BASFORD UNITED 5 HUCKNALL TOWN 0
FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND
SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 2025 15.00 KO
MATCH REPORT
TEAMS Basford United:
Attendance: 394
Hucknall spurned two golden opportunities to score first which could have completely changed the outcome of this tie. As it was Basford took the lead and stepped through the gears and delivered 5 goals in a devastating 20 minute spell that was painful for the Yellows supporters to watch and the referees final blow of the whistle was a blessing.
Hucknall were without the injured Reece Sugars and Brad Wells so Tefera started whilst Taylor Jaine partnered Aaron short at the back. New Signing Kyle Pemberton was fit enough to be on the bench.
There was a minutes applause at the start of the game for the sad loss to the Basford family of Sam Shaw. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
The first half was a very tense affair with Hucknall not being out of place with their Step 4 opponents.
Basford went close on 8 mins but the shot went wide. Basford made an early substitution on 17 mins with Goodman replacing Palmer.
The hosts had a period of possession and Smith-Eccles had to be alert to save a whipped in free kick on 20 mins.
Hucknall defended well and had their first chance on 28 mins when Tefera's shot went just wide of the post.
Both sides had good chances just before half time with Smith-Eccles making a good save and the visitor's Belgrave through on goal elected to square the ball to Towle but the pass was intercepted and the chance was gone.
Half Time: Basford 0 Hucknall 0
The second half began in the same tense manner. The hosts were forced into a second change through injury with Hallam replacing Dacres on 53 mins. I hope Tyler's injury wasn't as bad as it looked and I wish him a speedy recovery.
56 minutes saw the big turning point of the game as the home keeper Yates produced a stunning double save from Ashurst, saving his initial close range shot and then superbly tipping the rebound effort over the bar. It really was a great piece of keeping but Ashurst really should have scored.
Basford made a third change on 56 mins with Maher replacing Christie.
Whilst Hucknall had defended set pieces well up to this point it was once again prove to be their undoing when on 58 minutes a free kick to Basford was whipped in and Basford's captain Wilder was on hand to head the ball home at the far post to give the hosts the lead.
Any hopes that Hucknall would respond were short lived as Basford quickly scored a second. Cummings slotting the ball past Smith-Eccles to double the lead.
Hucknall heads visibly dropped and despite changes (Ashurst and Lathall being replaced by Skervin and Dunkley) Basford were in no mood to let up. Smith-Eccles had to make a fine save before the hosts got a third goal on 72 mins. Wilder again heading home this time from a corner.
Further goals from Goodman who finished off an assist from Wilder and Cummings getting to the ball before the visiting keeper and shooting home. All this was a painful spectacle to the Hucknall fans and I suspect the management team.
Hucknall made late changes with Tefera, Jaine and Rowe being replaced by Scoular, Hulley and Pemberton.
Thankfully the referee brought proceedings to an early end when only adding on 3 minutes and the whistle was a relief to many of the away following.
Good luck to Basford in the next round where they face Hednesford Town away and I look forward to our next meeting with them when ever that may be.
Hucknall go out of the FA Cup but move on to the FA Vase where we play Boston Town at the RM stadium on Saturday.
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