Basford United 0-1 Scarborough Athletic (Northern Premier League) 14.03.20

Basford United suffered a third straight league defeat as they were beaten 1-0 by Scarborough Athletic. James Walshaw scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half as the visitors-controlled proceedings and looked the more likely throughout the game to score.

Basford United made five changes from the side that lost to Buxton. Liam Bateman, Brad Gascoigne, Zak Goodson, Rev James and James Reid all came into the line-up. Dom Roma, Lewis Carr and Ash Worsfold dropped to the bench with Matt Thornhill and Kane Richards left out.

Scarborough had the first chance of the afternoon. A mistake in the backline allowed Walshaw in on goal but somehow the forward dragged his effort wide of the post. Up the other end Nat Watson ended a Basford counter with a tame effort that was easily saved.

The game then levelled off before Scarborough took the lead. Kieran Preston was unable to hold Kieran Glynn’s long-range effort and the rebound fell into the path of Walshaw who calmly tapped into the net. It was Preston who was the next ‘keeper that was called into action as the visitors pushed to extend their advantage. A good passing move ended with Wayne Brooksby curling an effort towards the bottom corner but the Basford number one was able to push it away from goal.

Scarborough continued to look the more dangerous of the two sides and just before the half time whistle they went close again. The ball was worked to Brooksby and again he took aim for the bottom corner but this time Gascoigne was there to block the effort that looked destined for the bottom corner.

Within five minutes of the restart Basford came close to getting back on level terms. Reid’s freekick beat the ‘keeper but drifted just wide of the post and into the side netting. Goodson then went close as his effort was blocked after a smart turn in the area.

Scarborough skipper Michael Coulson then had two chances to double their lead. He sent a header wide at the back post after the ball was flicked into his path before shooting wide of the target from the edge of the area.

With 15 minutes left on the clock Scarborough went close again. Glynn found space on the edge of the area to fire goalwards but Preston was equal to the effort after Ash Worsfold had chipped an effort wide at the other end.

Preston continued to frustrate the Scarborough attackers as the Basford ‘keeper pulled off another good stop to deny Coulson with just three minutes left on the clock.

In added time James had the chance to force Thomas Taylor into real action but his effort was easily saved. With the last kick of the game Reid did force Taylor into action but the ‘keeper tipped the effort over the bar to ensure his side held on for the win.

Basford United: Preston, Bateman, Wilson, Thomas, Gascoigne, Galinski, Goodson, Chettle, James, Watson (Worsfold 61), Reid.

Scarborough Athletic: Taylor, Spence, Brooksby, Spratt, Coates, Allan, Watson, Glynn, Walshaw (Blott 87), Coulson, Thomson.

Venue: Greenwich Avenue (501)

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

*Main image @Basfordutdfc a third successive defeat for Basford see’s the side slip fourteen points behind leaders South Shields.