Baston had to win this game to stand any realistic chance of finishing runners up in the league. Again travelling with bare XI players, four of which being bit part players, including player assistant manager Phil Davies for his second appearance in 4 days.
Baston started the game brightly and created a number of chances, with the midfield linking up well. Once again though Baston failed to convert these chances into goals with all of the front six being guilty of missing good opportunities to open the scoring. When Baston did test the keeper they once again found the Heckington number one (as in their early season cup game) in fine form.
Baston final broke the deadlock midway through the first half with Hudson, Moss, and O’Loughlin linking up well for Holdup to convert from just inside the 18 yard box. Baston then held out until half time, Heckington having the better of the last 10 mins prior to half time with Jesson clearing off his own line after Clarke had been beaten by a Heckington lob, Clarke pulling off a good one v one save & Jesson almost putting the ball into his own net from a deflected cross.
Second half Baston continued their good football and created further chances, without extending their lead, Moss being denied what appeared to be a nailed on penalty but the obviously partially sighted referee had other ideas.
On the hour mark Baston seemed to stop playing, perhaps fitness and tiredness caught up. With no options through subs to freshen up the team, Heckington came back into the game & didn't look back scoring from a set piece and then the Heckington striker being allowed to turn in the six yard box to blast past keeper Clarke to make it 2-1. Baston paid the price for missing numerous chances to extend beyond the slender 1-0 lead they had.
Heckington dominated in the closing period as Baston pushed for an equaliser, and extended their 2-1 lead from a defensive mistake and finally another set piece taking their lead to 4-1.
At the final whistle Baston could consider themselves unlike to have lost so heavily but poor finishing and a lack of fitness once again proved to be their downfall.
Baston only hope now is for teams around them to drop points for them to obtain the runners up spot. Their only realistic hope of silverware being the Memorial Cup, in which the face Cranmer Arms on 30/04 in the quarter final.
In a season that promised so much, Baston have fallen by the way side in the last 3 months. They travel to local rivals Baston Athletic on Easter Monday for their penultimate league game of the season, hoping for a moral boosting victory ahead of their quarter final the following week.
