BASSETT ladies travelled to Christchurch to play top-of-the table Bournemouth 2nds on Saturday.

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.

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.

The visitors started the second half the livelier of the two sides, with Becky Thomas and 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 on their play and test the Bournemouth defence and keeper.

Tegan Buchanan got Bassett’s equaliser midway into the second half from an excellent strike from a short corner.

Both teams battled hard against each other and the elements for the remainder of the second half but neither could get the winner.

Tracy Fieldsend was voted player of the match for her tireless work at left defence.

Bassett now lie in third place in the East Division, with three league matches to go before the Christmas break.

Thirds away success

WOOTTON Bassett Mens B turned in a fine team performance to take three points from their longest away trip of the season.

Shepton Mallet enjoyed good early possession but were well contained by the Bassett defence.

Playing on the counter attack, Bassett’s youngsters always looked dangerous with their slick passing and Jamie Ellswood, Oli Sighe and Dan Birmingham combined to put the Shepton defence under pressure.

Midway through the half, Harry Horton joined an attack and slammed in his first goal for the club. Minutes later, Ben Hares' work rate on the right flank was rewarded when he was sent clear with a threaded through pass and calmly slotted home Bassett’s second.

The second half saw Shepton press hard to gain a foothold in the game but Bassett midfielders Ryan Vincent and Adam White worked tirelessly to repel their attacks, with Brandon Dewsbury and Harry Horton shutting off the supply from the wide areas.

Ben Hares and Harry Horton shared the Player of the Match award.