It is the final weekend of the 25/26 season this Saturday, and our near-neighbours from Nottinghamshire, Basford United are our last visitors to Grange Park.

Whilst this will be our last game of the season, The Ambers are looking forward to the end-of-season playoffs, having secured third place and a home semi-final, which will be against either Belper Town or Coleshill Town, though Racing Club Warwick could still feature in that scenario, but would need results to go their way along with a 10-goal swing to finish above both those sides.

The Blues are back up into 10th position following back-to-back victories for the first time this year, but couldn't finish any higher than that position, but could drop to 14th with defeat and results elsewhere.

OPPOSITION
Following relegation from step 3 last season, Basford were amongst the favourites for promotion this season, and they have consistently delivered in 25/26, being entrenched in the top 5, having not dropped out since the 17th game of the season. They have been as high as 2nd place and no lower than 4th over the last 23 games.

Managed by experienced Martin Carruthers, who took charge following the departure of Willis Francis in October last year, Carruthers had moved over from his Director Of Football role at the club, having managed the club on 2 occasions previous.

Basford play in a traditional amber coloured kit. Their away shirt is blue, so they will wear their home kit for this weekends match.

Currently lying in 3rd position, they have won 19 games this season, drawing 12 and losing 10 from 41 games. Basford cannot finish any higher or lower, therefore they have earned the right of a home playoff semi-final next week.

FORM
Basford's recent form has been a little patchy. In their last 6 games they have won 2, drew 2 and lost 2. Those defeats were at Lichfield (0-3) and at Anstey (0-4), which could have derailed their push. However, they have recovered somewhat to be unbeaten in their last 4, picking up wins against Wellingborough and Rugby Borough (both 2-1 wins at home), either side of 1-1 draws to Carlton and Shepshed.

Away from home, they have the 9th best record in the Division, collecting 29 points, with 8 wins and 7 defeats amongst their 20 games.
Scoring just 25 goals on their travels, goals have been a little hard to come by, with only 9 teams scoring fewer away from home this season.

In their last 9 league away games, they have recorded just 2 wins, at Rugby Town and Corby, losing 3, scoring 11 times, conceding 18 and keeping 1 clean sheet during this period.

Outside of league football, The Ambers have qualified for the Nottinghamshire Senior Cup Final, to be played at Filed Mill, home of Mansfield Town FC at the start of May, against Kimberley Miners Welfare, having swept aside Carlton Town in the semi-final.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
In the last meeting at the end of November last year, the 2 sides fought out a 1-1 draw in a thrilling climax.

Long Eaton based Basford captain Ethan Stewart headed the hosts in front at Greenwich Avenue, that in the 84th minute of normal time. However following a red card to Rev James deep into stoppage time, which in itself creating even more stoppage time, The Blues scored a dramatic 98th minute equaliser. With the time comfortably past 5-o-clock, Captain Lewis King turned inside the 6-yard box to blast home from close range when up for the second consecutive late, late corner. That was the goalkeepers second goal for the club! Which rescued a point The Blues probably just about deserved in a tight contest.

With Basford United's rise through the pyramid from 2012, we have largely not been in the same Division, but we did previously cross paths with them in the 2013/14 season in Northern Counties East League.
Basford were victorious at Grange Park in October 2013, winning 3-2. Matt Savage netted 2 late goals for The Blues, after we trailed 0-3 after 80 minutes.
Basford recorded a double over us later in the season, winning 2-0 with a goal in each half, in late March 2014.

We did also meet in the 2015/16 season in an FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round match at Greenwich Avenue. Basford won that game 1-0 and went on to play Sporting Khalsa in the next round of the competition, losing 3-2.

ADMISSION
Located just off Station Road, Long Eaton, Grange Park is around a 15-minute walk from Long Eaton Town Centre.
Our postcode is NG10 2EF.
We have parking available on site. If using nearby residential streets, please be respectful of home owners in the area.

We have a fully stocked bar, serving alcoholic and soft drinks, and we also serve a variety of hot and cold food, just outside of our main club house.

Admission is by cash or card only at the turnstile - there are no pre-purchased tickets available
ADMISSION PRICES:
Adults £11
Concessions £8
Under 16's £4 or FREE with a paying adult

Please note, after the game, we will be holding our 'End of season Awards Evening' in the clubhouse. This is likely to commence once the post-game rituals have taken place, and our visitors have departed - so this could start around 5.30 - 5.45. This is an informal gathering, and we are inviting all our supporters to please stay behind or return after the game and be a part of the evening, as we all come together one final time this season.

Finally, may we take this opportunity to thank all our supporters who have backed the side this season. Your support is truly appreciated by everyone connected to the club and we hope to see you all one last time this season to 'Back The Blues!' #YouBlues