Basford United 1-1 FC United of Manchester (Northern Premier League) 08.02.20

Basford United missed the chance to go top of the league as they drew 1-1 with FC United of Manchester. FC United took the lead through Charlie Ennis’ strike after he capitalised on a poor clearance to give his side the advantage at the break.

Kane Richards then struck Basford level on the hour mark. Both sides then pushed for a winner before Regan Linney was shown a second yellow card as the visitors finished the game a man light.

Basford United made four changes from their defeat to Nottingham Forest Under23’s. Liam Bateman, Nat Watson, Cieron Keane and Rev James all dropped to the bench with Dom Roma, Kane Richards, Ash Worsfold and James Reid all returning to the line-up.

After a cagey opening five minutes both sides had chances. Luke Griffith’s fired harmlessly wide before Callum Chettle strike from the edge of the box looked like finding the top corner only to go just wide of the post.

Basford then had Kieran Preston to thank for keeping the score level. Tunde Owolabi capitalised on a mistake in the Basford back line before forcing the ‘keeper into a save at the near post. From the rebound Michael Donohue saw his effort blocked by the Basford number one before the ball was cleared.

It was another mistake that allowed FC United to take the lead. Ennis latched onto a poor clearance and linked up with Owolabi before firing into the back of the net.

Thomas the scuffed an effort before Worsfold put an effort over the bar as Basford looked for an immediate response .

As the clocked ticked down FC United looked the more likely to get the second goal but the closest they came before the break was an Ennis free-kick that drifted just over the bar.

The second half started with a big penalty shout for the hosts. Thomas burst into the area before going down under a challenge but the referee waved play on. Up the other end Roma had to scramble the ball clear after Brad Gascoigne had knocked it across his own area under pressure at the back post.

On the hour mark Basford were back level. Richards burst into the area and curled the ball into the far corner of the net.

The game then opened up with Reid trying to catch out Cameron Belford with a clever free kick that the ‘keeper was able to gather before Jack Lenehan fired wide of Preston’s post at the other end.

Preston was called into action with just over 10 minutes left on the clock. Linney burst past several players before drawing a good stop from the Basford ‘keeper on the rebound Owolabi fired the ball over the bar. It would not have counted even if he had scored as the flag was up for offside.

With three minutes left on the clock Ryan Wilson looked for the spectacular with a long-range effort that was always rising.

In added time the visitors were reduced to 10-men when Linney was shown a second yellow for simulation but that was the last action of the game as neither side could find a late winner.

Basford United: Preston, Roma, Wilson, Thornhill, Gascoigne, Galinski, Richards, Chettle, Worsfold, Thomas, Reid (Keane 83).

FC United of Manchester: Belford, Morris, Dodd, Griffiths, Doyle, Elsdon, Ennis (Homson-Smith 72), Potts, Owolabi, Donohue (Lenehan 67), Linney.

Venue: Greenwich Avenue (901)

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

*Main image @Basfordutdfc action down the wing as Basford held v FC.