A minutes silence impeccably observed by both teams was a real testament and the home side kicked on and got a fine victory curtesy of some wonder strikes.
Basford can look no further than starting poorly and going behind 2-0 fighting back to 1-2 at the interval. Then inexplicably not coming out of the dressing rooms after the break and shipping 2 further early goals to kill the game at 1-4. Credit due a arousing finale pulled it back to 2-4 and late chances could have snatched an unlikely point, but it was,nt to be and United left Cannock well beaten and with playoff aspirations taking a severe knock.
Brief Match summary

Evo Stik Northern Premier League Division One South

Chasetown 4 Basford United 2

Basford United’s stuttering league form continued as they went down 4-2
at Chasetown.
They were two down after 26 minutes. Jamie Sheldon made the most of the
space he was given to open the scoring after 15 minutes and Jack
Langston made it two after the initial effort came back off the post.

Kieran Wells put Basford back in the game three minutes later after good
work by Kyle Dixon, then he rattled a shot against the crossbar.

The second half started as the first, with Basford conceding twice
within the first nine minutes. Joseph Thomas applied the finishing touch
to a quick break in the 48th minute and then scored the goal of the
night from distance after 54 minutes.

Fabian Smith reduced the deficit from the penalty spot with fifteen
minutes remaining after Wells was brought down and Basford ended the
match on the offensive.

New additions Sam Osbourne and Kieran Fenton had steady debuts but will no doubt kick on with training sessions and familiarisation with the Mgt and group of players.

Of more concern for managers Martin Carruthers and Mark Clifford will be the re emergence of a crippling injury list that is starting to grow again rather than diminish.
With Saul Deeney, Ben Hutchinson, Courey Grantham , Anthony Howells & Calum Smith all sidelined in recent weeks to join long termers Rob Duffy, Rob Darkin, Jake Sheridan and Big Gary Ricketts. then it is real testimony we are anywhere near the chasing pack.

United now have most likely 3 league games that will define the remainder of the season,
Sat home to Loughborough Dynamo 3PM KO
Tues away to Lincoln United 7.45pm ko
Sat 25th home to AFC R&D FC 3pm.

With no room for error United need big points out of all 3 games to keep alive faint playoff aspirations. With a cup final to look forward and a 1st ever visit to the Quarter finals of the league cup as well as still sitting top 6 then it has still been a fabulous season despite a wretched season long run of injuries.