett started promisingly, rising to the occaision, and showing that they can up their game when faced with much stronger opposition than the Avon Division has to offer. Bassett easily held their own in defence and looked threatening in attack with Matt Daniell sending an early shot inces wide. Following a commanding save by Paul Warren an altercation ensued leaving Bassett down to 10 men and without a keeper. Ali Wood bravely stepped in and, with a make shift defence and Ali wearing only a helmet in goal, Bassett held their opposition at bay for the full 10 minute sin-bin period. As Tunbridge threw everyone forward Bassett came close to taking the lead when man of the match Jakeem Lee hit the post after beating the keeper. As the crowd got more and more into the game Bassett returned to full strength and immediatley turned up the pressure on the visitors. Chris Chesterfield fired Bassett into a well deserved lead following a powerful run and cross from John Macleod, and the crowd cheered! Enevitably the skilful opposition went all out on the attack in the second half. Bassett kept them at bay thanks to solid defensive efforts from captain Dan Jeffery, Ali Wood, Neil Baldwin and Jack Showering at the back. As the half wore on Bassett threatened to extend their lead through some solid linkup play between Macleod and Patrick Law in midfield. Shortly aftwards Jeffery thought he had scored from a well stuck short corner, only to see his effort saved off the line by a well placed defender. With fifteen minutes to go, and Bassett still a goal to the good, it started to look as though Bassett could hold out for the win. Continued pressure from the away side finally dashed these hopes when a short corner was awarded following a Tunbridge counter attack. At the short corner Matt Daniell was struck in the body from point blank range by an attempted drag flick. With Daniell still on the floor the rebound was then bundled home to give the away side the equaliser they had worked for. Not wanting the game to go to extra time Bassett pressed for a winner but, in doing so, were left short at the back. Tunbridge Wells took the lead from open play with ten minutes remaining and added a third in the daying moments as Bassett threw everyone forward in search of an equaliser. The Bassett players left the pitch with their heads held high knowing that they had put in a good performance and almost beaten a team from a much higher league. Scorer: Chris Chesterfield Man of the Match: Jakeem Lee Team: P.Warren, D.Jeffery (c), N.Baldwin, A.Wood, M.Skivington, J.Showering, P.Law, J.Macleod, C.Chesterfield, M.Daniell, R.Pinnuck, J.Lee, G.Kirkup ------------------ Unbeaten Saturday for Bassett’s five league sides (24 October 2009) Westbury & UB B 1 - 3 Wootton Bassett 1st XI After a stuttering start to the season Wootton Bassett finally found their game on Saturday with an impressive first half display away from home in the West of England and Wales Avon Division. Keen to make up for last weekend's poor performance Bassett sprinted out of the blocks against an organised Westbury side on Saturday. Early chances fell to forwards Kyle Barnes and John Macleod, but neither were converted. Ten minutes in Bassett took the lead when Kristian Mansfield's shot was saved off the line and Kyle Barnes pounced to slot home the rebound. Bassett maintained their pressure on the home side's goal winning a series of short corners as the half wore on. Eventually one paid off when Dan Jeffery's strike was saved and Mark Skivington pounced to hammer home the rebound. Playing their best hockey of the season, and with a two goal advantage, Bassett looked like the most likely team to score next. However, errors began to creep in and the home side worked their way back into the match. A mix up in defence led to a one on one between the Westbury centre forward and Bassett 'keeper Paul Warren. Warren slid out and took the ball but was adjudged to have fouled the forward in the process. The resulting penalty stroke was spectacularly saved by Warren, diving high to his left and palming the ball away from goal. As half time approached Westbury upped the pressure and finally pulled a goal back when a skilful solo run drew in three Bassett players and left a Westbury player free at the far post to slot the ball home. A stern half time team talk from captain Dan Jeffery left Bassett in no doubt of their task for the second half. Despite the driving rain Bassett strung together a few silky passing moves and won another series of short corners. Jeffery finally put the result beyond doubt with a pin point strike from a short corner. As the game approached its climax Bassett began to sit back more and more but never looked in danger of conceding and held out for a 3 - 1 win. Scorers: Kyle Barnes, Mark Skivington, Dan Jeffery Man of the Match: Paul Warren Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, D.Jeffery (c), M.Brennan, A.Wood, M.Skivington, M.Tolley, P.Law, J.Macleod, K.Mansfield, M.Turner, K.Barnes, R.Pinnuck, M.Edgar Wootton Bassett 2nd XI 3-1 West Wilts D Bassett’s impressive start to the league season continued with a 3-1 win over West Wilts D on Saturday. A quick one-two passing move found Luke Salisbury free in the D, but with the narrow angle he could only find the outside of the post. Midway through the half Bassett’s attack broke down and West Wilts took full advantage with a quick counter-attack to leave the half time score at 1-0 to the visitors. After a stern team talk, Bassett raced out of the blocks and scored within a minute of the re-start. Jack Showering found an unmarked Sean Sykes who squeeze the ball into the net. Bassett were denied a second when Jakeem Lee was clean through but played the ball against the post. Minutes later Bassett took the lead when Grant Kirkup’s shot from a short corner found the bottom right corner. With Bassett’s confidence growing they looked for a third to kill off the game but left themselves short at the back. Wilts had another quick counter but were denied by some last ditch tacking from man of the match Neil Baldwin. Baldwin then played the ball straight up the pitch an Bassett won a penalty stroke. The stroke was converted by captain Luke Salisbury to put the result beyond doubt. With Bassett two goals clear the confidence in the team was high. Bassett retained possession for most of the final 10 minutes of the game with some quick passing moves. Both teams had one final chance as the final whistle approached. Kirkup’s low shot rebounded off the post to safety to leave the final score at 3 – 1 to the home side. With five wins from five games Bassett’s perfect start to the season continues in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2. Scorers: Sean Sykes, Grant Kirkup, Luke Salisbury Man of the Match: Neil Baldwin Wootton Bassett: L. Baldry, D. Kelly, N. Baldwin, T. Ponting, A. Hawkings, J. Showering, L. Salisbury (c), G. Kirkup, D. Beale, S. Sykes, J. Lee, J.P. Terry, J. Nunns, M. Davies, G. Rowe ----------------------------------------- Wootton Bassett 1 - 2 North Wilts (17 October 2009) A last minute goal snatched victory for North Wilts in this West of England Avon Division local derby at Lime Kiln on Saturday. Bassett started the game on the back foot with North Wilts applying the early pressure. However, the home defence stood firm and prevented any clear opportunities for the visitors. Mid-way through the half the game evened out with both teams having chances from short corners. A North Wilts pass through the middle resulted in a mix up among the Bassett defence and. believing that the whistle had been blown for an infringement, they stopped, only to see the visitors' centre forward slotting the ball underneath onrushing keeper Paul Warren. The goal forced Bassett to raise their game and for the remainder of the half they heaped the pressure on the Wilts goal, but to no avail. The second half began as the first had finished with Bassett making the early running. On the rare occasions that North Wilts broke out of defence Max Brennan and Dan Jeffery cleared up with keeper Warren sliding out to clear his lines when needed. Man of the match, and first team debutant, Neil Baldwin became more involved as the second half progressed, linking up well with the midfield to win a number of short corners. Eventually Bassett made a short corner pay off when Kristian Mansfield's reverse flick from a rebound found the back of the net. As the final whistle approached Bassett pushed for a winner and ultimately left themselves short at the back. Following a sustained spell of Bassett pressure North Wilts broke free and won a short corner. The resulting strike found the back of the net and with only minutes left, handed the away side a victory that neither team deserved. Scorer: K.Mansfield Man of the Match: N.Baldwin Team: P.Warren, D.Jeffery (c), M.Brennan, N.Baldwin, M.Skivington, M.Tolley, A.Sammon, A.Wood, K.Mansfield, M.Turner, K.Barnes, R.Pinnuck, M.Daniell, P.Law North Wilts A 1 – 3 Wootton Bassett A Bassett’s 2nd string continued their unbeaten start to their Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 season, against local rivals North Wilts at Dorcan. The visitors got off to a strong start pinning North Wilts into their own half for much of the first period. Despite continuous pressure, an experienced home defence kept Bassett at bay until Sean Sykes forced the ball home after 15 minutes and Rob Appleby made it 2-0 to Bassett by the break. North Wilts threw more players forward after the re-start limiting Bassett’s ability to link up to their forward line from mid-field. Finally a slick passing move penetrated the home side’s defence allowing Luke Salisbury to slot home. As Bassett coasted towards victory, Lee Baldry in goal was denied another clean sheet when a last minute short corner allowed North Wilts a consolation goal. Scorers: S.Sykes R.Appleby, L.Salisbury. Man of the Match: G.Rowe & D.Beale. Team: L.Baldry, D.Metson’ D.Gardner. T.Ponting, A.Hawkins, G.Rowe, L.Salisbury (c), J.Nunns, M.Bray, S.Sykes, R.Appleby, D.Beale, G.Kirkup, J.Lee. ------------------------ Bassett men on the march Swindon A 4 - 5 Wootton Bassett 1st XI (10 October 2009) Bassett notched up their first win of the new season in a scrappy away game at Swindon in West of England Avon Division on Saturday. Bassett put the home side under pressure from the start and had Swindon struggling to get out of their own half. The early pressure paid off after 10 minutes when Kyle Barnes fired in from the top of the D. Instead of capitalising on their lead Bassett sat back and sloppy passing allowed Swindon back into the game. Mid-way through the half the home side won a string of short corners and eventually one led to a clear shot on goal, which was lifted straight into the stomach of Stu Bell. Goalie Paul Warren managed to get a hand to the resulting penalty stroke, but couldn't get a strong enough touch to keep it out. Swindon kept up the pressure on the Bassett goal and took the lead when a lose ball into the D found the centre forward wide open at the far post. Bassett lifted themselves and started creating more chances up front. An infringement following a penalty corner led to a Bassett penalty stroke, but Barnes was unable to convert, but he made up for the miss two minutes later when his reverse stick flick from close range sent the 'keeper and defenders the wrong way and levelled the scores at 2 - 2. Bassett took the lead shortly after half time when John Macleod's powerful flick found its way into the roof of the net. The visitors now started passing the ball around more freely, playing with more confidence. Their next goal involved almost the entire team as a long corner on the right was played back to the defence, up to the left wing and into the D for Barnes to fire the ball into the top corner and complete his hat-trick. Swindon pulled the score back to 4 - 3 with a well struck reverse stick strike from the top of the D, before Ross Pinnuck restored the two goal advantage with a deflected goal at the far post. As the final whistle approached Swindon threw everyone forward and forced home a fourth to make the final minutes a nervy affair for Bassett. However, Bassett held out to take the 5 - 4 win and all three points. Scorers: K.Barnes (3), J.Macleod, R.Pinnuck Man of the Match: K.Barnes Wootton Bassett: P.Warren, S.Bell, D.Jeffery (c), A.Wood, M.Skivington, R.Pinnuck, A.Sammon, J.Macleod, K.Mansfield, J.Lee, K.Barnes, G.Kirkup, M.Daniell Wootton Bassett A 3 - 0 Chippenham D Bassett's 2nd string continued their unbeaten start to their Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 season, beating local rivals Chippenham at Lime Kiln. Bassett pushed back and immediately put pressure on the Chippenham defence. This possession eventually resulted in a reverse stick shot goal by Dave.Beale but, despite continuous pressure on the visitors’ defence, the score remained 1-0 at the break. The second half started more evenly and Chippenham gained in confidence, until mid-way through Jake Nunns scored putting Bassett into a more comfortable lead. A few minutes later, Rob Appleby ran through to slot home to make it 3-0. The final whistle blew with Bassett gaining their third win this season. Scorers: D.Beale, J.Nunns, R.Appleby. Man of the Match: J.Nunns Team: L.Baldry, D.Metson’ D.Gardner. H.Waggett, A.Hawkins, G.Rowe, M.Davies, J.Showering, L.Salisbury (c), J.Nunns, M.Bray, S.Sykes, R.Appleby, D.Beale ------------------------- Lydney 0 - 4 Wootton Bassett Mens 1st XI (26 September 2009) Bassett's 1st XI continued their impressive pre-season form with a 4 - 0 away win against Lydney, a team that plays two leagues above Bassett in North Division 1. The home side put Bassett under pressure straight from the starting whistle with some impressive individual skills. However, Bassett's back line held firm and denied the home side any clear chances. Gradually Bassett found their improved passing game and started to penetrate the Lydney midfield and prolific goal scorer Kyle Barnes slotted in a first half hat-trick. Lydney came back as half time approached putting Bassett under a sustained spell of pressure but a slick passing move between Grant Kirkup and Mark Skivington to break out of defence, found Ali Wood who beat the last defender and smashed the ball home from a seemingly impossible angle for 4-0 at the break. The second half began as the first had finished with both teams creating chances but neither side could find the net. Lydney again raised their game as the final whistle approached but man of the match Dan Jeffery swept up at the back and in form 'keeper Paul Warren pulled off the necessary acrobatics to preserve a fine clean sheet. Bassett start their Avon league campaign with a home match against Bath University next Saturday in confident mood following a successful pre-season campaign that has seen Bassett score twelve goals in two away matches. Bassett open account against local rivals Wootton Bassett Mens 2nd XI 8-1 Swindon C Wootton Bassett mens second string overpowered local rivals Swindon to kick off their season in Wilts & NE Somerset Division 2 at Lime Kiln on Saturday. Bassett found themselves two up inside two minutes. The first was scored by Sean Sykes, who turned smartly before finishing under the keeper and a minute later, captain Luke Salisbury fired into the right corner after exchanging passes on the left wing. Jack Showering then found space in the D to flick the ball through a crowd of players and the keeper’s legs for a third and, as half time approached, Salisbury went on a mazy run through the heart of the Swindon defence and square for JP Terry to roll the ball into an empty goal. 4-0 at half time. After the break Bassett started where they left off with Sykes getting his second of the game from close range and Jake Nunns scoring in similar fashion on his league debut. Bassett’s seventh came from Mike Davies after he drilled in a low shot from a short corner and then the goal of the game brought the score to 8-0 when after good interchange between the forwards, allowed Patrick Law (another debutant) a free run at goal to strike the ball sweetly into the roof of the net. The only disappointment of the afternoon for Bassett came in the dying minutes when Swindon scored on the break to prevent the clean sheet. Final score Wootton Bassett 8-1 Swindon. Salisbury was extremely pleased with his team’s performance. “If we can keep up this good form, we will be strong contenders for promotion come the end of the season.” ------------------------------------ Cirencester 3 - 8 Wootton Bassett 1st XI (19 September 2009) Wootton Bassett's men's 1st XI kicked off their season with a goal fest away at Cirencester on Saturday. The home team's slow pitch proved a great leveler in the opening encounters, with neither team able to create much in the way of goal scoring chances. Fifteen minutes in Bassett finally took the lead when Kyle Barnes broke through and slotted the ball home. The home team responded quickly with a superb individual goal struck into the top corner of Lee Baldry's goal. Five minutes later the home team took the lead from a short corner. Having finally grown accustomed to the pitch Bassett finally began to pile on the pressure. The equaliser came from a short corner, Jakeem Lee deflecting Dan Jeffery's shot past the 'keeper. Lee was at it again five minutes later, this time linking up with Barnes to give Bassett the lead. On the stroke of half time Barnes fire home his second to give Bassett a 4 - 2 lead at the break. The second half started just as slowly as the first with neither team seizing the initiative. Eventually Barnes took the game by the scruff of the neck and scored two individual goals in quick succession to put the game beyond doubt. Kristian Mansfield then drove down the left wing and squared a cross for Barnes' fifth. The double hat-trick was completed when Barnes fired a soundly struck undercut from the top of the D into the top corner of Cirencester's goal. The home team never gave up and their efforts paid off when they scrambled home a last minute goal to leave the final score at 8 - 3 to the away side. Scorers: Kyle Barnes (6), Jakemm Lee (2). Man of the Match: Jakeem Lee, Kyle arnes, Tom Ponting Team: L.Baldry, D.Jeffery (c), A.Wood, M.Skivington, S.Bell, A.Sammon, G.Kirkup, M.Turner, K.Mansfield, M.Daniell, K.Barnes, J.Lee, H.Wagget, T.Ponting, M.Brennan Wootton Bassett 3rds 3-2 Witney Wootton Bassett 3rds had a their first pre-season friendly at home to a tough Witney side, Bassett coming out 3-2 winners. On a sizzling hot day Bassett knew the ball had to do all the work, only having 11 players. The game started at a slow pace with the ball been pass around in the midfield both teams trying to find where the weak points are. The game came to life after the 25min when a slick one two between Jake Nunns and Rob Appleby left Rob one on one with the Goalkeeper and calmly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper to make it 1-0 to Bassett. Witney regrouped and made the scores level at half time. The second half Witney came all out and got a early goal then a player was left unmarked on the back post for an easy finish, with Witney looking for a 3rd, Bassett got a second goal then Luke picked up the ball in his own 23 and sprinted the whole pitch to hammer the ball into the bottom left corner. Nearing the end of the match Bassett got the winner when some quick passing in midfield found Jake unmarked in the D and a first time hit found the bottom corner of the goal to make Bassett 3-2 winners. An all round great performance from a very young Bassett side and something to look forward to in the future. Scorers: Rob Appleby, Luke Salisbury, Jake Nunns. Man of the Match: Tom Williamson. Team: T. Williamson, D. Gardner, E. Daniell, S. Pope, T. Mormoy, A. Lyons, Rob. Appleby, L. Salisbury (c), M. Henshaw, Rich, Appleby, J. Nunns --------------------------- |
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