Play-off hopefuls Basford United and Whitby Town drew 1-1 on Saturday afternoon, as Kane Richards' first half strike was cancelled out late on by Harry Green at Greenwich Avenue.

Within the first five minutes, Basford had two opportunities thanks to a fast-paced and dominant start - Ryan Wilson’s free-kick and Matt Thornhill's mid-range effort both failing to find the target.

The early pressure did not wain for United, with Wilson crashing another free-kick off the crossbar; Whitby spared by the woodwork with 'keeper Shane Bland well beaten.

Whitby’s first attack came after 20 minutes with Soni Fergus aiming an effort goalwards from 35-yards out, but failed to trouble Adam Collin in the home goal.

United continued their pressure in the first half as Owen Betts showed his attacking capability down the right-hand side beating three Town men before playing Aaron O’Connor through whose effort trickled wide.

With 26 minutes gone, United deservedly took the lead.

Wilson crossed the ball into the area, Richards collected before performing a signature spin and shooting goalwards, the ball carrying enough pace to beat Bland and Basford were in front.

As the first half came to an end Whitby grew into the game but produced very little in terms of chances and the hosts went into the break ahead and were very much in control.

Whitby came out with added determination; the half-time talk and two changes fresh in their ears. Four corners all produced very little with Nathaniel Peters stoic in his defensive duties.

On the hour, they were pegged back by a poor refereeing decision when Green raced through.However, referee Lee Hible called play back - ignoring the advantage - and a sea of blue surrounded the referee and the resultant free- kick was wasted.

Less than two minutes later town created their best chance with Jacob Hazel and Green playing lovely combination football around the penalty area. Green's final effort was well wide and Basford were let off.

Into the last 15 minutes and Steve Chettle's men were comfortable. That was until, 13 minutes from time, Hazel picked up a loose ball on the left to fire into the six-yard area for an unmarked Green to nod home and Town took a point back to North Yorkshire.

UNITED: Collin, Betts, Roma, Gascoigne, Wilson, Peters, Thornhill (C), Hawkridge, O'Connor (James 84') , Richards, Towle
SUBS (not used): Musson, Harrison, Rourke, Frogson

ATT: 368