The Lions make their first ever visit to Greenwich Avenue to take on Basford United, in what is their penultimate match and final away clash of 2023, writes Scott Kelly.
Previous Meetings
This is only the second ever meeting between the sides, and the first at Greenwich Avenue. The Lions have the bragging rights as they won 2-1 at Nethermoor in August thanks to goals in either half from Tom Denton and Gabriel Johnson.
The Lions’ Form Book
A hat trick from captain Liam Tongue saw the Lions get the better of Garforth Town in midweek in the West Riding County Cup. That 3-0 away victory will stand them in good stead for their first visit to Nottinghamshire based Basford, with the Lions scoring four on their last away league trip at Ilkeston. Their last three league victories have come whilst scoring at least four goals.
A Look At Basford United
Basford is a suburb just North of Nottingham city centre and 23/24 is the clubs first crack at NPL football. They have found things difficult of late and they sit 19th in the league, just a point away from climbing out of the relegation zone. They are winless in seven matches though and have not won away from Greenwich Avenue all season.
Nathan Tyson boasts over 600 EFL appearances for the likes of Derby County and Nottingham Forest and is in line to make his first start for the club after signing for the club last week.
Remaye Campbell is the Ambers top goalscorer with seven goals and started his career with Notts County. Their squad also includes forward Jordan Hallam, once of Scunthorpe United and Dominic Roma, a defender once of Sheffield United.
Basford United
Founded: 1900
Manager: James Jepson
Club Captain: Kieran Fenton
Stadium: Greenwich Avenue
Capacity: 1,600
A Look At The Lions
The Lions are finely placed in 10th after 20 league games and the club earned a respectable 2-2 draw against Hyde United at Nethermoor last time out.
Assistant Manager Andy Thomas confirmed Courtney Meppen- Walters left the pitch on pitch on Tuesday night after just 13 minutes due to illness and could be in line to return to action on Saturday. Academy youngsters Jack Mason and K’Marni Miller will be pushing to start too, with both impressing the Lions’ hierarchy at Garforth on Tuesday evening.
Kallan Murphy and Leigh Whelan sat out of the the Hyde match and will also be pushing for starts here. Lewis Whitham and Laurence Sorhaindo remain long term absentees.
What Are They Saying?
‘The scoreline reflected the overall performance in the end’.
Assistant manager Andy Thomas perfectly summed up the side’s performance in their 3-0 victory at Garforth Town on Tuesday evening.
‘Tonguey was superb today. Not just his goals but his overall performance was very good’
Thomas also praised captain Liam Tongue’s performance, after he bagged a hat-trick.
‘K’Marni and Jack have trained with us a couple of times now and done really well. We are all about giving the youngsters a chance to play. Jack was on the right wing and was composed in possession and worked hard. When K’Marni came on he did exactly the same’
Thomas was also full of praise for academy graduates Jack Mason and K’Marni Miller, with the latter coming on to make his full senior debut.
‘Mepps (Courtney Meppen-Walters) wasn’t feeling well. With the game and the conditions he just wasn’t up to it’
Thomas also explained the reason behind Courtney Meppen-Walters early withdrawal from Tuesday’s game.
Tickets for Basford United
Cheer on the Lions in what is their last game before Christmas.
Stadium Address: Greenwich Avenue, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG6 0LD
Tickets can be purchased at turnstiles on Saturday with cash and card payments accepted.
Tickets are priced at:
· £10 Adults
· £8 Concessions (65+)
· £3 Students (with valid ID)/U16s
· £25 Family of four
You can pick up a matchday programme near the turnstiles priced at £3 each, The Lions will wear their all purple away strip for this fixture.
