Late drama as Basford lose for 1st time in 2016 (VIDEO NOW ON LINE)

Basford suffered the 1st defeat of 2016.A late header was a harsh pill in a game that had all the hallmarks of a playoff game and looked likely a draw

Game video can now be viewed at https://youtu.be/1gMbKKI_vLI

Squad wise manager Martin Carruthers was without the suspended Eugene Bopp but had a good bench including the returning Billy Bennett for his 1st involvement in 8 weeks after a thigh operation.
On a remarkably firm surface with plenty of bounce Lincoln held the lion’s share of the 1st half with plenty of ball but neither side really worked either keeper. Lincoln had the better looks and a great strike from Rob Norris on the volley that was inches over, and a dangerous low ball from Gary King were probably the highlights. Basford defended brilliantly and dealt with a lot of aerial balls and worked very hard, but offensively failed to get going over the opening 45 minutes. As the half grew a couple of half chances for Basford with one low cross Stuart Hendrie miskicked at the back post by Ruben Wiggins-Thomas.
HT was a 0-0 stalemate that probably given the league places suited Basford.
2nd period a far more invigorated Basford who began to ask a few questions of the Lincoln back line and looked the more likely to go on and win the game. Mason Rowley evaded markers to plant a fine header marginally over from a Fabian Smith free kick. And with some good movement began to ask questions of the Lincoln backline. A couple of dangerous through balls were inches away from Ruben Wiggins-Thomas. As the game entered its latter stages it appeared to take a turn Basfords way as the home side had defender Lemon sent off for a 2nd yellow. As is the case when you have a 10 v 11 situation the 10 become galvanised and possibly the 11 a little complacent as Lincoln finished a little stronger. However the view of the majority was neither side looked likely to breach and both camps would have to settle for a point. All this changed as the game approached added time. A free kick conceded in a really dangerous position proved the catalyst for the game winner. A ball in the box was partly cleared which led to a corner. Rob Norris bent an in swinger that saw Gary King evade defenders to plant a fine header home for 1-0 on 89 minutes. A frantic Basford finish saw panic in the Lincoln Rear-guard, but this was little too late and there was not enough time left on the clock for Basford to mount a concerted assault for the point deserved for a hardworking team display.
FT 0-1
Whilst a big disappointment on the night at the late loss, Basford look well placed to push for the 4th or 5th playoff place. With 7 games to go and only 1 of these, the last one away to Stafford and the remainder against teams in the bottom 10 of the league then Basford will never have a better chance to make the playoffs but unlike previous leagues the teams in the Evo-Stik are competitive right down to team 22 so no room for any complacency.
Mom Mason Rowley on another solid showing.