Basford frustrated after Celtic late leveller

SCOTT Bakkor’s equaliser deep into stoppage time denied Basford United a first league win since October as they drew 1-1 at home against Stalybridge Celtic.

Bakkor reacted first to nod a flicked cross into the back of the net after Dom Roma looked to have sealed all three points for the hosts after 77 minutes.

The point moves Steve Chettle’s men back up to eighth in the NPL Premier Division but they remain winless in the league since a 2-0 win over Hyde United two months ago.

In a game that lacked any real quality early on, it took until the 14th minute for the first chance, and it went to United’s Kane Richards who spooned well over after a corner was half-cleared.

Justin Johnson looked lively for Celtic down the right but found himself up against Jordan Haywood – making his first senior start – who impressed throughout

The winger’s cross after 25 minutes was dangerous – after he made a rare foray beyond Haywood – however, no-one in blue or white was in attendance to stab home.

In difficult conditions, Johnson then tested Jordan Pierrepont – replacing Adam Collin – who saved well at his near post and the keeper’s man of the match accolade was deserved when he wonderfully tipped Jake Burton’s shot around his post.

All square at the break, the unusually quiet Terry Hawkridge stung the hands of William Huffer after the interval with a low drive which lacked any testing power before referee Daniel Smith had to call peace on a harmless scuffle between Brad Gascoigne and Keenan Quansah.

Approaching the last 10 minutes, Towle’s shot deflected wide and the resultant corner was headed powerfully goalwards by the striker for Huffer to save.

In the melee, the ball fell kindly for defender Roma who slammed into the empty net for the go ahead strike, much to the delight of those who braved the elements.

With the three points destined to stay in Nottingham, an innocuous cross was flicked on at the front post for Bakkor who buried his header beyond Pierrepont to salvage an unlikely point for Celtic.

United travel to face Lancaster City at the Giant Axe Stadium in the NPL Premier Division on Saturday (3pm).