Earlier in the day the FA news broke that all non-elite football would be halted during the second lockdown, meaning that this game would be our last for at least a month. Knowing this the Badgers wanted to go out on a high with a win against the formidable Newark Town.
The whistle went and you could tell both sides were up for it. It has always been a great game when we have played Newark in the last few years. The opposition started really well and caused the defence a few problems early on. There were a few scrambles in the box before Newark got the opener. It came on the 19th minute when Jonathan Wiles decided to shoot from at least 25 yards out. A great goal from the Newark forward. The Badgers responded well, playing more fluidly both down the wings and through the middle. On the 24th minute they had Newark pinned in as they played it round the box. Adam Daughtrey found the bottom right corner from the edge of the box. Nathan Burrows the opposition keeper didn’t even attempt to save it as it looked as if it was going wide. Another great goal in the game brought the Badgers level.
Newark’s star man, Lewis Chambers had a big chance to take the lead in the 40th minute as he broke through the defence with pace and got a shot off inside of the box. Luckily Tom Crosby was there to make a great save to keep the score equal. The Badgers also got a chance in the dying seconds of the first half as Brandon Kane played a precise ball over the top, for Mark West to volley goal wards. Unfortunately West scuffed his shot sending it wide. The whistle was blown and the sides were level at the half.
The Badgers started very well in the second half and this was soon shown when Jay Paling won the ball on the half way line, charged forward and played it out wide to Daughtrey. Adam crossed the ball to West who this time didn’t scuff his shot. The Keeper got there but couldn’t do enough to keep it out. Mark celebrated in style. He was so up for this game and is in the form of his life! Retford continued to attack using Igor Mlynarski as a key weapon. Mlynarski was causing so many problems for the Newark defence with his quick feet.
United well and truly dominated the second half, giving few chances away and never looked like conceding again. Newark are a very good side, but were outplayed last night. The whistle was blown for full time. What a win and what way to go out. The Badgers are now second in the table as Clay Cross’ goal difference is superior to ours. Man of the Match was given to Igor Mlynarski for a class performance from the young winger. We hope that you stay safe over this lockdown and hopefully we can carry on where we left off when play resumes!
“Up the Badgers”