Basford United 3 Stocksbridge Park Steels 1

Basford started well and took the lead just after the ten-minute mark when Jamie Walker slotted home on his debut for the home side.

It took Basford a long time to get a second but Zak Goodson’s header on the 65th minute finally put some daylight between the two sides.

Jack Thomas rolled the ball home for Basford’s third just five minutes later after good work from Courey Grantham before Stocksbridge got on the scoresheet thanks to a Lewis Whitman wonder strike.

Basford began the game in complete control, barely losing possession in the first ten minutes of the match. The home side managed to create two early chances, but Walker was ruled offside and James Reid’s strike was well held by Carney in the
Stocksbridge goal.

In the 12th minute, Walker opened the scoring in the 12th minute, latching onto a through ball and coolly slotting past Carney on his debut.

Walker nearly grabbed his, and Basford’s, second goal of the game when his powerful shot hit the post just before Brad Gascoigne was substituted following an injury.

Basford continued to create and waste chances as the half progressed. Kane Richards fired wide from point-blank range just after the half-hour mark and then sent a brilliant low cross across the six-yard box but no one in black and yellow was there to convert.

Just after the hour mark Basford finally bagged their second goal of the game. Substitute Goodson was in the right place to head home Callum Chettle’s cross to double the home side’s advantage.

Five minutes later it was 3-0. Grantham put pressure on the Stocksbridge goalkeeper Carney and blocked his clearance, the ball rebounding to the feet of Thomas who simply rolled the ball home.

Stefan Galinski almost got himself a goal with 15 minutes remaining, but his powerful shot was blocked on the line by the Stocksbridge defence.

As the game entered the closing stages Stocksbridge got on the scoresheet thanks to an incredible 25-yard strike by substitute Lewis Whitman in the 79th minute.

Basford held on for the victory to end pre-season on five wins, two draws and one loss.

Basford begin their league campaign next Saturday as we travel away to Hyde United. The club is providing a bus that leaves the stadium at 11am. The cost is £7 for a return ticket and bookings can be made in the club shop.

Line up: Kieran Preston, Liam Bateman, Ryan Wilson (Josh Law 60), Matt Thornhill© (Jack Thomas 45), Brad Gascoigne (Lewis Carr 25), Stefan Galinski, Kane Richards (Nat Watson 60), Callum Chettle, Liam Hearn (James Carvell 60), James Reid (Courey Grantham 60), Jamie Walker (Zak Goodson 60)

Unused subs: Dennel Stokes