Basford United 2-1 Atherton Collieries (Northern Premier League) 22.02.20

Basford United moved within two points of league leaders South Shields. Caine Noble had given Atherton the lead but it was cancelled out by Matt Thornhill’s strike just before the break.

And just as the game appeared to be heading for a draw Nat Watson fired in an 87th minute winner.

Basford United made one change from the side that were held by FC United last time out. Lewis Carr came in for Brad Gascoigne.

The game started with very little action of note, with neither ‘keeper being called into action. Atherton had an early effort blocked before James Reid’s free kick deflected off the wall to Carr but his effort was off target.

Thornhill saw an effort fly over the bar before the game saw a moment of quality. Just after the half mark Noble burst into space and fired a strong effort into the back of the net.

There was an almost an instant response from the hosts as Jack Thomas’ effort beat visiting ‘keeper Patrick Wharton only to come back off the cross bar. With just a minute left in the half Basford did draw level. A good passing move ended with Thornhill guiding the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-1 at the break.

Basford started the second half brightly and had two good chances 10 minutes after the restart. Callum Chettle did well to turn inside the area before seeing his effort blocked. Thomas did well to knock the ball back into the area from the resulting corner and Richards’ effort was deflected across the face of goal and wide of the target.

Up the other end Basford almost went behind but Stef Galinski was there to clear Ashley Dunn’s effort off the line. Wharton was then at full stretch to keep out Basford substitute Nat Watson’s powerful effort.

With little over ten minutes left Basford went close again. This time the ball was worked to Ash Worsfold, who managed to create some space but the effort was just past the post. The pressure continued from the hosts as Watson headed a cross from the right over the bar.

Their pressure paid off in the 87th minute. Rev James did well to get to the by-line and pull the ball back into the path of Watson who fired home.

Straight from the restart Preston did well to keep out Louis Myers’ effort to keep Basford ahead. Even with four minutes of added time Atherton could not get a late equaliser as Basford held on for the win.

Basford United: Preston, Roma (Bateman 90), Wilson, Thornhill, Carr, Galinski, Richards, Chettle, Worsfold (James 84), Thomas, Reid (Watson 64).

Atherton Collieries: Wharton, Smith, Peet, Dunn, Lafferty, Makinson, Crawford, Noble, Cover (Myers 58), Bailey (Murray 87), O’Brien (Conway 58).

Venue: Greenwich Avenue (270)

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

*Main image @Basfordutdfc a late winner for United keeps them in the title race.