Long Eaton United Community FC Academy earned a point on the road after a 2-2 draw with Basford United’s Academy at Greenwich Avenue.
Lewis Rourke scored the opening goal for Basford before Bache bagged an equaliser with the last kick of the first half. Hasnan Khan put the Blues ahead shortly after the restart, but Sam Newell restored parity with 25 minutes left to play.
Basford United took charge of the match early on and forced Long Eaton United deep into their half. However, a successful high press from the Blues allowed them to gain possession further up the pitch and threaten the Basford goal.
As Long Eaton looked to move forward, Ben Bowers tricky dribbling won a free kick by the edge of the 18-yard box, but Andrew Tsolakis curled the set piece just wide of the goal.
Up the other end of the pitch, Basford looked dangerous down the left flank and cut the ball across the goal for Rourke to score the opener in the 16th minute.
Another Tsolakis free kick from out wide dropped to Khan, although the attacking midfielder’s close-range shot was blocked and cleared.
Long Eaton continued to press high and almost brought the match level when Khan dispossessed Basford’s last man and threaded the ball through for Alans Voskrensenskis to hit – however, the goalkeeper narrowed the angle and made the save to deny the Blues’ winger.
Moments before the break Voskrensenskis was denied once again as Basford’s pulled keeper parried a shot from Tsolakis and blocked the follow-up shot on the line.
With the last kick of the half Bache found an equaliser. Perfectly positioned in the goalmouth, Bache found the back of the net with a rebound after Voskrensenskis’ shot from a tight angle was palmed back into danger by the keeper.
Seven minutes after the restart another great press from the Blues forced a turnover in possession inside the final third and Khan curled the ball past the ‘keeper with a composed finish to fire the Blues in front.
Although, in the 64th minute the match was level again. An attack down the right flank created a chance for Basford, which Newell converted.
End-to-end action ensued, resulting in a nervy finish, though neither side could find a winner.
