Venue: Grange Park, Long Eaton, Derbyshire
Competition: Midland Football League Premier Division
Referee: Mr. Simon Brown
Scorers: Stuart Hendrie (45+2), Robson Doolan (55)
Line-ups:
We were pleased that we took in this game - both teams were a credit to their league and produced some fine football throughout the ninety minutes. Table toppers Basford have continued to improve their squad as the season has progressed, their latest addition former Notts County star Ben Fairclough. Fairclough arrived at the ground too late to be considered for a starting place, but came on for a cameo role in the second half.
We had a nice, easy journey down the M1 and arrived at the ground with 10 minutes to spare. There is plenty of car parking space at Grange Park, so no worries there. Took up a position in the stand, roughly on the half way line, and roughly half way between the Long Eaton video bloke and the Basford video bloke!
I don't think we've seen Referee Simon Brown in action before - he had a stinker in the first half, allowing several crude Long Eaton challenges to go unpunished. Mr. Brown did get the big decision right though, dismissing Gerome Palmer on 89 after the Long Eaton player had aimed a kick at a Basford player.
Both clubs have excellent websites, so I'm not going to try and compete with them. The opening goal was scored in the second minute of first half added time, a well placed shot from STUART HENDRIE that went across Scott Low and nestled in the far corner of the net. H-T 0-1
Pic courtesy Basford Utd Twitter page
The Basford second goal in the 56th minute was a cracker, a spell of neat passing play culminating with a ROBSON DOOLAN finish from close range. Long Eaton added the firepower of Kieren Wells and Shaun Rickford as they strove to get back into the game. Despite intense pressure from the home team, the Basford defence stood firm, although the Blues were unlucky when Ross Palmer went close with a header and Rickford fired just past the top corner with a couple of minutes of the game remaining. F-T 0-2
Admission: £5:00
Programme: £1.50
Attendance: 143
MOM: Josh Thornton
Charity: £1.50
