A title decider, a packed Cannon Park, and a crowd of 1,080 set the stage for what was a brilliant advert for football in Retford.
The Badgers made just one change from the win at Dunkirk two days prior, with Carlton Carty returning to the starting eleven in place of Drew Allwood. The stakes could not have been higher. The visitors arrived knowing a point would secure the league title, while the Badgers were determined to take the race to the final weekend.
It was a bright and energetic start from the Badgers. Josh Devereux and Ben Ashall both found joy down the flanks early on, delivering dangerous balls into the box that either resulted in corners or were gathered by Fielding in the Retford FC goal. The early pressure had the home crowd right behind the lads.
After the opening 15 minutes, the visitors began to grow into the game and take control. Woodward was called into action on a number of occasions, producing important saves to keep the scores level. However, on 26 minutes, the deadlock was broken. Former Badger Liam Bennett found the net, continuing his strong scoring form for the Choughs.
Just three minutes later, things went from bad to worse. Retford FC were awarded a penalty and Rory Coleman stepped up, calmly converting to double the visitors’ advantage. At that stage, it looked like it could turn into a long afternoon, with the visitors threatening to take full control.
But the Badgers responded. On 39 minutes, a well-worked break saw Brandon Kane strike the post. Reacting quickest, he delivered a pinpoint cross to Ross Duggan, who powered a header past Fielding to pull one back. The goal reignited both the team and the crowd, giving the Badgers real belief heading into the break, despite trailing.
The second half saw a transformed performance. The Badgers came out with intent, playing the attacking football that has defined their season. On 57 minutes, they were handed a huge opportunity as Duggan was brought down in the box by Bennett. Duggan stepped up himself and made no mistake, firing home the equaliser and making it known to the away support.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Badgers pushed for a winner that would take the title race to the final day. Substitutions were made and risks taken, but Retford FC showed their experience, managing the game well and slowing the tempo when needed.
Despite the late pressure, the decisive third goal never came. At the final whistle, the visitors celebrated on the pitch, having secured the league title.
Congratulations to Retford FC, the table reflects their consistency across the season. For the Badgers, attention now turns to the play-offs. With second place secured, a home semi-final and final await.
One final regular season game is away to Sandiacre this Saturday. Josh Devereux was awarded his second Man of the Match award in three days with an exceptional performance.
Keep the faith, Badgers. The only way we do it is together.
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