Wevextended their unbeaten run to seven games on Saturday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Campion.

In our first away fixture for a while, the Badgers made the trip looking to build on their recent form and continue climbing the table. The first half produced little in the way of clear-cut opportunities. United controlled more of the ball and enjoyed the better chances, but difficult conditions and a strong wind played their part in a physical opening 45 minutes, with tackles flying in from both sides.

The biggest opportunity came after 14 minutes. Lewis Chambers raced through and rounded the Campion goalkeeper, but the angle proved too tight for a shot. He instead looked to pick out Jacob Carter in the middle, only for an excellent defensive header to deny the Badgers. United went into the break frustrated not to be ahead, but they emerged for the second half with even greater intent.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute, and it came from an unlikely source. Following a set piece awarded after a heavy challenge on Conner Williamson, new centre-back Phil Watt found himself in the right place and fired the ball high into the roof of the net, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

Sixteen minutes later, the Badgers doubled their advantage in spectacular fashion. Substitute Alans Voskresenskis picked up the ball outside the area before unleashing a superb strike into the top-left corner. It was a brilliant finish and, just like Watt, his first goal for the club. With time running out, Campion threw everything forward and pulled one back in the 83rd minute when Brandon Kane was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own net.

That set up a tense finish, but the Badgers stood firm, defended well and saw out the remaining minutes to secure another important three points. The victory extends United’s unbeaten run to seven games and moves the Badgers up to third in the table. There is now a week’s break before a huge fixture at Cannon Park next Saturday, when league leaders Dearne & District come to town. Man of the Match went to Josh Waldram, following a battling performance at the heart of the United midfield.

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