Basford United U18 1-0 Notts County U18 (FA Youth Cup Second Qualifying Round)

Basford United’s youngsters are continuing to impress in the FA Youth Cup as they beat Notts County U18’s in the competition’s second qualifying round last night. A penalty by Lui Bull five minutes into the second half, enough to separate the two teams as the Ambers, like in recent seasons before, continue to make strides in a competition that they really do enjoy.

Higher ranked Notts, enjoyed more of the possession in the game without really troubling the stringent United defence, in fact the home team with the best opportunities early on as Fuller and Gillies looked to open the score.

A tight first half ended with a couple of opportunities to Notts off target with both sides scoreless into the break.

United started the better of the two teams after half time with shots from Coke and Dacres both blocked, the home side then won a penalty which Bull dispatched confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Harvey Ridgley then threw his body on the line to block a Notts attempt heading for goal with Dan Morledge saving on the hour a header from point blank range, the goalkeeper then saving his best until last, tipping over an effort on 90 to deny Notts a late leveller.

The win see’s Basford into the competition’s third qualifying round with one match to win until reaching the first round proper, of a competition in which Nottingham Forest last year reached the final in, losing at a packed Old Trafford to an Alejandro Garnacho inspired Manchester United.

A healthy crowd of 451 witnessed a tight encounter between two top non-league Nottinghamshire based sides youngsters last night, on Thursday evening, Clifton All Whites will have their chance to progress with a tough looking task at Green Lane, as they take on Chesterfield U18’s.

*Main image @BasfordUtd celebrations as United knock-out Notts at Greenwich Avenue.