Full focus on FA Trophy for Basford United

Basford United manager Steve Chettle says all their energy and preparation will go into this Saturday’s game against Felixstowe and Walton United in the FA Trophy - the only fixtures allowed to be played at present following the curtailment of the Northern Premier League (CREDIT: Craig Lamont)

Trophy and Vase fixtures are currently being fulfilled despite the UK Tiering system and Basford will play host to Isthmian Premier League, North Division side Felixstowe and Walton United in the second around having eased past Rushall Olympic earlier this week.

And with a potential third round tie at either Hitchin Town or Peterborough Sports in the offering, Chettle says they will approach the tie with all their energy.

“We will do our research on Felixstowe in the build-up and be ready for it,” he says.

“The FA Trophy is the only guaranteed fixture that we have at present, and all our focus will be put into the preparation and match day in hope that we are able to progress to the next round of the competition.

“We waited with bated breath for the draw this week after our win over Rushall on Tuesday and it was great to be drawn at home.

“That result was very rewarding for us after the second lockdown and the lads looked sharp and put in a really good performance - scoring five goals for the first time since I have been here and five different scorers to boot.” he added.

The match was originally scheduled for Tuesday 15 December, but Basford chair, Chris Munroe, as a token of goodwill, offered the switch to this coming weekend to avoid a near three-hour midweek journey for the Seasiders and the Suffolk club gleefully accepted.

Goals from Ryan Wilson, Brad Gascoigne, Marcus Marshall, Callum Chettle and Rev James ensured a comfortable passage to this stage for Chettle’s men and they will now welcome the visit of step 4 Stowe who currently sit 13th in their division.

Wins over Great Wakering Rovers, Westfield and Metropolitan Police saw them reach the first round proper where Oliver Canfer’s solitary strike just before the hour saw them prevail at Leatherhead on Tuesday evening.

Following recent news by the Football Association, a limited number of supporters will now be permitted at Greenwich Avenue and Basford have announced they will be capped at 300 home fans given the involvement of two non-elite clubs.

Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased by visiting their online club shop at https://www.bufcclubshop.com/