The first pre-season game for the hosts, after no fewer than ten training sessions! The Basford squad looks very strong - with several new players added as they prepare to start their first season in NCEL Premier Division.
The list of names should make other NCELP teams take a serious look at United's intent for the coming season.
I didn't know all the players, but when you add - Curtis McDonald, Fabian Smith, Ashley Dyce, Martin Holt, Aidan Brady, David Baofo, Martin Carruthers, Jack Davis, Richard Harrison, Cashel Walters, Courtney Hastings and Dan Jackson - to Joe Ward, TJ Nightingale, Phil Massingham, Ali Barcherini, Jermaine Hollis, this looks to be a terrific squad.
Gedling have also added several players, including the Westcarr brothers, Carl and Jarred. Will Heath will add experience to the Miners' squad, as will keeper James Mountain. Josh Royce has signed, but wasn't available for this game.
Martin Carruthers' glancing header from a corner put the home team ahead on 8, then Martin Holt doubled the score on 19, another header from a corner.
Carl Westcarr headed home a superb Will Heath cross on 41 to reduce the visitors' arrears. H-T 2-1
Courtney Hastings came on at the break and scored on the hour mark, prodding home from close range. Hastings was on target again 5 minutes later, then completed his personal treble on 75, firing past James Mountain from the spot after Dan Jackson was tripped in the area. F-T 5-1
Decent game for a PSF - even in the blistering heat.
