Basford United 0-1 Leek Town (Northern Premier League)
I used to live in Basford. The home of Shipstones Ale, Imperial Leather and HP Sauce, is also the home of one of Nottinghamshire’s most decorated non-league sides and one that since the days I grew up playing ‘against’ them regularly, have established themselves amongst the top echelons of part-time clubs in England, a real success story of their dedication, in particular, through club owner Chris Munroe.
Munroe has seen it all, growing the side up from grassroots to county champs, as Manager, as Chairman, he even took a picture on his tractor today whilst ‘combing’ the grass… Himself religiously preparing the Greenwich Avenue 3g surface ahead of each game, now that’s dedication.
Speaking of dedication, the last time I faced Leek, as a Coach for Loughborough Dynamo in January 2016, they had a striker on their books called Tim Grice, well looks like he’s still here and still scoring goals, the clubs record net bulger and longest serving footballer ever, has been at Harrison Park since 2011.
Josh Brehaut’s team won the Northern Premier League West Division last season to gain promotion to step seven of the football pyramid, they’ve had success previously too, a former Conference side in the late nineties, their stand-out season was winning the NPL in 1996/97 although they did reach the FA Trophy final in 1990 losing to Barrow at Wembley 3-0.
It’s all of a twenty-minute drive for me, but I need to nip to co-op for some hayfever tablets as the sun has been scorching my senses all day, a quick stop off at Raleigh Island before the last leg down the ring road and Nuthall Road, eventually pulling up outside some bungalows off Bagnall Road to allow a quicker exit upon my leave.
The Venue
The walk through the gates and into the complex of loose chippings for car park heads me past the old club changing rooms on the right, the ground to my left has a turnstile behind the goal and it’s there I’m asked to pay £11 on my card.
Once inside it’s pleasant enough, not spectacular, the tall fir trees behind the far goal, the low roofed clubhouse on my right with portacabins and a small seated stand hogging the wing, behind the near goal where i'm stood also has a small seated area which is covered, the rest of the venue is largely open, it’s wide, spacious, the pitch to be fair is lush looking as water sprinklers shoot out down one side.
I’ve eventually found a seat in the small stand directly opposite the dugouts, it’s only three or four rows high and it’s not a great view, one goal half blocked by a floodlight and I can't see neither near side corner flag, but it’ll do, it’s quaint and covered as I write down the teams and demolish a packet of chocolate eclairs.
There’s a smartly dressed guy sat next to me looking at me oddly, he’s got a clipboard and a beer in his hand and I don’t recognise him, he keeps looking and plucks up the courage to speak, it’s only then I realise it’s a scout I know from Boston games, a good lad who’s from Grimsby, he’s travelled a couple of hours for this tonight, and will be covering Grimsby Borough tomorrow.
The Game
We’re still chatting along as the match kicks off, Basford in yellow and black, Leek in blue, the away side are sharp and crisp in their passing, the home side also play at a tempo with pressing and getting the ball forward quickly, there’s a real fizz to the game, the ball gets crossed in early and Bredon Daniels volleys low into the corner, Leek one up and deserving, they’ve had sniffs already and continue to have more as further chances are sent whiskers wide.
Midfielder Nathan Okome is getting on the ball making things happen, Town’s team is uncomplicated, defenders defending, the engine room is physical, they get it out wide and aim to get the ball in the box, Basford also defend for their lives and aim to get things going through Matt Thornhill in midfield, their outlet is number ten Jordan Hallam and their best chance is through Ashley Chambers who’s shot is tipped onto the post.
The Score
If the first half was frantic, the second 45 is much slower, Leek retreat with their lead in tact as Basford knock on the door, the away side were much the better of the two in the first half but look content to holding onto what they’ve got, trouble is Basford look more likely to score than not, Leek ride their luck on several occasions as a free kick loops over via a deflection, crosses into the mixer are only just dealt with, in fairness, number five Olly Harrison heads everything away, then there’s a chance to break, Grice is set free but his shot is saved by Deeney, it would have wrapped things up nicely, but Leek have to defend for their lives again, as Kacy Butterfield strikes wide late on, there’s relief when the whistle is blown and the Blues celebrate a first ever win against Basford.
The Stars
A day for defending it was Olly Harrison who impressed the most with his heroic heading and blocking ability, he’s a big blonde centre half who once played for Ostersund in Sweden and for the last three seasons has made the NPL West Division team of the year, who’s betting against him making another, all be it a league higher this year?
Another big lad in midfield is Nathan Okome who offered presence and simplicity during the frantic first half stages when it seemed to need slowing down, out wide Alex Hurst was quick and busy whilst Bredon Daniels shown quality up front with his winning goal.
For Basford, Matt Thornhill is their classiest footballer but Jordan Hallam looked their most effective, the 25-year-old former Scunthorpe playmaker picked up great positions and tried to make things tick, buzzing around behind the two strikers. Ash Chambers will score goals at the level despite not offering much movement, the home side looked a bit thin on the ground for quality, one or two additions will be needed this season if they are to survive any threat of relegation.
The Verdict
Leek might just surprise a few, they are riding on the crest of a wave and have enough quality to be chasing the promotion party pack. Whilst Basford will probably be nearer bottom than top, unless they invest in personnel.
It’s a venue I said to my fellow scout from Grimsby, I’m not all that keen on, due to a lack of good vantage points with cover, but it’s convenient to my home and not too far to drive back to, the plus side had me through my door at 10pm, a novelty when it comes to Tuesday night viewings for me.
The Teams
Basford United: Saul Deeney, Victor Nierennold, Henri Wilder, Matt Thornhill (Harvey Ridgley 87), Nelson Aideyan (Josh Barnes 68), Ethan Stewart, Kane Richards (Rev James 76), Kacy Butterfield, Ashley Chambers, Jordan Hallam, Tyrell Waite (Tyler Dacres 76).
Leek Town: Dino Visser, Liam Buckley, Liam Edwards, Nathan Okome (Fenton Green 69), Olly Harrison, Tom Curl, Alex Hurst (Lucas Weir 59), Billy Reeves, Tim Grice, Ollie Shenton (Joe Woolley 78), Bredon Daniels (Tyrese Onyeka 60).
7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 13th August 2024, Greenwich Avenue, Nottingham (att 404).
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