Bournemouth 2nds 2 – 2 Wootton Bassett 1sts

Bassett ladies travelled to Christchurch to play top of the table team Bournemouth 2nds on Saturday. The home side started strongly with Bassett having to rely heavily on their defence in the first five minutes. Bournemouth used the knowledge and experience of their bouncy home pitch to their advantage throughout the match, and it helped them gain the opening goal when a long corner routine lead to a well struck bouncing ball at the top of the D, which lifted over Megan Emm’s outstretched leg in goal hitting the corner of the backboard. Bournemouth continued to pile on the pressure in the first half and Bassett fought hard to keep the ball out of danger but eventually gave away a string of short corners, one of which was converted to make the score 2-0. Bassett didn’t let their heads drop and started to improve nearer the end of the first half creating more attacks and chances. Some great interlinking play from Katy Cox, Emma Collison and Vic Sammon down the left wing ended with Sammon scoring Bassett’s first goal from a powerful close range shot which beat the Bournemouth keeper on her far post.
Bassett started the second half the livelier of the two sides with Becky Thomas and Vic Sammon working hard in the midfield to effectively distribute the ball to the wingers and forwards. A period of possession for Bassett gave the visitors a chance to really build their play and test the Bournemouth defence and keeper. Tegan Buchanan got Bassett’s equaliser mid way into the second half from an excellent straight strike from a short corner which she fired into the bottom corner. Both teams battled hard against each other and the elements of lovely British weather for the remainder of the second half but neither could get the winner. Tracy Fieldsend was voted player of the match for her brilliant tireless work at left defence. The final score was 2-2 and Bassett now lie in 3rd place in East Division with three league matches to go before the Christmas break.