Basford Utd 6 Shepshed Dynamo2

Mixed feelings about today's result thought we played good controlling football first half and should have been in front but once again lacked the killer instinct up top, then second half as per pre season friendlies more changes than names Notts Forest have had candidates for managers in the last fortnight. and we looked lethargic and lacklustre at times.

This takes nothing from today's hosts Basford who are in the East Midlands Counties the league below us next season if they hold onto some of the players on display today they will be up amongst the front runners as they had at least 7 players in te squad with Evo Stik experience.

Basford I thought started the stronger and our keeper Allan was called into action a couple of times. Once Shepshed got into their passing rhythm Davies was running the show down the right handside and Mulonga showed glimpses of his performances from last season with Cole and Orton combining well in the centre of midfield

Shepshed opened the scoring on 35 mins on reflection to what was a soft free kick but Davies Curled the ball from the right hand side into the top left hand corner direct, within a minute Basford were level a heavy challenge led to a free kick just outside the box United held the ball up on the edge of the box and the resultant shot levelled the scores.

Shepshed should have gone back in front with good work down the right again from Davies his cross was too strong for the advancing Whitman and Mulonga but ob recovered the ball but was denied by a good save and the rebounded shot was sent over the top, Orton was then close before the break but the final chance of the half was to go to Basford with a fine save from Shepshed's keeper.

H-T Basford Utd 1 Shepshed Dynamo 1

Basford made numerous changes at half time and throughout the second half it was more like a basketball game than football with the number of roll on roll off subs but they were the far more vibrant side in the 2nd half and prior to the hosts taking the lead I had already predicted Dynamo going behind.

In the 2nd half we were carved far too many times in all areas of the park and after a ball down the right hand side the 2nd goal came as Basford rounded our keeper to make it 2-1. Shepshed responded straight away a well struck corner from Davies was executed with a standing overhead kick from Mccormack.

From then onwards the hosts continued to dominate the game and added a further 4 goals and could have added a further except for the offside decision of their part time ball boy running the line. Shepshed were reduced to half chances with Cole, Orton and Davies going close but the result was deserved by Basford today and as per previous seasons when we have played teams like Kirby Muxloe they maybe a side to watch with interest this season.

So as with all pre seasons you can't read everything into all the results (on the same subject look at Spalding's results so far) but today I thought Allan looks confident in goal Mccormack was outstanding again at the back, Orton and Cole look good in midfield and if we were to start a MOM polL I think Keiron Davies out shone anyone at Greenwich Avenue today, Mulonga had a steady 1st half but we all know he can bring more to us in competitive games and with Simmonds on holiday and Fitzpatrick unavailable we have the basis of a good squad building in hindsight we have only played 2 games. I suppose at times it's something we never had chance to grieve about last season was we played too much football in the wrong areas and held onto the ball for too long at times

Note to all UCL clubs and possible F.A Vase and league Cup opponents a request from the BWA please ensure you have a clubhouse or bar in close proximity as our first pre season travel was rather a dry day out for the travelling BWA.

F-T Basford Utd 6 Shepshed Dynamo 2
F-T Basford Utd Res 6 Shepshed Dynamo Res 1