Basford United suffered a narrow defeat to Premier League Sheffield United on Friday evening as the home side stepped up preparations for their upcoming FA Youth Cup tie against Notts County.
Manager Simon Bryant again opted for a side filled with first- and second-year scholars and included new signing Jordan Lambert, an exciting midfielder recently signed from Tamworth.

Basford began the game in typically bright fashion but it was the visitors who went ahead after 18 minutes, as ‘keeper Marcus Coombes was beaten by a precise finish just inside his bottom left post.
With five minutes of additional time played, the away side doubled their lead ensuring they went into half time with all of the momentum.

The second half saw Basford dominate early proceedings and within 15 minutes, found themselves back in the game through MacKenzie Rooney, who stabbed the ball home from eight yards.
With the hosts now in the ascendancy, it seemed only a matter of time before they were level but chances for Jayden Smith, Ferdinand Bartley and Tobias Rhule all went begging, leaving Basford empty handed despite a much improved second half display.

"We changed the shape at half-time as we felt that they were able to find their strikers a little too easy, plus we wanted to get Brontae Wint on the ball more," said Bryant.

"This group was again made up of mostly 16- and 17-year olds and they were outstanding, especially second half.

"They are in a very fortunate position here at Basford to have the gaffer (Steve Chettle), Josh and Callum passing down their knowledge and experience and I think they are starting to recognise the value of this.

"I know the group are already excited by the prospect of next week's game against Notts County, an opportunity they fully deserve".