Stalybridge Celtic 2-3 Basford United (Northern Premier League) 18.01.20

Basford United came from two goals down to win 3-2 away to Stalybridge Celtic. Basford dominated proceedings but found themselves 2-0 down at the break thanks to goals from Jonathan Utabasi and Darius Osei.

Kane Richards pulled one back for the visitors on the hour mark and less than ten minutes later he had his second and the equaliser. Basford then went ahead through Jack Thomas’ deflected effort before James Reid saw a penalty saved as he looked to stretch Basford’s lead. That penalty save would not matter though as they held out for a deserved win.

There were eight changes in the Basford line up to the side that lost to Matlock Town in midweek.

Basford started the game on the front foot and had an early chance through Nat Watson. The ball came to the forward on the edge of the box and his low effort was turned away by a fingertip save from Alex Fojticek. Basford then thought they had a penalty when the referee pointed to the spot. But after a discussion with his assistant a drop ball was given.

Up the other end a low ball into the area was missed by everyone when all it needed was a touch to at least force Kieran Preston into what would have been a point blank save. Basford then had an identical opportunity themselves this time skipper Matt Thornhill got in behind but no one was on the end of his pull back for a tap in.

The visitors continued to force the issue but found themselves behind with seven minutes left in the half. A free-kick was headed back across goal and Ustabasi was there at the back post to tap the ball over the line.

Basford were almost level less than five minutes later but Fojitcek did well to keep out Thornhill’s free-kick from the edge of the area. And in stoppage time the hosts extended their advantage. Osei burst away and fired past Preston to make it 2-0 at the break.

The hosts had the emphasis at the start of the second half and looked for a third goal that almost came less than ten minutes after the restart. Utabasi saw his long-range effort deflect just wide of the post. Basford then almost had a goal back when Thornhill’s effort was cleared off the line after Ash Worsfold had flicked the ball into his path.

On the hour mark the visitors finally had their deserved goal. Just moments after the hosts had scrambled the ball off the line Richards slammed home to get his side back in the game. And just eight minutes later he had his side level. Thomas burst away down the right before finding James Reid who slid in Richards who kept his calm to find the bottom corner.

The comeback was complete with 20 minutes left. The ball broke for Thomas and his deflected effort found the far corner of the net. They then had the chance to stretch their advantage when Fojticek fouled Richards but the ‘keeper stepped up to save Reid’s spot kick. Basford then had Preston to thank for a fantastic double save at his near post to keep them ahead.

The game then went end to end with both sides having chances. The closest either side came was in 90 minutes when Thomas’ effort rebounded back off the post as Basford saw out the win.

Stalybridge Celtic: Fojticek, Walker, Mantack, Dent, O’Halloran, Taylor, Bakkor, Whitehead, Osei, Pearson (Freedman 45), Ustabasi.

Basford United: Preston, Roma (Bateman), Wilson, Thornhill, Gascoigne,Galinski, Richards, Chettle, Worsfold, Watson (Thomas 18), Reid (Keane).

Venue: Bower Fold (343)

*Article provided by Harry Worgan (Basford United Correspondent).

*Main image @Basfordutdfc Basford came back from 2-0 down to win the game on the road.