It was a trip west for the Badgers on Sunday afternoon as we travelled to Cheshire to face Northwich Victoria in the FA Vase. A huge occasion for Retford United, and one that marked the beginning of a new era at the club. Following the resignation of Ryan Hindley on Friday, Jas Colliver took charge of the Badgers for the first time, facing a difficult opening test against a strong Northwich Victoria side. Colliver’s task was made even tougher by injuries, with captain Conner Williamson and influential midfielder Brandon Kane both unavailable for selection.
The hosts wasted no time in showing their attacking threat. Inside the opening minute, Northwich broke through one-on-one, forcing Harvey Woodward into a fantastic early save to keep the scores level. It was immediately clear that the Vics possessed plenty of pace and quality in attacking areas.
Just a minute later, the referee had a big decision to make at the opposite end. Lewis Chambers looked to break through on goal but was hauled down by the last defender. The Badgers appealed for a red card, but the referee opted for yellow, perhaps deciding that Chambers was still too far from goal to warrant a dismissal. It set the tone for a frantic opening fifteen minutes, with both sides looking dangerous whenever they ventured forward.
Despite the hosts’ early warning, it was the Badgers who began to take control. Carlton Carty was causing all sorts of problems for the Northwich defence, using his pace and attacking ability to create several excellent opportunities. Three powerful efforts from Carty were met by equally impressive saves from the Northwich goalkeeper, who was proving to be just as important to his side as Woodward was to ours.
For the opening twenty-five minutes, we were arguably the better side, moving the ball well and looking capable of breaking the deadlock. However, Northwich gradually grew into the contest and began creating chances of their own as the half progressed. The hosts finished the opening period strongly, and with virtually the final kick of the half, they came agonisingly close to taking the lead. A dangerous set piece was smashed against the underside of the crossbar, with Woodward reacting brilliantly to gather the loose ball before any Northwich player could capitalise. It had been a thoroughly entertaining first half, with both goalkeepers producing outstanding performances to ensure the sides went into the break level.
Unfortunately for Colliver, the injury problems continued at the interval. Experienced defender Matt Tootle was forced off, with Freddie Trueman introduced in his place. It was another frustrating setback for a Badgers side already missing several important players at a crucial stage of the season. Trueman was immediately faced with the difficult task of containing Northwich’s lively and skilful wide players.
The Badgers started the second half brightly, and on the 50-minute mark, came within inches of taking the lead. Centre-half Phil Watt rose to meet a delivery into the area, but his header drifted agonisingly wide of the target. It was a golden opportunity, and one the Badgers would be left to rue just four minutes later.
On 54 minutes, the hosts finally found their breakthrough. Some excellent build-up play opened up the Retford defence, before a composed finish beat Woodward to give Northwich the advantage. It was a frustrating blow for the Badgers, who had more than matched their opponents throughout the opening hour. With their noses in front, Northwich began to turn the screw, pushing forward in search of a second goal that would give them some breathing space.
Dom Hart and the Badgers backline had to stand firm under increasing pressure, producing some excellent defensive work to keep the tie alive. Woodward was also called into action on several occasions, continuing his impressive afternoon between the sticks. Colliver turned to his bench in an attempt to change the momentum, and there was a particularly welcome sight for the travelling Badgers supporters as Alexander Duhameau made his return from injury. Having been sidelined since mid-August, it was fantastic to see Alexander back in action, and he certainly put in a good shift as Retford searched for a route back into the contest.
Despite Northwich’s pressure, the Badgers remained very much in the tie, and with ten minutes remaining, our big opportunity arrived. Chambers managed to find his way through the home defence and, spotting the goalkeeper off his line, attempted an audacious lofted finish. For a moment, it looked destined to bring Retford level, but the ball dropped agonisingly onto the roof of the net. So close to what could have been a huge equaliser! The Badgers continued to push, but with just two minutes of normal time remaining, Northwich delivered the decisive blow.
Another well-worked attacking move ended with a clinical finish, doubling the hosts’ advantage and effectively ending Retford’s hopes of progressing to the next round. It was a disappointing way to end what had been a fiercely contested cup tie, but there could be no complaints about the effort and commitment shown by the Badgers. Our FA Vase journey comes to an end, but there were plenty of positives to take from the afternoon.
Against a very good Northwich Victoria side, the Badgers competed throughout, created some excellent opportunities and showed real character despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the club and the ongoing injury problems. Perhaps the biggest indication of just how competitive this game was came in the Man of the Match awards. Harvey Woodward deservedly picked up the accolade for Retford following a string of excellent saves, while the Northwich goalkeeper was also named his side’s standout performer. When both goalkeepers are awarded Man of the Match, it tells you everything you need to know about the chances created at both ends!
We would like to wish Northwich Victoria all the very best in the next round of the FA Vase and thank them for their hospitality. For the Badgers, attention now turns to Wednesday evening as we return to Cannon Park to welcome Bottesford Town in the NCEL League Cup. A new chapter has begun under Jas Colliver, and while it wasn’t the result we wanted, there was certainly plenty of encouragement to take into the challenges ahead.
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