Basford boss takes positive from draw with Nottingham Forest U23

Niall Towle equalises for Basford United against Nottingham Forest U23s at Greenwich Avenue on Tuesday night. Pic by Craig Lamont.

Virgil Gomis gave Forest an early lead before Niall Towle equalised for the home side who later missed a penalty.

Alex Gibson-Hammond then put the Championship youngsters back in front before the break and Rev James’s powerful effort mid-way through the second period sealed a commendable draw for Basford.

Chettle said: “I thought it was a very good night. Our discipline off-the-ball was excellent, and I’m delighted to take a draw. We have to make sure that attitude and mentality is right for every match we play.

“I will take the positives from how we performed tonight, and I hope that continues as we welcome Warrington a week on Saturday.”

The visitors began brightly and scored after only four minutes when Gomis pounced on some hesitancy to fire home past Kieran Preston.

The hosts deservedly levelled when the in-form Towle scooped home Matt Thornhill’s cross for a fourth goal in his last five pre-season outings.

Chris Cohen’s men retook the lead on the half hour when a fine corner routine was bundled home by Gibson-Hammond before Thornhill was hauled down in the box only for Jordan Wright to smartly save Towle’s spot kick.

United secured the draw after 69 minutes when James outpaced a static Forest defence.