Basford had to dig really deep to grind out a point after falling behind to a 34th minute glancing header from Lee Fell. With Basford really struggling to click into gear, a 1st league defeat looked on the cards until Ruben Wiggins-Thomas 79th min equaliser that ensured a share of the spoils.
Earlier in the day it was the visitors who looked more comfortable in the wet conditions, and United keeper Martin Kearney had to make 3 excellent 1st half saves and show excellent handling all day. Drama at the other end as Franny Green played through on goal was taken down by visiting keeper O Brien. Match official Kerrigan deemed that the angle was tight enough to warrant just a yellow card for the keeper, who made a fine save from Webster's free kick.
Basford though had little complaints as the visitors powered in front on 34 minutes. Lot of question marks against the ravaged United backline who failed to cut out the cross at source and then allow Fell time and space to glance his header past Kearney from 6 yards. United immediately had Franny Green smack a fine low effort against the base of the post, but HT saw Basfords 1st deficit of the campaign, and big character test of the season looming.

With Manager Martin Carruthers choosing a rotation striker policy that meant that Saturdays 2 goal pairing of Stuart Hendrie and TJ Nightingale started on the bench, he quickly had 2nd thoughts in introducing both in a 3 man switch on 58 minutes that also saw 17 year old youngster Joe Coxon enter the game.

The switch proved decisive as United hauled level on 79 minutes. Franny Green set over a superb cross field pass that tempted O Brien to come for the ball, striker Stuart Hendrie though beat the keeper too the ball and despite being fouled, good officiating let the play continue for Ruben Wiggins-Thomas to net for the equaliser. Difficult to determine whether Basford were more happy for the goal or what would have been the subsequent penalty, as no doubt O Brien would have walked and Long Eaton would have had to play out the last 15 minutes with 10 men.
Ironically the keeper being clattered was replaced by Hankey.

With both sides going for the win Basford thought they had it when TJ Nightingale caused panic and delivered a dangerous cross that was almost headed home by a defender. But without question the best chance to win the game fell to the visitors, as Watkis powered through some weak defending to smash goal bound, but bring a fine parry from Kearney. This was the last action and a 1-1 draw that was a fair result between two good sides capable of mounting a significant challenge this season.

Basford officials were delighted the attendance at yesterdays league game represented the biggest in the clubs recent 10 year history for a league game, and this was despite the wretched weather conditions. For the corresponding NCEL fixture last season yesterdays between the sides gate represented a 40% increase.

Basford will hope the local public will continue to embrace the club, as Sat sees the FA Cup Preliminary round against higher ranked opposition Sheffield who make the journey to Greenwich Avenue for a 3pm kick off.
Admission costs for the game £6 adults/£4 concessions.