Lancaster City take on Basford United looking to close gap on playoff spots

Lancaster City are back at The Giant Axe as they face Basford United.

The Dolly Blues, who drew 1-1 with Whitby Town on Tuesday night, are eighth in the NPL Premier Division, three points behind Macclesfield, who occupy the last of the playoff spots in fifth and have two games in hand.

City are unbeaten in five in the league but meanwhile, their opponents on Saturday are struggling.

Basford United sit 18th, three points above the drop zone, with a recently improved Bradford (Park Avenue) side creeping up behind them.

They joined the NPL last summer, being transferred from the Southern League Premier Division Central, the southern equivalent of the NPL Premier Division, after finishing 15th in 2022-23.

When these two sides met in October in Nottingham, the Lions won 1-0 thanks to an early Jordan Hallam goal.

However, there has been a major change since then, specifically within the last two weeks.

James Jepson resigned as Basford Manager on February 19, with  Danny Holmes and Andrew Danylyszyn now the joint managers of the club.

They have secured three signings this week - defender Victor Nirennold and attackers Finn Ryder and Keiron Berry.

All three new recruits will be eligible for Saturday’s clash.

Basford’s player to watch out for is Remaye Campbell, who has scored ten times this campaign for them.

Lancaster City v Basford United kicks off at 3pm on Saturday (March 2).