Basford United were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Grantham Town. The hosts dominated proceedings and came close on a number of occasions but were denied by a man of the match performance from visiting ‘keeper Adnan Kanuric. James Reid had the best chance of the first half, forcing Kanuric into a good save in just the second minute of the game. Both Matt Thornhill and Jack Thomas went close but neither could hit the target. And in the dying moments Kanuric earnt his side a point denying a powerful drive from Thomas.

Matlock Town were beaten 2-1 away to Gainsborough Trinity. Trinity new boy Greg Smith gave his side the lead at the break with his 25th minute opener. With just 11 minutes left Matlock thought they would be leaving with a point when Dan Bramall netted an equaliser. Their hope of a point was short lived and just three minutes later substitute Mitchell Dunne fired home what was the winner.

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS.

The pair have met on two occasions so far this season. In the reverse fixture a stunning Piteu Crouz free-kick was enough for Matlock to take all three points from Greenwich Avenue. The sides then met in the FA Cup with Matlock earning a 2-1 win at home. Spencer Harris and Jordan Sinnott gave the Derbyshire based side a two-goal advantage that day before Liam Hearn pulled one back for Basford with 10 minutes left on the clock.

THE BIG PICTURE

Basford United could end the day as high as second place. For that to happen they would need both Lancaster City and FC United of Manchester to lose against Morpeth Town and Hyde United respectively. All three points will end a run of three games without a win and will continue their unbeaten start to the new year after that draw with Grantham.

Matlock could move up to 14th but would need to overcome an eight goal deficit on Whitby Town who currently occupy that spot as well as Whitby losing to Gainsborough Trinity. They are hoping to return to winning ways after back to back defeats to Buxton and Gainsborough.

THE LEAGUE FORM

Basford United’s Away League Form: P11, W4, D4, L3

Matlock Town’s Home League Form: P10, W3, D2, L5