22-01-2012
Baston 2 – 0 Stilton Reserves
Baston looked to get their season back on track following 2 pre-Christmas defeats by welcoming lowly Stilton Reserves in the league.
The home side started on the front foot and should have taken the lead early on; Ben Hudson putting Greg Rawlinson clear but he lacked composure and fired over the bar. Baston maintained their pressure and took a deserved lead as Rawlinson turned provider with his cross flicked on by Josh Cattermole before being finished by Craig Bullivant at the back post.
Baston’s defence remaining vigilant for the rest of the half led well by the returning Liam Davies. Stilton’s best chance came through a curling free-kick from the left side, that missed evaded every header but was heading in the far post, but for Rob Clarke’s big toe that stopped it creeping over the line, and Hudson cleared.
The second half was tougher for Baston who were now playing against the wind, but still remained on top in the game. Josh Cattermole did well to beat a defender but hit his one-on-one shot straight into the grateful arms of the keeper. Rawlinson had another chance, again found by Hudson, but he took the ball too wide before firing into the trees behind the goal.
Baston were nearly made to pay for their lack of a cutting edge in front of goal, and had Clarke to thank as he saved a one-on-one from the Stilton winger.
As Stilton pushed on more, Baston’s main threat continued to be Greg Rawlinson down the left wing, and he produced a bit of magic after 75 minutes, picking the ball up on the halfway line and beating 3 men before crossing to sub Mantas Buivydas who skilfully volleyed home at the near post to give Baston a 2-0 lead.
Stilton still had time to make an impact on the scoreline but couldn’t make their chances tell in the last 10 minutes, and Baston held on for a deserved win.
Manager Phil Davies said “I’m really pleased with the result and it gets us back on track in the league. I thought we defended well today and played much better than we did before Christmas”
Man of the Match: Greg Rawlinson
Baston: Rob Clarke, James Markham, Justas Poderis, Liam Davies (Paul Johnson), Jacob Parkin (Mantas Buivydas), Ryan Jones (Dave Burton), Tom Hames, Ben Hudson (c), Greg Rawlinson, Craig Bullivant, Josh Cattermole
Baston visit Stamford Bels Reserves in the league next week (28th)
