Basford United hit back from an early, second half deficit, to claim three points when hosting Rushden & Diamonds in the Pitching In Southern Premier League on Saturday afternoon, in front of more than 260 spectators.
The hosts would see numerous chances go begging in the first half, the visiting ‘keeper, Dean Snedker, preventing efforts from Anthony Dwyer, Gregg Smith, Adam Chapman, and Riece Bertram, whilst captain Matt Thornhill saw his effort blocked.
There was also a flashpoint late in the first period, a clearly visible handball incident from the visitors going ‘unnoticed’ by the officials, an incident which would prove costly within minutes of the restart when the visitors Paddy Casey finding himself free, and untroubled, to fire low past Kieran Preston in the home goal.
The equaliser arrived with a little over twenty minutes remaining, Owen Betts brought down in the box and Dwyer stepping up to level proceedings from twelve yards, the hosts making their increasing dominance of the game count.
Second-half subs, Ben Starkie and Courey Grantham combined well in the build-up before the latter turned a low cross across goal, and Tyreace Palmer, the other, second half sub, was on-hand to prod home the winner, and much-deserved, three points.
Basford’s starting eleven (& substitutions) for the visit of Rushden & Diamonds, was – Kieran Preston, Owen Betts, Mitchell Tait, Riece Bertram, Brad McGowan, Adam Chapman (Ben Starkie 57), Declan Dunn, Matt Thornhill, Gregg Smith (Tyreace Palmer 79), Anthony Dwyer (Courey Grantham 83), Joshua Barnes
The Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division kicked off with defeats for the two Notts sides, Carlton Town losing 2-0 at home to visiting Ossett United, whilst Worksop Town lost 2-1 when in the North-East, at Stockton Town, James Hanson having been credited with the Tigers’ goal.
In the Uhlsport United Counties League, where the majority of Notts clubs are in action these days, would see a poor showing in its Premier Division, defeats coming the way of Mansfield, Eastwood CFC, Newark & Sherwood, Kimberley Miners Welfare, and Selston (Notts clubs notching just three and conceding fifteen), the only victor being that of Sherwood Colliery, they winning 2-0 at Sleaford Town.
At Sleaford, Sherwood’s goals would come from Kieran Watson, early in the first, and Luis Rose, midway through the second, the other three scorers for Notts clubs being that of Luke White (Newark & Sherwood), James Shaw (Kimberley MW), and Lewis Fantom (Selston).
Clubs fared better in Division One, including the presence of another two, local affairs, between Clifton All Whites and Newark Town (0-1), and Gedling Miners Welfare and Dunkirk (1-2).
Both West Bridgford (away to Birstall) and Blidworth Welfare (home to Blackstones) suffered defeat, whilst a late brace from Craig Westcarr gave Hucknall Town (sixth) all three points when at Bourne Town.
Another brace was registered Radford, the Pheasants, currently in fourth after three matches (the rest have played four), collecting a 3-0 win at home to Kirby Muxloe.
All three goals arrived in the first half, two of which came via Jordan Alls, followed by a deep, stoppage-time third, from Jevin Seaton.
Rainworth Miners Welfare (15th) needed just one goal, midway through the first period from Nathan Benger, to see off visitors Barrow Town, whilst both Southwell City (11th) and Clipstone (16th) collected 2-0 successes, the former when home to Grantham Academy as Blair Bryant and Bradley peace McDonald netted, and the latter at St Andrews, another brace coming here, this via Rom Horner.
As for the two derbies, Jackson Buckthorp’s last minute goal separated Newark Town and hosts Clifton AW 9both in the top ten), and, after a goalless first half in Gedling, goals from Aaron Large and Max Taylor gave Dunkirk the points with Romello Nangle replying for the defeated hosts.
In the Northern Counties East League Division One, just one goal would be enough as Retford won away to Harrogate Railway Athletic, Alex Wonham late in the first half, and for Ollerton Town to lose when at Rossington Main.
As for the Central Midlands League, SJR Worksop were held to a 1-1 draw away to Hatfield Town in the Premier North, Matthew Templeton netting, whilst in the South, Arnold Town won 7-1 at home to Cromford & Wirksworth Town, Tyler Cobb with three and Kyme Mason two, alongside there being defeats for Nottingham as they suffered a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of visiting Wirksworth Ivanhoe, and Mansfield Hosiery Mills who lost 3-2 at Teversal.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @Basfordunitedfc Anthony Dwyer celebrates scoring from the spot.
