Went to see the Basford young guns beat Arnold last week in the League Cup, so decided to see how they'd get on in their first U19 league game. Not too bad as it happens, but they can thank Referee Mr. Clive Lawrence for making it a far easier test in the second period than it was in the first.
Danny Staley and Simon Matters were in the ground as I walked in - and I spent the entire 90 minutes in their company.
Didn't know what to expect from this game - new season, new division ....
Bridgford took the lead in the second minute, but as the goal was scored in the bottom goal, I haven't a clue who scored it. Basford didn't take too kindly to going one behind and poured forward, causing all sorts of problems in the Colts' area. One shot crashed off the post, one hit the bar and an open goal went begging as United strove to level the scores.
It took until the 18th minute for KYLE KEETLEY to add to his brace last week, sidefooting past the Colts keeper after he latched on to a through ball. On the half-hour mark, RHYS PLACKETT put United ahead, but he has to thank the keeper and a Colts defender for a "failure to communicate" moment - both allowing the ball to find it's way to the no. 7 who had the simplest of tap ins from close range.
Right on half-time, Jack Smith played a cracking ball into the far post where LUKE WELLS was on hand to nod home and give Basford a 3-1 lead at the break.
A defensive error again cost the visitors dearly with three minutes of the second half played - another failed clearance gave WELLS a chance to side foot home, and the number 11 took full advantage of the gift.
Colts were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark after their no. 3 tripped Dan Jackson in the box, denying an obvious goalscoring chance. It was JACKSON who stepped up and buried the penalty.
A couple of minutes after the penalty award, Mr. Lawrence decided a challenge from behind by the Colts no. 19 also warranted a straight red - granted it was a rash challenge, but 5-1 down and with 10 men? I mean, use a bit of common sense Ref....even a yellow card would have been harsh....no one was injured, it was just a mistimed challenge.
So, Bridgford down to 9 men, and United made their two man advantage pay. In the 72nd minute KEETLEY hammered across the keeper to add the home teams sixth, then two minutes later JACKSON netted again, prompting Danny to offer him a quid if he bagged a triple. A fool and his money were to be easily parted, as JACKSON completed his hat -trick with a tap in, in the 90th minute! F-T 8-1
Admission £2
H/C 26 - you don't know what you are missing !!!!!!
Thanks to Basford player Luke McKeag's dad for the Basford scorer info - cheers Barry!!
