In front of arguably the biggest ever crowd for a league fixture at Greenwich Avenue 197, Basford didn’t disappoint & despite a slow start clicked into gear to win the title in style.

Needing just a point to mathematically take the title, United started slowly and fell behind after 17 minutes, James Cuss scoring from close range.

Stuart Hendrie levelled for Basford on 29 minutes, taking a pass from Robson Doolan before rounding keeper Matt Gwynne to score. Four minutes later they were in front, Ryan Whitehurst finishing off a fluent move with a shot past Gwynne.

Tyrelle Shannon scored his sixth goal in five games with a glancing header to extend the lead three minutes into the second half and put Basford in control.

Leading scorer Ruben Wiggins-Thomas then took over, firing home from the edge of the box on the hour and netting a penalty after Stuart Hendrie had been fouled on 69 minutes. Five minutes from time he was denied a hat trick by a great save from Gwynne, who pushed his shot away for a corner.

With league officials preparing for the presentation of the trophy, Marcus Palmer grabbed a late consolation for the visitors in the 88th minute.

Fair to say the post game celebrations that followed and went late into the night were joyous.

Promotion to the Evo-Stik secures early the 5 year objective for Chairman Chris Munroe. “4 years ago to the day we were playing in the NSL on a park ground at Greenwich Avenue attracting 1 man and his dog. Yesterday was the culmination of 4 promotions in front of a record attendance and we now take our place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League. This fills me with immense satisfaction and very grateful to the hard working structure and personnel who along with me have driven this club forward.

Basford United manager Martin Carruthers was very gracious in his words yesterday & paid tribute to his predecessors

Carruthers said: " I'd like to thank Daz Saunders and Andy Frawley who laid down the foundations that we have been able to build on to take the club to this level, also former players who have played a major part in building the success of our club.

United now have one big further date on the horizon as we look to end a 27 year drought with a Notts Senior cup final appearance, Thursday 30th April. Basford play Clipstone at Mansfield Town FC & as stated United are taking two coaches for the game with the supporters coach departing 6.15pm from Greenwich Avenue at a cost of £3 return or concessions for family travel.
Further details can be obtained by sending an email to the club.

Malc Storer's On The Road match report: http://ontheroad2014-2015.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/basford-utd-5-2-westfields-fc.html

And Kev Goodman's pics: http://ontheroad2014-2015.blogspot.co.uk/p/basford-utd.html