Basford Utd A — Sat 8 Dec 2007

Match report

Half time: 2 – 1

Samba returned to league action after their impressive cup victory the previous week in cold, wet and windy conditions away at Basford Utd 'A'. There were several changes to the starting line up with Hawkins, Sharp, Lucas all unavailable and Rose injured. In came Elton, Butler, Horton and Swinscoe, who were all making their first starts of the season. The game started well from Samba's perspective with most of the football being played in Basford's half. Samba gained a free kick on their left and Wilford trotted across to take it. The captain whipped in a great delivery which was goal bound but aided by a flick of the defenders head and the ball flew into the net. Amid joking claims from Messrs Gibbons and Francis for a referral to the dubious goals committee, Wilford rightly claimed his first goal of the season. A few minutes later Samba doubled their money with Bassett finding Gibbons 25yds out from goal. He sidestepped the defender with ease before curling a shot that was too high for the Basford keeper. Samba looked comfortable but were given a timely reminder when a ball over the top exposed the back line and the Basford man ran on to reduce the defecit with a clean low finish. Samba's passing had been indifferent, although it was understandable in difficult conditions. A Wilford free kick flicked on by Bassett at the near post and Francis controlled well but blasted his shot stratight at the keeper. Hill and Boughton both had opportunities but the keeper managed to foil samba on both occasions

It was obvious that with the score at 2-1 at half time the next goal would be crucial. Samba had regained their early dominance and Basford struggled to have any real possession. When the goal came it came from Samba with Gibbons the architect, pentrarting the Basford defence before slipping in Hill who calmly slotted the ball home. Samba had further chances with Francis blasting wide and Bassett screwing a golden opportunity high and wide from 6 yds as his body shape resembled a crumbled mess. Basford rarely threatened and the final goal of the game again went to Samba in the dying seconds, with Francis rounding the keeper before prodding home from a yard out. It had been a satisfactory afternoon for Samba in poor conditions as they jumped back to 2nd in the league