Basford United were stunned by a late comeback from Northwich Victoria
who came back from two goals down to reduce the deficit and level 6 minutes from time and nearly win it at the death.
Despite a blistering start and a 2-0 advantage after 13 minutes Basford took the foot off the peddle and let the visitors get a foothold in the game.
Ben Hutchinson turned in Courey Grantham’s low cross in the 2nd
minute and 10 minutes later Gary Ricketts was on the end of a Fabian
Smith free kick to double the lead.
The visitors had chances also but Basford will point to a period 2nd half when some key chances were not converted. Courey Grantham couldn't find the finish to convert 2 one on ones. However It was the Vics keeper Mason Springthorpe who kept his team in the game with 2 stunning saves in a minute to keep the deficit to 0-2 midway through the 2nd period.
Denying Ben Hutchinson's free kick destined for the top corner was top draw, but the unsighted save from the returning Deon Meikle was the key moment as he clawed it round the post.
With the nerves jangling John Pritchard reduced the arrears from close range in the 80th minute after United failed to cut out the cross.Four minutes later and deja vu from the other side as a fine cross picked out Alec Mudimu to head Northwich level. It could have been a heart-breaking defeat had it not been for Basford’s sub Jamie Spiers who cleared off the line in added time. then Basford had a
penalty appeal rejected after Ricketts went down but it wasn't to be and United had to settle for the point.
Without question 2 points thrown away today but many positives for United with Gary Ricketts opening his account and a really good central defensive showing from Rob Darkin & Deon Miekle in the heart of the defence. United may point to more wretched luck on the injury stakes as new left back Elliott Hodgett-Young and Fabian Smith were both lost to hamstring injuries.
Basford will need to regroup and focus on next Saturdays home game against Stocksbridge Park Steels but at least our supporters now have seen what the lads are capable of in that 1st period.