Greenwich Avenue, home of Basford United based in Nottinghamshire and play their trade in Step 3 of the Non League Pyramid in the Southern League Premier Division. Nicknamed the “Ambers” as they play in Yellow and Black.
“Oh the weather outside is frightful…” Very… Plenty of games going under already. Stalybridge Celtic is off and the grand opening of Hucknall Town’s new ground will have to be pushed back… But one game that is on is Basford United vs Royston Town at a 2pm kick off which will leave plenty of time to get back for England vs France!
Straight down the M1 and here I am at the ground in plenty of time! I’m expecting to see some familiar faces today hopefully! £10 for this Step 3 tie! Pricey! It’s snowing in Lancashire as Blackburn are 4-1 down to Preston North End… With no response. Back outside and it’s getting colder… Vinny is here once again! Seen him a lot lately and he’s here with friend Andy as well. Out come the teams, we’ve beaten the weather again now let’s have a good game!
Kick Off! 9 minutes in and Royston play the ball down the right and Connor Furlong is away here, he’s 1 on 1… SAVED! Really big save in a big moment in the game so far! He stood firm there!
3 minutes later and Basford play forward, some good passing there and it’s played out wide to Luther Munakandafa who drives into the box on the right, he gets into a good position and plays it across… And it’s turned in!! Tyreace Palmer was the right man in the right place and Basford lead! 1-0!
Great to meet some of the Basford fans behind the goal with us here today! A very passionate bunch I must say as well! 18th minute and Basford win the ball back in the Royston half, it’s played in to Kam Campbell in the box… He’s Offside! Good finish! He took it well despite being Offside!
22 minutes now and it’s a corner for Basford, it’s played short to Matt Thornhill, he takes a touch and goes for goal from 30 yards… OHHHHHHHHHHH!!! WHAT ABOUT THAT!! A sensational strike from Thornhill who curls it into the top corner and Basford have a second!! 2-0!!
1 minute later and Basford charge forward down the left, it’s played in early, Tyreace Palmer is there… Over! Fantastic football from Basford so far!!
35 minutes on the clock and Royston play forward now, it’s played through to Matthew Bateman in the box and he’s in… OH! He’s skied it! What a chance that was to get Royston back into this game!
1 minute later and it’s a Basford long ball forward, Kam Campbell with a touch that Baggio would’ve been proud of to set himself up for the finish… NO he’s hit the post… Tyreace Palmer is there for the rebound… It’s over and out! It’s in the drink! What a chance what a goal that could’ve been!
Last chance of the first half now and Royston have won a free kick on the left just outside the box, it’s crossed in… It’s over everyone and away and that is that for the first half.
Second half, 48th minute and Basford play down the left, it’s crossed in, Kam Campbell from 4 yards… He’s headed over! Sitter!
1 minute later and Royston come down the other end, Nathan Tshikuna finds space in the box to the left and gets a shot away… Good save! The keeper gets his leg to it brilliantly but it comes for Cole Dasilva in the box on the right to shoot… OH! The keeper is there again! Sensational double save there!
58 minutes now and it’s a free kick to Basford in the Royston half, it’s played into the middle, Tyreace Palmer with the header… Just wide! The next goal is crucial in this game! Where will it come from?
60 minutes played and Basford have a throw in on the right, they get it to Luther Munakandafa who gets into the box and sets up Matt Thornhill to shoot… Brilliant save… And the rebound comes for the keeper. Some brilliant goalkeeping on display here in these freezing conditions!
78 minutes now and Royston come forward, it’s played in to Shomari Barnwell in the box on the left, keeper comes for it… Barnwell tries to get it across but Basford get there to clear.
1 minute later and Royston play a through ball to Kian Harness who is played through in the box and out comes the keeper… Down goes Harness… Corner given! That was a penalty for me! Royston furious! I would be too! In comes the corner… Basford clear.
83rd minute now and Royston play the ball over the top for Alfie Williams in the box to the left, he controls and shoots… OH! That’s a brilliant finish! And we have a game on now! He took that really well! 2-1! “Come on you Rs!” Royston fans behind the goal are in fine voice now!
86 minutes on the clock and it’s a free kick to Basford just outside the box to the left, Matt Thornhill steps up and shoots… OH WOW! He’s curled it into the top corner! The keeper can’t keep it out and surely it’s 3 points for Basford now! 3-1!
Basford continue to press… But they will have to settle for 3!
FT: Basford United 3-1 Royston Town
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 4/10 – A very passionate fan base for the level they are at! Vinny mentioned that there are usually more in as well. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the coldness or a certain England game later maybe…?
- The Ground: 5/10 – I think it’s an ok ground. I like the stands and the standing areas but it is a bit empty on the far side and I think if this club was to progress any higher then the ground could cost them sadly…
- Expense: 10/10 – £20 for fuel, £10 to get in, £5 for a pin badge and £4 for food and drink, was it worth it? For 4 great goals and some good football? You bet!
- Overall Experience: 10/10 – Great to meet some of the Basford fans here today who were really friendly, great to see Vinny and Andy and great to see a good game on a day filled with postponements!
29/40