St Neots Suffer Another Narrow Home Defeat Against Basford United

St Neots Town’s frustrating run of narrow defeats continued as they were edged out 1–0 at home by promotion-chasing Basford United, their sixth single-goal loss in the last eight league matches.

Despite making changes in search of a winning formula, St Neots were once again left rueing a lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Manager Cameron Mawer opted to pair Neo Richard-Noel in a two-man attack, while new signing Stacey Freeman was drafted into the heart of the defence in place of the suspended Charlie Bowen. Sam Willis also returned from suspension, with Jessi Obeng and James Stainsby starting on the bench.

Basford, relegated from Step Three last season and pushing for an immediate return, arrived in strong form and moved up to third in the table with this victory.

The first half was a cautious, evenly contested affair, with both sides finding it difficult to break down well-organised defences. St Neots enjoyed slightly more of the ball but struggled to convert possession into clear chances, while Basford looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

The home side went closest in the opening period when Harvey Williams was denied by a full-length save from visiting goalkeeper Matthew Yates following neat build-up play involving Willis. Basford responded when Jordan Hallam skipped past two defenders before seeing his effort clip the outside of the post. Williams later delivered a teasing cross that Richard-Noel headed just wide, before Willis dragged a late first-half effort off target after joining the attack.

Basford emerged with greater intent after the break and had the ball in the net within six minutes, only for the effort to be ruled out by the assistant referee’s flag. The warning went unheeded, however, and just a minute later the visitors struck the decisive blow.

A defensive clearance split the St Neots back line and Louis Czerwak reacted quickest, slipping between two defenders to finish from close range and give Basford the lead.

The visitors threatened to extend their advantage soon after, with substitute Oliver Wilson seeing a shot blocked before Covarne Leon fired the rebound over the bar. St Neots responded by introducing James Stainsby for the injured Richard-Noel and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but found the Basford defence resolute.

Williams cut inside to shoot over the bar and later set up Rhys Thorpe, whose effort was also off target. As the match wore on, both sides made further substitutions, though Basford were content to manage the game, retaining possession and limiting St Neots to half-chances.

A late break saw Wilson surge through the home defence, only to shoot wide, as St Neots’ frustration grew. Despite their efforts, the hosts were unable to find a way through, and Basford held on for a hard-fought victory.

ST NEOTS TOWN           0         BASFORD UNITED          1