Venue: Greenwich Avenue, Basford, Nottingham
Competition: Midland Football League Premier Division
Referee: Mr. Ryan Haynes
Scorers -
Basford: Fabian Smith (3), Josh Thornton (80)
Brocton: Sam Bell (59)
Team sheet
Basford were made to work really hard for this victory against a very good Brocton team. Although Brocton were sixth from bottom in the league prior to kick off, they showed in this game, particularly in the second half, that they are quite capable of competing with a team fighting for promotion and can consider themselves unlucky not to leave Greenwich Avenue with nothing to show for their efforts. Basford have had their ground grading done for next season and were given the thumbs up, so if promotion is achieved they are ready to make the step up.
Spent the entire game in the company of football buddies Pete, Derek and Maurice - Kev was once again taking care of family business. Eddie Pidduck came along to say hello - not seen Mr. Pidduck in action for a while. Apparently he's not getting many middles since his promotion to level three. That's a pity because in my humble opinion, Eddie is a cracking non-league Referee.
Basford dominated much of the first half, but had only the one goal to show for their efforts as they went in at half-time. The goal was a stunner from the right boot of FABIAN SMITH. After receiving the ball on the edge of the box, the midfielder curled the ball into the far side of the net, past the despairing dive of Brocton keeper Callum Barrett. H-T 1-0
Whatever was said to the Brocton players during the break certainly had the desired effect. They outplayed their hosts, were quicker to the ball and were generally more switched on. Brocton were deservedly level on 59, SAM BELL volleying home at the far stick after the ball was flicked on at the near.
Basford were really struggling to match the endeavours of their guests, but despite the being put under tremendous pressure, the home defence stood firm and when the back line was breached Saul Deeney was on hand to save or clear.
The deciding goal came in the 80th minute and although JOSH THORNTON will have his name on the scoresheet after tapping in at the far post, a lot of the credit has to go to Ryan Whitehurst who made an excellent run into the box before firing the ball across the goal to present Thornton with the chance.
Brocton simply refused to go down without a fight and for the final 10 minutes they battered on the Basford door, and only a last minute block by Deeney, after he found himself one-on-one, preserved the slender lead and ensured the three precious points stayed at Greenwich Avenue. F-T 2-1
Admission: £5.00
Programme c/w teamsheet: £1.00
Attendance: 86
Charity: £2.25
