Basford United Academy are as in previous years flying the non-league flag for Nottinghamshire in the FA Youth Cup as the Ambers beat Long Eaton United last night in the first qualifying round of the competition at Grange Park to set up a huge second qualifying round match against Notts County later this month.

Two goals from Lui Bull either side of half time had Basford in control before Hugo Broughton reduced the deficit with twenty minutes remaining, United last season reached the third round of the competition before heading out at the hands of then Premier League level youngsters West Bromwich Albion, their class of 22 in the end clung on in Long Eaton to win 2-1, as they reach the hat for the second qualifying round for the third successive year.

Retford FC play Emley AFC Academy in their FA Youth Cup first qualifying round tonight, the winners will take on Stocksbridge Park Steels whilst Clifton All Whites U18, who beat Dunkirk 4-2 on Wednesday night at the same stage, will play Chesterfield in the next round. A massive well done to them.

Not so well doing were Basford United’s first team in midweek, beaten on Tuesday night in Tamworth after a last minute winner at the Lamb. Anthony Dwyer’s second half goal looked to be giving Mark Clifford’s side a share of the spoils against the Southern Central Division’s second placed team who took the lead early doors through Daniel Creaney, then won it at the last, a 95th minute winner by Ty Deacon breaking the hearts of the travelling army from Greenwich Avenue. United in thirteenth in the league perhaps grateful they’ll enjoy a side distraction this weekend as they host Rugby Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Also in FA Cup action this weekend from Notts are Worksop Town who travel to Brackley Town. Carlton Town of the Northern Premier League East are in league action as they travel to the seaside to face Bridlington.

In the Northern Counties East League First Division this weekend, fifth placed Retford travel to mid-table Beverley Town whilst Ollerton Town host Armthorpe Welfare.

The Reds reaching round two of the Notts Senior FA Cup on Wednesday night after a 1-1 draw with Sherwood Colliery ended in shootout victory. Ollerton’s Jake Squires had given the home side the lead midway through the first half from the penalty spot before Gavin King equalised half way through the second period. With the scores level on 90 minutes the tie went straight to penalties and although both teams scored their first, both sides missed their next two, Ollerton missing a third before Sherwood missed their last two with George Slack netting the eventual winning penalty.

Also in the Senior Cup on Tuesday night, Kimberley Miners Welfare saw off their hosts Clifton with a 5-2 victory.

The home side opened the scoring through Sam Leggitt before Nathan Banton levelled shortly after. Tom Jones and James Shaw gave the visitors a two-goal advantage with goals either side of the break before Issa Gaye reduced the deficit shortly before the hour. A 78th minute strike from Sam Brown and another one for Jones helping Welfare to an easy eventual win.

Kimberley are back in UCL Premier Division North action at the weekend as they host Deeping Rangers at the Stag. In Division One, second placed Radford will be looking to continue their superb start to the season as they host Leicester St Andrews at Selhurst Street. Amongst the pick of the other ties, Hucknall Town who slipped to a 2-0 derby defeat against Gedling Miners Welfare in midweek, host Barrow Town at Watnall Road, whilst Newark Town in fifth, take on Birstall United who are fourth, at the YMCA.

*Main image @LongEatonUnited action between Long Eaton & Basford U18’s in the FA Youth Cup.