The Opposition - History
Basford United was founded in 1900 at the Old Pear Tree Inn, starting in the Notts Combination before joining the Notts Alliance, where they won several early league titles. They spent much of the 20th century moving between divisions, with relegations and promotions in the 1970s–90s, and lifted the Notts Senior Cup in 1947 and 1988. After briefly withdrawing in 2005–06, they returned stronger, finishing runners-up twice before switching to the Central Midlands League.

Success followed with back-to-back titles in 2011–13, leading to promotions up the non-league pyramid. Basford claimed the Midland League Premier Division title in 2014–15, alongside more Notts Senior Cup wins, and reached the Northern Premier League Division One South play-offs the following season.

In 2017–18 they won Division One South to move into the Premier Division, again securing county cup honours. League restructuring saw moves between the Northern Premier and Southern Leagues, before relegation to Division One Midlands followed a second-bottom finish in 2024–25.

Manager Willis Francis took over in January 2025.

A journey of around 18 miles awaits the Nailers today.

The Opposition - This Season
Basford have had a great start to the season. After a thrilling opening day draw at home to Sutton Coldfield Town, where eight goals were shared, they won by a single goal at Shepshed Dynamo before progressing in the FA Cup with a comfortable win over Hucknall Town.
Last time out they defeated Anstey Nomads at Greenwich Avenue and come into the match today undefeated.

League (6th): P 3 W 2 D 1 L 0 F 7 A 5 Pts. 7
Cups: P 1 W 1 D 0 L 0 F 5 A 0

Top goalscorers: Henri Wilder (3), Kieran Cummings & Jack Goodman (2)
Most appearances: Various (4)
Biggest victory: 5-0 vs. Hucknall Town (16th August)
Heaviest defeat: N/A
Highest home attendance: 394 vs. Hucknall Town (16th August)
Average home attendance: 295 (9th/22)
Most consecutive wins: 3
Most games without a win: 1
Most consecutive defeats: 0
Most games without a defeat: 4

The Nailers
After an indifferent pre-season Belper got off to a winning start in the NPL at St. Neots Town.
The first home match saw a narrow win over Loughborough Students but this was followed by a disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Kidsgrove Athletic.
A midweek trip to league newcomers Lichfield City saw the Nailers come away with a 1-1 draw but on Saturday it was back to winning ways as Boldmere St. Michaels were defeated at the Raygar Stadium.
Kevin Bastos leads the goalscoring charts with five, while Ben Rhodes has two. James Tague, Jack Broadhead and Jonathan Wafula have one apiece.

Head to Head
The two sides have met eight times before, with the Nailers winning just once, a fantastic 4-2 FA Cup victory at Greenwich Avenue in 2016.
The list also includes a 7-1 Basford win in April 2017 and a 5-5 League Cup draw later that year at Belper.
Overall record for Belper: P 8 W 1 D 2 L 5 F 11 A 22.

The return fixture from today is scheduled for Thursday, 1st January 2026.

Form Guide (all competitive matches)
Basford United: DWWW
Belper Town: WWLDW

Team News
Full team news will be announced at 2:15pm. There are no major injury concerns or suspensions.

Permutations
The Nailers will remain top of the table if they win and the margin is better than that of Coventry Sphinx.
If they are defeated and other results go against them, they could slip down as far as 7th.
For Basford they could end the day top of the table if they win and Sphinx are defeated, but they would also need favours from the opponents of Carlton and Corby.

Match details
Basford United vs. Belper Town
Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One Midlands

Monday, 25th August 2025 - 3:00pm kick off

Greenwich Avenue
Basford
Nottingham
NG6 0LD

Admission prices: Adults £10, Concessions £7.50, Student £3

Follow the match
Full coverage of the match:

• Audio commentary with Tom on Radio Belper Town
• Full text coverage on X and Facebook
• Match reports on the website (all matches) and in the Non-League Paper (Saturday matches only)

NPL Midlands fixtures
AFC Rushden & Diamonds vs. Corby Town
Basford United vs. Belper Town
Boldmere St. Michaels vs. Coleshill Town
Coventry Sphinx vs. Bedworth United
Lichfield City vs. Sutton Coldfield Town
Long Eaton United vs. Carlton Town
Loughborough Students vs. Mickleover FC
Racing Club Warwick vs. Rugby Borough
Rugby Town vs. Shepshed Dynamo
St. Neots Town vs. Wellingborough Town