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Basford ready for showdown talks

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Magpies grind out well-earned point

by Howard Milton

Despite question marks about their long-term future, the Magpies' youth team ground out a well-earned Group B point at the Recreation Ground, Weymouth Avenue, on Saturday.

Football club owner Eddie Mitchell questioned the viability of the side when he spoke at a fans' forum last Wednesday - and general manager Phil Basford is to determine the under-18s' future over the next month or so when he meets the Magpies' hierarchy.

Basford said: "Some of the lads have asked whether there will be a team next season. I hope I will be able to say so by the end of next month."

Charlie Lee gave the young Magpies a second-half lead on Saturday. However, they soon conceded an equaliser when keeper Regan Coward and Matt Jones got embroiled in a defensive mix-up and a Broadway striker pounced.

Town's Jack Dale conceded a penalty but both he and Coward were fortunate to see the spot-kick hit a post.

Basford believes the current youth side have several players who could follow in Darren Watts' footsteps by moving up to the first team.

Basford said: "It would be nice to see more involved. The first-team may well need a keeper (following Simon Evans' injury) and there is Regan. Outfield, Chris Clark and Jamie Morgan are left-sided players who could help."

Town are due to travel to City Academy, Bristol, in the league on Saturday.

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