Match Preview by Phil Bennett
Although having a history back to 1900, Basford have only emerged onto senior non-league football in recent years. Promotion to from the Midland League into the Northern Premier League Division 1 south for the start of the 2015/16 season brought about our only previous league fixtures with them. A 1-1 draw at Basford saw the return fixture at home on 16th April 2016.
If you have forgotten the game I will remind you of the scenario leading up to the fixture. We needed a win and a pitch invasion at full time would signal the Division 1 Championship was ours. However, Basford with a play-off place in mind were looking to be party poopers on their first ever visit to Marston Road. Knowing what was at stake saw a crowd of 1250 hoping to seal the deal.
A penalty save by Adam kept us the game and, in the knowledge, that if we drew then anything but a defeat at play off bound Coalville would mean we would pip Shaw Lane to the title. So, with nerves jangling and finger nails now bitten off the referee decides in time added on to do the unthinkable. He awarded Basford a second penalty of the game. Could Adam repeat his earlier heroics. The history books say yes, and we drew 0-0. A week later the draw at Coalville saw us promoted as champions, so only a few hundred invaded the pitch at Coalville rather than over a thousand at home.
So, will Basford turn out to be party poopers again as both sides go out for their first win over each other. We must put Saturdays FA Cup defeat out of the way and concentrate on the bread and butter of gaining league points. Basford currently lie 4th with 5 wins and 4 defeats, a positive goal difference and 15 points on the board. Considering our only two league meetings have been draws, is it significant that Basford have yet to draw this season.
So please turn up on Tuesday night to help Rangers ignite their season and let’s hope for three points.
