Basford United are relegated from the Northern Premier League Premier Division after a 2-2 draw at Morpeth Town in a game where the visitors had two players sent off.

On an eventful afternoon in the North East, Morpeth took the lead two minutes ahead of half time through Sam Hodgson but Tyreace Palmer levelled for United on 58 minutes, heading home from Tyler Dacres cross.

United however hit self destruct when Jamie Williamson was sent off for a reckless challenge, before Jeff Henderson put the home team ahead on 75, that was short lived as Jacob Gratton shot low to level again, a minute later, but a second red card, this time for Ethan Stewart, late on, made it more difficult for United to search in vain for a winner, instead Saul Deeney was called into action to keep his side in the match, a point a good result, but relegation has been for not being good enough in plenty of other matches this season.

A club statement by Chairman Chris Munroe on X read.

With relegation confirmed, signalling our exit from the NPL Premier Division after six seasons at this level, I must clarify how the club will deal with the relegation.

Firstly, we have some amazing fans and a very loyal core bunch of volunteers, many of whom I & we call personal friends. We give you all our sincere apologies for what has been nothing short of a difficult season both on and off the pitch.

Whilst we as a Senior Board must look closely at the failings of this campaign, we will do so with positivity and a clear desire that 25/26 we will seek to win more than we lose, and build based on small steps to achieve what will be a 3-year approach & plan. This plan will be to not only get this club back up, but do it in a way where we can hopefully replicate the first three years of promotion back at Step 3 from the 2018-2021 period.

The first burning question concerns me as an Owner. I made it very clear 24/25 was to be my last season for no other reason than age, and as such, I have taken a massive step back in control and influence. I do, though, now intend to put any thoughts of retirement on hold and commit to the 3 year plan, as I didn’t envisage going out off the back of a relegation. This, obviously, from me is the assurance a decent level of financial funding will remain to make us more than competitive at Step 4. But more so I back myself working closely with the senior management team to turn this round quickly and reinvigorate our identity at the forefront of Nottingham City Non-league football.

In terms of Chairman David Lilley and 1st team manager, Willis Francis & the respective management teams, no blame of relegation is apportioned in their direction, and I did make this clear at the time of appointment. David and I will plot the rebound, but we will look to add key colleagues to form a tight inner circle at the top end hierarchy of the club.

So, to confirm, Willis Francis has been asked to continue and form a management team for 25/26 promptly, to start planning retention and recruitment immediately. So in short, we will lick our wounds like I am sure all of our loyal fans and followers, but expect a very reinvigorated Basford United FC 1st team for 2025/26.

To reinforce our collective Senior message and vision, we will be holding a Q&A for fans and followers to answer any questions in an open forum. We will communicate the date in due course.

Unfortunately, our Ladies have also suffered relegation from Tier 5 this season, and I do intend to take this section under my joint control from 25/26 and like the men, plot a very positive future for the ladies. Again, I will seek stability by maintaining the Ladies senior Management of Chris Mellors and Simon Warwick but will look to make additions to support to plot their return to Tier 5.

Elsewhere in the Northern Premier League it was a bad weekend for Worksop Town who went down 1-0 at home to Bamber Bridge, despite their loss the Tigers stay second in the division and are guaranteed a playoff spot.

In the NPL East Division Carlton Town lost 3-0 at home to Cleethorpes who clinched the league title at the Bill Stokeld Stadium, whilst Sherwood Colliery were beaten 3-1 at Stocksbridge Park Steels and are relegated from step 4.

*Main image @Basfordutdfc action during Basford’s draw at Morpeth.