REPORT: UNITED 4-0 BAMBER BRIDGE

BY CALLUM WRIGHT

Brilliant Basford hit four past Bamber Bridge as we ended our 2023/24 league season with a big win at home!

Both sides carried threat in the opening stages, with the visitors especially keeping Preston on alert with dangerous pressure, but only speculative efforts were sent Kieran Preston’s way.

In the fashion they have done often in the season however, Basford broke against the run of play through Victor Nirennold, who’s troubling run beat several marking white shirts, allowing him to play in Barnes who finished well through the legs of Ellis Litherland-Riding in the 20th minute.

Barnes almost made it a brace immediately, as Toby Ritzema sent a blistering ball into his bath in front of an open goal, but the outstretched number 11 couldn’t get the pivotal touch. Another huge chance came as Jack Thomas played Barnes in once again, but was deemed outside by an inch as he slotted in what could’ve been a 24 minute hattrick.

A lull in action followed as the half drew to a close, with neither side able to carry out any threatening momentum, and Joshua Barnes remained the only difference between the two.

Jack Lewis broke through on goal early in the second half, but slipped on the ball and couldn’t get a shot off, allowing Litherland-Riding to collect.

Another chance came soon enough however in the 53rd minute, as Jack Lewis lobbed a ball to Jack Thomas down the wing, and his perfect cross met Barnes at the back stick who headed in his deserved brace.

The Briggers saw a chance of their own with a clear shot on goal, but Nieronnold’s brilliant block denied a potential goal back for the visitors.

Jack Thomas added to the Basford celebrations as he struck a thunderbolt straight into the top corner from 30 yards in the 76th minute, giving the fans jubilation.

To make things even better, Thomas became assist maker in the 80th minute, playing in Tyler Dacres who wouldn’t miss his chance to bag his first league goal.

The whistle blew and gave the Ambers a perfect end to the 23/24 season.

STARTING XI: Kieran Preston, Jordan Fankwe, Henri Wilder (Kane Richards, 65’), Prince Mancinelli (Tyler Dacres, 65’), Victor Nieronnold, Kieran Fenton, Jack Thomas, Toby Ritzema (Matt Thornhill, 75’), Rev James, Jack Lewis, Joshua Barnes

SUBS (not used): Remaye Campbell, Alexander Oswin-Rowe (GK)

ATT: 427