Match Report: Men’s 3rd XI 16 Sept

Yateley 2-0 Basingstoke

The M3s took on Basingstoke on Saturday in the final friendly before leagues start next weekend.

It was another scorcher, with the game split into quarters to allow for extra pit stops.

Basingstoke were a tough opponent, with only two youngsters and a team of experienced, quick players. We set off to a rockier than ideal start and needed to slow things down and double back down on the basics.

In the second quarter Sam Qua gave us the respite we needed and knocked in the first goal, 1-0 to Yateley.

We started to find our flow, held our shape better, contested well and started to make passes count. We pushed back in the third quarter and soon George Williams put the game to bed with our 2nd goal. 2-0 yateley.

Basingstoke tired and it was a case of holding on until the final whistle.

A great team performance with standout MOM as Charlie Marsden for some great defence, solid work running the ball up the field and some good link play.

Special mention to the whole team on this one. Last year in the same game, Basingstoke won 4-1 with an almost like for like line up. Testament to the progress the team and club have made over the past 12 months.

There was one erroneous vote for "overall best and all round God / captain fantastic". Suppose he probably does deserve a bit of a nod, even if it is his head nodding ?

Well done Willie and the team