BASFORD 21 POINTS CLEAR AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE

BASFORD UTD 4 CORBY TOWN 0
EVOSTIK NPL SOUTH @ GREENWICH AVE
30 DECEMBER 2017 --- 3PM

WELCOME TO BASFORD UNITED FC

Basford Utd completed a 4-0 victory over second placed Corby Town and the three points took them 21 points clear at the top of The Evostik South table, a lead that barring a major problem must surely see them claim the title sooner rather than later. The experience of the home side probably proved the difference because even though the score line suggests an easy victory for much of the game it was far from this as Corby's young side stood toe to toe with the leaders.  Indeed as half time approached a score less affair looked to be the call of the day except for 2 goals in two minutes from Deon Meikle and Kieran Wells that gave Basford the advantage.  The second period proved the same apart from the fast breakaways from Utd and former Alfreton Town frontman Liam Hearn and Aidan Austin doubled the advantage by the end of the game.

LIAM HEARN IN WARM UP MODE

With a weather affected week in the East Midlands and snow lying and the melting fast call offs were to the fore and 3g had been sorted out as a rescue measure.  Here an early mention to Chairman Chris Munroe and Basford Utd who had signalled no problems with the 3g with snow or anything of the like and with other clubs often failing to use their social media accounts until it was too late the decision was made to re visit Greenwich Ave.  The last visit had been for a Community game on one of the outfields here at the clubs complex at the end of last season, before this there had been a few visits to the main ground but this would be the first time to see a game since the club had installed its new 3g pitch.  Under the superb guidance of the Chairman Basford Utd had risen from CMFL were I had first come across them to a step 4 club with what appears a sensible approach.  Building up the aged sides, developing the grounds, involvement with educational opportunities and now of course improvements to the ground.  With a fair selection of recognisable faces in the clubs officials it all goes for the club having a stable footing under the guidance of Mr Munroe.

MAIN STANDS AND NEW PORTACABIN HOSPITALITY

Attractions around the ground are few so there is nothing of the area really in todays blog as the whole complex is within a housing area but needless to say the usual route to Nottingham was applied with a change a Alfreton onto the Rainbow 1 passing the required stop to go onto Bobbers Mill Macs.  Returning for the five minute journey a short walk of ten minutes would bring me to Greenwich Ave admission paid and a warm welcome from programme seller and raffle purveyor who could resist a purchase?

A CLUB EMBLAZONED PROGRAMME SELLER

The obligatory circuit showed some alterations and without going into full ground descriptor mode, as this has been done on a previous visit, here are the noticeable changes.  Below the changing room area the double Atcost stands now have a double decked Portacabin which I guess was for hospitality although I did not venture, the far side and Higbury Vale end remain much the same as does the Greenwich Ave end except to say the whole complex is now smartly edged off with high green meshed fencing and the pitch barrier is of a white variety as opposed to green.  The players enter the arena by an astroturf walkway which is emblazoned with the Basford Utd badge for an extra nice touch.  All in all a creditable development and as I guess plans for further developments come out this ground will take on the feel of I hope for the club a ground that will continue to match their undoubted ambitions, a real credit to all involved.

THE FOUNTAINS OF BASFORD

Upon entry and during the build up to the game there was obviously a concern that the 3g is not growing because even after all the rain the club were watering the surface!  I believe it helps the Basford Utd play with the ball zipping off the surface but it was a strange site to see, Mr Storer of the local parish also advises it keeps the rubber crumbs in place.  Having completed the circuit there was the chance to get into a few conversations before popping into the clubhouse for a soft drink, of course.  Moving along to the players entrance a selection of Basford players were having the pictures taken for the website when I believe the kit official for Corby Sandra Kyle, I hope I have this correct as I didn't ask at the time[!], said 'I didn't get my picture taken'.  Opportunity of course for somebody with a camera and picture duly taken, thanks Sandra!

SANDRA KYLE CORBY TOWN

The home side have a glut of experience and this has shown in their undefeated season so far indeed between these 2 club their season had only produced one 0-0 game that was Basford visit to Stocksbridge.  Corby Town had on loan from Mansfield Town goalkeeper Sam Wilson and Cameron Healey both starting, thanks to Mr Waite of the Retford parish for this tip.

REFEREE ROBERT DADLEY PRE MATCH WITH HIS TEAM

Top of the table clashes often disappoint for the neutral as both sides cancel one another out and to be fair the endeavour and effort in this game was top notch but for the first 40 minutes this was the case here so much so that I'd disappeared to the snack bar for some merchandise just after the half hour mark.  Then it all changed two quick goals first on 40 minutes Meikle headed in from a right wing corner and then from the opposite side a couple of minutes later Wells saw his first close range effort blocked before the follow up was planted in the back of the net.

SAM WARBURTON COMES AWAY WITH THE BALL FOR CORBY

The Steelmen would have felt hard done by at the break because there was little between these two sides and the second half started with Corby battling hard to get back into the game.  The speed of Basford on the break though would prove clinical in sending this game away from Corby who overall were struggling to provide the threat up front.  On a better day Hearn would have had a second half hat trick but he did secure a goal with a sweet left foot strike from just inside the box after he had controlled the ball and turned on the edge of the box after 79 minutes.

FILMING FOR MATCH OF THE DAY

Then just four minutes later substitute Austin with possibly his first touch nearly went over under a last gasp challenge just over the half way but having stayed on his feet before coolly slotting past Wilson as the two approached one another to make it 4-0.

TODAYS NON LEAGUE DOG RESPLENDANT IN PURPLE

Its all about goals and although this score line felt harsh on Corby who drop to third in a very tight play off chasing pack it is what Basford did today with the ability to keep their remarkable season continuing unbeaten.  Corby have a nice mixture in their side and its a learning curve and if it continues to connect and develop in the second half of the season they should be ok for a play off spot and then maybe they can start their ascent back up to previously visited heady heights that Basford United also so clearly desire.