Basford United Academy were beaten in their FA Youth Cup First Round tie against Derby County last night but against a proven top flight under 18’s category A academy team, they can be proud of their achievements, proud in getting so far in the competition and proud in taking the Rams all the way to the end in a thrilling cup match in the rain.

In front of a 450 plus bumper crowd at Greenwich Avenue, non-league United, who had previously knocked out Notts County along the way, went toe-to-toe with Premier League U18 North side Derby, managed by former player Jake Buxton, the highest ranked team at this stage in the competition.

It was the away side that took early advantage on sixteen minutes when Nelson Aideyan powered home from a corner and that lead was doubled through Adebayo Fatepu with 37 played, Derby well deserving of their two goal advantage at the break.

The home side however fought back to dominate the second half, scoring through Ewan Baines on 59 minutes, bundling home from a corner and late on they rallied before running out of time, peppering the Rams defence with efforts from Lui Bull and Kyle Coke amongst others, in the end the Football League side relieved to go through.

United’s press officer Marc Williams highlighted “to put into context, Derby beat Newcastle United last time out and host Chelsea at the weekend, on the ropes for the entire second half against little old Basford, we are extremely proud of these lads – they are more than a credit”.

That statement was echoed by Chairman Chris Munroe who tweeted “We as a club are very proud of this educational group and our coaching staff”.

Headed by Academy Manager and former Nottingham Forest defender Steve Chettle and Coached by Andrew Danylyszyn and David Boafo, the current youth team have already seen three youngsters make first team appearances this season in Lyndon Joyce, Tyler Dacres and Lui Bull, and this particular run which started at Deeping Rangers and included further wins v Long Eaton, Notts County and Lincoln United, has followed previous impressive runs in the FA Youth Cup by the club, two seasons ago their efforts stopped by West Bromwich Albion at the same stage having beaten Port Vale along the way.

Basford United: Daniel Morledge, Desmond Saane (Faris Sidahmed 57), Lyndon, Joyce, Tyrese Hawkins, Jamie Muir, Harvey Ridgley, Billy Gillies, Cashmere Rowe (Ewan Baines 57), Tyler Dacres (Lewis Deavin 84), Lui Bull, Kyle Coke.

Last week, another Notts based team, Mansfield Town, were also sadly knocked out of the competition at the first round stage, the Stags losing to Crewe Alexandra 3-2 after extra time. Last season’s runners up Nottingham Forest, who were beaten in the final at Old Trafford by Manchester United, will enter the stage at the third round.

*Main image @BasfordUtd Ewan Baines goal was not enough to save Basford against Derby.