The Badgers were forced to settle for a share of the spoils at Cannon Park on Saturday afternoon, as a second-half equaliser from Alans Voskresenskis cancelled out Oliver Currie’s superb first-half strike in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Rossington Main.
Following the previous weekend’s dramatic 3-2 victory away at Worsbrough Bridge Athletic, Jas Colliver made just one change to his starting eleven, with Dom Hart returning to the side. It was the visitors who made the brighter start, almost taking the lead inside the opening minute when a wicked deflection sent the ball narrowly wide of Harvey Woodward’s goal. A real let-off for the Badgers, who were given an early warning of Rossington’s attacking intent.
Despite Main’s lively opening, both sides created opportunities in an entertaining first ten minutes. A dangerous delivery from Ashall flashed across the face of the Rossington goal, but nobody in a black and white shirt could apply the finishing touch. Just minutes later, Alexander Duhameau rose to meet a delivery into the area, only to guide his header narrowly wide.
The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute, and it was a moment of real quality from the visitors. Rossington midfielder Oliver Currie spun brilliantly on the ball before unleashing a superb half-volley that flew low into the bottom-left corner. Woodward was left with absolutely no chance as Main took a deserved lead. The visitors had been enjoying the better of the exchanges and continued to look dangerous following their opener.
However, as the half progressed, the Badgers began to find their rhythm. Some promising attacking moves and encouraging passages of play offered hope of a response, but the final ball or finishing touch continued to elude the hosts. For the second successive Saturday, United headed into the dressing room a goal behind, knowing that another second-half comeback would be required to take anything from the afternoon.
The Badgers emerged for the second half with renewed hunger and determination. With Rossington seemingly content to protect their slender advantage rather than push for a second, United began to take control of proceedings, committing more players forward and asking increasingly difficult questions of the visitors’ defence.
One man in particular was causing Main all sorts of problems. Alexander Duhameau was enjoying an excellent afternoon down the right flank, repeatedly getting the better of his opposite number with his pace, trickery and direct running. The Rossington full-back simply couldn’t get to grips with him, and it was only a matter of time before one of those dangerous runs produced something decisive. That moment finally arrived in the 71st minute.
Duhameau once again burst down the right-hand side, beating his man and driving all the way to the byline. With the Rossington defence scrambling, Zander picked out substitute Alans Voskresenskis with a perfectly placed ball across goal, leaving the forward with the task of applying the finishing touch. A fantastic move, a clinical finish and, most importantly, a deserved equaliser for the Badgers!
With Cannon Park lifted by the goal, United continued to press forward in search of a winner. The momentum was firmly with the hosts, who had worked tirelessly to drag themselves back into the contest. However, Rossington deserve credit for their defensive resilience. Despite Retford’s pressure and attacking intent, Main remained organised and disciplined, preventing the Badgers from creating that one clear-cut opportunity needed to complete the turnaround.
As the clock ticked towards ninety minutes, the contest began to change once again. With tired legs on both sides and spaces beginning to open up, it was suddenly the visitors who looked the more likely to snatch a dramatic late winner. Five minutes of added time brought a nervy conclusion to an already fiercely contested afternoon. Both sides had opportunities to push forward, but with so much effort already invested in the contest, neither wanted to risk throwing away the point they had worked so hard to secure.
In the end, the referee’s final whistle brought an entertaining and physical battle to a close, with the points shared at Cannon Park. It was certainly a game of two halves. Rossington were the better side in the opening period and deserved their advantage, but the Badgers showed excellent character and determination after the break to fight their way back into the contest.
Another comeback from Colliver’s side, although this time there would be no winner. On the balance of play, a draw was probably the fairest outcome between two sides who gave everything over the ninety minutes. A special mention goes to Joe Lumley, who was deservedly awarded Man of the Match following an outstanding individual performance.
Retford United FC Limited Company: 11388953
Club Registered Number: OC348147 | Owner: Nicholas Springthorpe