Even though the weather has moderated slightly, it was still a cold night at Greenwich Avenue, the home of Basford United.
Over 70 brave souls were present, and most of them took advantage of the new stand - made a great wind-break!
Central Midlands South Division (step 7) Basford were hoping to upset Evo-Stik Div 1 South (step 4) opponents, but it was not to be.
Central Midlands South Division (step 7) Basford were hoping to upset Evo-Stik Div 1 South (step 4) opponents, but it was not to be.
Met up with Tony "Come On You Lions!!!" Squires and Brian " Big Issue" Dennett in the car-park. Steve "Retired Bank Manager" Reading was already in the ground - but also on hand were :- Brett Marshall, Carl Haslam, Deadly Derek, Danny Staley, Gary Hayward, Rob Townsend, Maurice MacFarland and of course, the inimitable Mr. Gordon Foster.
Had a chat to Blidworth Welfare treasurer Scott Ward - he told me how the changing rooms at the Welfare ground have suffered a burst pipe, which in turn brought down the ceiling. Their scheduled home game v Pinxton this coming Saturday has been switched to Wharf Road.
The game was just 60 seconds old when the home team took a surprise lead. The ball was fired up field from the kick off, and when it was played into the path of COURTNEY HASTINGS, the no. 9 hammered low and hard past the Rainworth keeper from the edge of the box.
STEVE AKERS levelled for the visitors on 10, firing past Fretwell from 15 yards, then seconds later BEN SPARGO put the Wrens in the lead from the penalty spot. Basford tried to regain some control, but most of the action was in their half and only stout defending kept the score manageable. It was 3-1 with 5 minutes of the first half to play, ANDY TOYNE collecting, turning and firing sweetly past Adam Fretwell in the Basford goal from 15 yards. H-T 1-3
Had a wander around the ground with Steve during the break - there is now hard standing on all four sides of the pitch. With the new entrance gate opened up for the first time for this game, things are shaping up really well at United. Promotion doesn't appear be a worry, should they win the CML South Division. Getting to the required standard by 31st March looks to be very achievable. Well done to all at Basford.
The second half was a very drab affair, with Rainworth seemingly content to hold what they had, and soak up any pressure the home team applied. We had to endure a little squeaky bum time near the end of the game when MARTIN HOLT fired hopefully at the Rainworth goal from about 40 yards, and the ball flew over the outstretched arms of the Wrens keeper. 2-3 with only added time to play - surely we weren't about to have another 30 minutes.......thankfully Ref Eddie Pidduck thought 4 minutes was enough and the Evo-Stik team progressed through to the 1/4 finals.
Admission £3
Programme £1 -- very good indeed
H/C 76
Admission £3
Programme £1 -- very good indeed
H/C 76
