Swindon 4 - 1 Firebrands A

Under the lights on a Friday night with a huge crowd, the boys started tentatively, giving the ball away cheaply and rushing attacks, failing to create any clear cut chances. Eventually, Aidan Bramwell drove in from the right and fired a pass across the circle from a position that Tom Wickens would have shot from. The ball deflected off the keeper's stick and went in.

Swindon made it 2-0 shortly afterwards, with a great pass from the right finding Dan Palomeque who calmly tapped home. Swindon then retreated into their shell a little and Firebrands found their way back into the game. A short corner was deflected onto Jim Towers on the line, unable to get stick on the ball, a flick was awarded and Jonathan Griffiths was unable to stop it, much to his dismay.

The half time message was clear; maintain composure and play good hockey and the boys would come out winners. The first goal of the second half came from a short corner, slipped to birthday boy Tom Goldsmith, who's shot was stopped. Rob 'h' Riddell pounced to turn the ball home and restore the home team's two goal advantage.

Despite a flurry of cards throughout the game, including a yellow card for Tim Taylor for a deliberate back stick, Swindon continued to dominate the game. Jacob Biddle proved inspirational in midfield, and it was his pass that found Dave Miles in space on the left of the circle. In front of all of his Bassett friends, he hit the ball first time on the reverse like a rocket beyond the despairing keeper.

Swindon were the better side throughout, but as Chris Parsons commented after the game, "We never really got out of third gear tonight." Next week the boys face Isca A in Exeter, looking to continue to push for a top two spot.

MOM: Dave Miles, great finish mate, and in front of all the Bassett lot. Definitely bank material.
DOD: Timmy Taylor, yellow card for a deliberate back stick, turned into ten minutes for questioning the umpire.