Basford Impress At Radcliffe

Radcliffe 0-3 Basford United (Northern Premier Division) 10.10.20

Basford United put in a complete away performance with a 3-0 win away to Radcliffe.

They took the lead through Ryan Wilson’s stunning free-kick in a first half where they should have probably been out of sight at the break.

The second half saw them a tough defensive unit and hit their hosts on the counter. Kane Richards curled the ball over Cam Belford in the Radcliffe goal on 49 minutes to extend their advantage.

They capped off the win with a penalty from captain Matt Thornhill in the 55^th minute before showing great defensive qualities to hold onto a well deserved clean sheet.

Basford started much quicker than they did against Witon and had Cam Belford diving across his goal on a couple of occasions in the first five minutes. First Kane Richards had a long-range effort well saved by the Radcliffe number one before Niall Towle had him scrambling across his line but the header was just wide.

A stunning free-kick then broke the deadlock. Wilson stood over the ball some 30-yards out and the full back curled the ball into the corner of the net after spotting that Belford was on the opposite side of the net.

Kyle Dixon then caused Radcliffe some issues with a strong run that saw him beat several players before being kicked down by Jack Shiels. The resultant free-kick saw skipper Matt Thornhill try and replicate Wilson’s brilliance but his effort was inches wide of the post.

Basford continued to control proceedings and looked to be in again just after 20 minutes a cross found Alex Howes at the back post and looked to have been kicked down as he tried to control the ball but nothing was given and Radcliffe were able to scramble the ball away.

After a tame effort from Radcliffe captain Matthew Crothers, Towle forced Belford into another good stop after Dixon had played the young striker through on goal. Up the other end Kieran Preston had Darren McKnight’s effort covered as the hosts finally forced the Basford ‘keeper into action.

Javid Swaby-Neavin then called Preston into action for a routine stop after Wilson had blazed over at the other end. There was nothing routine at the Basford number one’s next save though. Kole Hall got free in the area and headed goalwards but Preston was there to ensure Basford led at the break.

Radcliffe looked to quickly get level at the start of the second half and should have done that three minutes into the half. Jean-Louise Akpa-Akpro rose highest at the back post but his effort was over the bar.

They were then punished for their missed chance as Richards doubled Basford’s lead. The forward beat several players and curled the ball over Belford and into the top corner of the net.

It was soon 3-0. James was causing issues for the Radcliffe back line and was tripped as he went into the area. That left Thornhill to step up and send the Radcliffe ‘keeper the wrong way from 12-yards.

Basford then showed some defensive steel that had been missing in recent weeks. Preston did well to keep out Larnell Cole before several efforts were blocked as Basford managed to keep getting the ball clear.

Radcliffe then lacked the accuracy to find the net when they did find a way past the Basford back line with Andy Owens shooting wide despite his effort beating the out stretched hand of Preston.

The substitute then had an effort blocked following another great stop from Preston as Basford kept Radcliffe out for the remainder of the game.

Radcliffe: Belford, Obeng, Swaby-Neavin, Royle, Shiels, Miller (Thornley 46), McKnight (Owens 46), Crothers, Akpa-Akpro, Hall, Navarro (Cole 63).

Basford United: Preston, Roma, Wilson, Thornhill (Dunn 65), Galinski, Carr, Dixon, Howes, Towle, Richards (Carvell 83), James (Marshall 69).

Venue: Stainton Park (446)