The Central Midlands Football League put us in to play Thorne for the second time this season after our cup game was played midweek. We previously played Thorne in the first game of the season and took home the three points after two very late goals. Hopefully this time we would make it easier for ourselves.
The Badgers started well but so did Thorne, the first 15 minutes were end to end. I think every supporter would’ve been happy if the game stayed at the same high tempo for the full 90. Whoever was to get the opener would take a hold of the game. In the 23rd minute Mark West made a great run down the right hand side and supplied a very dangerous ball into the box, however the keeper was quick off his line and got there before Dean Conway could put it away. Unfortunately West went down injured a few minutes later, which meant he was substituted for new signing, Jonathan Fusco. We wish Mark a speedy recovery and good to go for our next game.
The first goal came on the 37th minute and luckily it was the men in black and white that got the breakthrough. Jason Paling darted down the right hand side, just like West had earlier in the half. He played the ball inside, intending it to go to the back post, but it took a deflection and fell at the feet of Brandon Kane. Kane didn’t mess about, he put his foot through the ball and it went straight into the bottom left corner. Kane celebrated in style, knee sliding in the wet conditions, knowing how important that goal was. The Badgers went into the changing rooms happy.
As the second half started, Retford continued to pile on the pressure. In the 52nd minute they won a corner on the far side. Mason Barlow played in the corner, it was headed out straight back to him. Mason then put in a pinpoint cross that seemed to travel in slow motion. The cross found Tom Brook who headed it past the Thorne keeper and into the goal. 2-0. In the 74th minute the Badgers nearly got a third as Fusco headed it onto the bar. Things got tense a few minutes later as Thorne pulled one back through Nick Howcraft after the Badgers defence went to sleep. Just under 15 minutes left to play.
Tom Crosby showed his class, with 3 great saves as Thorne looked for the equaliser. But that never came as the Badgers kept possession well and didn’t let Thorne get another chance. The Badgers had done the double over James O’Neil’s men. A great performance from the lads, three points well deserved. Mason Barlow was chosen as Man of The Match. Our next game is another home one, we play Staveley Miners Welfare Reserves on Saturday 10th October 3pm KO.
“Up the Badgers”