REPORT: UNITED 3-0 GAINSBOROUGH TRINITY

James Jepson picked up his first win as Basford United manager and did so in style as United thrashed Gainsborough Trinity 3-0 at Greenwich Avenue on Saturday afternoon.

A first-half hat-trick from Remaye Campbell sealed the deal and all damage was done by the break.

The visitors had the first chance of the game after a cross was whipped into the box and Mason Frizelle headed it into the path of Bailey Conway, but his shot flew well wide of target.

Skipper Matthew Thornhil almost, and probaby should have, put United in front minutes later after some intricate play saw him break through the defence with just the keeper to beat, but Callum Yam denied him with a footed save.

The Ambers broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after a long ball over the top saw Matty Bowman burst into the area, before laying across the box to Campbell who smashed it past Yam on the half-volley.

Mason Frizelle almost doubled United's lead just minutes later after a corner found the defender in the six yard box, but his header clipped the crossbar.

The hosts continued to rally and Brodie Litchfield had an excellent opportunity to add to the lead around the half-hour mark and showed incredible skill to control the ball with his chest in the area before dancing through the defence, but his shot dribbled across the face of the goal and wide.

Amidst the United onslaught, Trinity had a rare chance when Dayle Southwell took aim from distance, though a half-decent strike flew well wide.

And Campbell took full advantage when he bagged his second of the game shortly before the interval after a free kick, won by Litchfield, was played into the area and he dove in at the back post to nod it home with a sublime header before, seconds later, the forward completed his hat trick, converting from the spot after Charlie Wakefield was clumsily tripped.

The visitors, clearly fired up after a half-time dressing down from their manager, came out fast in the second half and really brought the game to United as they looked claw back the defecit. They worked the ball into several really inviting areas, but struggled to really test Kieran Preston initially.

Charlie Wakefield almost added a fourth on the hour, but his curling effort from the edge of the area couldn’t stay down and sailed over before Campbell - unplayable all game - almost tallied another when Bowman floated a cross into the centre of the box and the striker rose elegantly but headed just wide.

Gainsborough tried, but could never quite gain a foothold on the game and United kept their cleansheet intact to claim their first victory of the season.

Next up, we're in FA Trophy action as we visit Stratford Town on Saturday (3pm).

UNITED: Preston; Roma, Dearle, Andrews, Frizelle, Ritzema (McGowan 88'); Bowman, Thornhill (c), Wakefield; Litchfield (Woakes 73'), Campbell (Goddard 90')
SUBS (not used): Dacres, Alexander

ATT: 384