Stalybridge Celtic 0-1 Basford United (Northern Premier League) 24.10.20

Basford United made it four straight wins with a tense 1-0 win over Stalybridge Celtic. The only goal of the game came in the first half as Callum Chettle scored his first Basford United. And even Lewis Carr’s dismissal 20 minutes from time was not going to stop Basford taking all three points.

Stalybridge started the game quickly and saw two efforts from Nic Evangelinos and Callum Harris both blocked by Lewis Carr. Up the other end Basford caused some issues with a corner.

Kane Richards then looked to be in on goal as Basford showed a bit of quality but the final pass was overhit and the hosts then had a couple of chances of their own. Jonathan Ustabasi rose highest to head a corner back across goal but the flag was up to end the threat on the Basford goal.

Ustabasi then forced Pierrepont into a good save through a deflected effort that had the Basford number one back peddling. That was before the visitors moved into the lead. Ryan Wilson found himself with time and space on the left to put the ball into the box and after seeing his initial effort blocked Chettle poked the ball home for his first Basford goal.

Before the end of the half Stalybridge went close to an equaliser but Charley Doyle was unable to find the back of the net from a corner after Evangelinos had an effort blocked. Wilson then had a low free-kick blocked as Basford looked to move two clear at the break.

The start of the second half saw Basford on the front foot. Marcus Marshall had an effort blocked after Richards showed some great skill down the right to pick him out. Kyle Dixon then went close shooting just wide as Basford looked to break on the counter.

The hosts then forced Pierrepont into action after a counter of their own. The Basford ‘keeper did well to keep out Evangelinos’ well hit free-kick after Lewis Salmon had been fouled just outside the area.

Carr was then shown a second yellow for free-kick leaving Basford to play out the remaining 20 minutes with 10 men. Evangelinos then tested Pierrepont again from a free-kick but the Basford shot stopped pulled off another stunning save.

Substitute Brad Gascoigne then did well to cut out a low ball across the box as Stalybridge pilled on the pressure. Their pressure continued deep into six minutes of added time but Basford stood strong and took all three points.

Stalybridge Celtic: Stewart, Helliwell, Ellison, Sephton, O’Halloran, Makinson, Ustabasi, Doyle, Salmon, Harris (Burke 58), Evangelinos.

Basford United: Pierrpont, Roma, Wilson, Dunn, Galinski, Carr, Dixon, Chettle, Marshall, Richards, Howes.

Venue: Bower Fold (343)

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

*Main image @Basfordutdfc Goalkeeper Musson saving decisive spot kicks.