It was first against third at Cannon Park on Saturday as the Badgers welcomed league leaders Dearne & District for what promised to be a blockbuster encounter. There was just one change to the starting eleven, with Brandon Kane returning to the side, and Retford came flying out of the blocks.
The Badgers should have been ahead before a minute had even passed. Jacob Carter found himself with an early opportunity, only to be denied by a fantastic double save from Dearne goalkeeper Ellis Pickard. Retford had been fired out of a cannon. The opening 20 minutes produced some of our best football of the season, with the Badgers repeatedly finding gaps in the visitors’ defence and creating chances.
Ben Ashall went close, while Lewis Chambers was causing Dearne problems throughout the opening period. On 22 minutes, Chambers came within inches of breaking the deadlock when his header struck the post. Dearne eventually began to grow into the contest, but the Badgers continued to threaten.
On 35 minutes came a huge moment. Carter went down inside the area following a challenge from former Badger Owen Fieldsend, with strong appeals for a penalty waved away by the referee. At the other end, Dearne almost snatched the lead before the break, forcing Harvey Woodward into an excellent save as he tipped an effort onto the crossbar and behind.
Somehow, an incredibly entertaining first half finished goalless. With the chances created at both ends, it could quite easily have been 4-3 rather than 0-0. The second half was a much more settled affair. Dearne enjoyed more of the possession, but the chances remained fairly even as both sides searched for the breakthrough.
The biggest opportunity arrived five minutes from time. Substitute Alans Voskresenskis connected brilliantly with a half-volley that looked destined for the top-left corner, but Pickard produced another superb stop. The Dearne number one had frustrated the Badgers all afternoon and was undoubtedly one of the standout performers on the pitch.
Retford arguably created the better opportunities to win it, but with both sides having chances throughout the afternoon, a draw was a fair reflection of an excellent Step 5 contest. An impressive performance from the Badgers, with the only thing missing being a goal.
Lewis Chambers was named the Badgers’ Man of the Match after another relentless performance and non-stop work rate. Attention now turns to Tuesday night, when we travel to Parkgate looking to finish September with three points.
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