Venue: Greenwich Avenue, Basford, Nottinghamshire
Competition: Midland Football League Premier Division
Referee: Paul Hands
Scorers:
Basford - Stuart Hendrie (29), Ryan Whitehurst (32), Tyrell Shannon (48), Ruben Wiggins-Thomas (59, pen 68)
Westfields - Jamie Cuss (17), Marcus Palmer (88)
Line-ups:
Mar W W W W W W L
Apr W W W W W W
The above run of results, at the arse-end of the season, go a long way to show why Basford were handed the MFL Premier Divison trophy after the final whistle blew at the end of this game. We've seen Basford a few times this season, and as Kev will relate, they have played some of the best football we have witnessed all season.
Mind you, they do have one heck of a squad for this level - hopefully they can do well in Evo-Stik Division One South next term. The promotion puts Basford in their sixth different league in six consecutive seasons. NSL, CMFL, EMCL, NCEL, MFL and now NP1S. Unique achievement? I have no idea, but it's a good 'un!
We thought there might be a decent turn out at Greenwich Avenue, and the official attendance was announced as 197. Made it a good day for Lee Hendrie's charity, as Basford kindly donate £1.00 per attendee.
Shake
3rd team
Right from the start it was clear that Westfield were not going to lie down and give United the title without a fight. They looked composed and competent as they began the game, but it was clear to see that they lacked a little defensively, as first Ruben Wiggin-Thomas was allowed a free header that flew just over the bar, then Matt Gwynne was called on to save Stu Hendrie's low shot.
It was the visitors who opened the scoring on 17 - JAMIE CUSS getting to the ball before Fabian Smith and clipping home Zak Sirrell's right wing cross.
Gwynne had to be alert to keep out a Wiggins-Thomas drive on 23, but on the counter, Cuss went close to doubling the away teams advantage, dragging the ball past the far post when he was allowed too much room in the area.
Ryan Whitehurst had the ball in the Westfield net on 26, but was in an offside position when he received it, but when Robson Doolan slid in STUART HENDRIE three minutes later, the pacy forward made no mistake, taking the ball around Gwynne before firing into the far corner of the goal.
Westfield heads seem to drop a little, and their defence was caught out again three minutes later. Tyrell Shannon and Wiggins-Thomas combined well and when the ball was played across the goal, RYAN WHITEHUST was on hand to slot the ball home and give United the lead. H-T 2-1
The home team extended their lead three minutes into the second period, a smart cross from the right nodded home by TYRELL SHANNON who leaped salmon-like (just for you, Richard!) to beat the covering defender.
Dom Njoya had been playing well for Westfields, but his error cost his team the fourth goal. The left back inexplicably rolled the ball straight to WIGGINS-THOMAS some 22 yards from goal, and the striker had the simple task of running into the box and drilling it past Gwynne.
Stuart Hendrie was fouled in the area on 68 and WIGGINS-THOMAS made no mistake from the spot, rolling the ball into the net with Gwynne a mere spectator. Wiggins-Thomas should have completed his personal triple on 85 after he collected Fabian Smith's terrific through ball - Gwynne on this occasion foiling the no.9 by pushing his eventual shot away for a corner.
Westfield had the last word on the pitch, MARCUS PALMER grabbing their second on 88 after he won a race to the ball with Saul Deeney, before firing home. F-T 5-2. CUE THE CELEBRATIONS!!!! Basford were champions of the MFL Premier Division, and received the trophy from a league official after the game.
Admission: £5.00
Progamme: £1.00 (team sheet included)
Attendance: 197
Charity: £5.25
