Game 20 Preview: Basford United (A)

Should Greenwich Avenue survive temperatures plummeting to minus 6 on Friday night, then the Holy Blues may just be able to head to Nottinghamshire, to take on Basford United in the Pitching In Northern Premier League. Maybe, if the surrounding walkways and pavements were less akin to a skating rink, there may be more hope of a game of association football at the home of the Ambers. But it's looking possible it will be another blank weekend of NPL action for Russ Wilcox's Holy Blues.

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And another game added to the schedule list for March, April, when the weather takes a turn for the warmer. Without a league win since the 12th November, when they beat Stockton Town 2-1 at home, Basford have slipped down the table, and currently sit in 21st spot in the table, three points and four places off the Holy Blues, despite Trinity having played six games less than the Nottinghamshire based outfit!

Like the Holy Blues, last Saturday, Basford were in Isuzu FA Trophy action, but while Russ Wilcox’s men were dispatching high-flying York City, Luke Potter’s Basford were stalling against the Spitfires, going down four one at home to Eastleigh. Meaning our hosts’ seasonal bright spot has come to an end, and without the cup distraction, things got worse in midweek. Trinity had their midweek trip to Blyth Spartans postponed, Basford made the short hop into Derbyshire to take on Mickleover and lost in stoppage time to Sports, featuring a number of former Basford players in their matchday squad.

League games involving Basford have witnessed 86 goals. With 52 goals against, coming in 25 games. More than two goals per game on average. Can the Holy Blues, led by Declan Howe take advantage of the leakiest defence in the league? One thing is for certain, that nothing should be taken for granted. Earlier in the season, Basford overcome the Blues at the Kal Group Stadium. Only that night in September, Joe Uveges netted twice, with the third coming from Tyler Dacres. Russ Wilcox’s men will be out for revenge for that early season setback as they target a return to winning ways, in the league.

Can the Blues pick up a three point haul that will see them potentially climb as many as four places in the rankings?

Elsewhere

Bamber Bridge vs Workington
Blyth Spartans vs Stockton Town
Hyde United vs Ilkeston Town
Lancaster City vs Prescot Cables
Macclesfield vs FC United of Manchester
Matlock Town vs Ashton United
Morpeth United vs Guiseley
Warrington Rylands vs Leek Town
Whitby Town vs Hebburn Town
Worksop Town vs Mickleover

Preview by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)