Basildon United preview (9-1-16)

After almost a month without a game, Forest return to action after the Christmas break this Saturday with a tough encounter against table-topping Basildon United.

The Bees have only lost four times this season, winning their other 17 games, and sit two points clear at the top of the table with a game in had on FC Romania.

On the 10th of December news emerged that Basildon hadn’t applied for promotion at the end of the season, despite being in contention for the title throughout the season. Apparently, United did with to apply for promotion, but missed the deadline for the requiste paperwork.

Many expected the wheels to come off, but after losing 4-0 to AFC Dunstable in the FA Vase, Basildon have beaten Stansted, Southend Manor and Enfield to remain top of the league.

Bees are expected to have former Forest midfielder Vinny Murphy in their line-up this Saturday.

Forest have only beaten their visitors once in four attempts – that came back in 1999 in the Essex Thameside Trophy. Basildon won 2-1 when the sides met earlier this season, Kubilay Akbayrak getting Forest’s goal.

Should a pitch inspection be required on Saturday, news will be posted here and on the club’s Twitter account: @walthamforestfc. You’ll also be able to follow the game live on Twitter from 3PM.