Retford continued their form from December into the New Year with a win over mid-table Thorne Colliery. Thorne had also hit some form in the late year with impressive wins over Renishaw and Sutton. Meaning the game was shaping up to be quite a battle, although it was the opposite.
For the Third time this season, Retford have been taken to penalties in cup competitions and every time they have come out on top. The game wasn’t as exciting as recent games but this was mostly due to the relentless rain and wind throughout the game.
Friday was a key game for both sides, to get vital points and close the gap between them and the top two, Dinnington and Newark. Harworth sat comfortably in third while before Friday night’s game Retford sat in a disappointing fifth, so for the Badgers it was a must win game, do or die.
From the Ref’s first whistle to the last, the Badgers were by far the dominant team. Retford played very maturely and didn’t just go for goal after goal, they enjoyed keeping possession and playing out from the back.
Those who were there last night at the YMCA Activity Village witnessed two strong sides battle it out for 120 minutes. Newark struck first with a goal that game from a corner, the ball landed at the feet of unmarked James Evans for him to easily slot in a goal for the hosts.
