A beautiful, sun-soaked afternoon at Cannon Park set the stage for one of the biggest games of the season, with a place in the final on the line. Both sets of supporters turned out in force, creating a brilliant atmosphere as the Badgers looked to finally overcome their recent play-off heartbreak.

Ryan Hindley named a strong starting eleven, with David Kolodynski, Brandon Kane and Matt Tootle all returning to the side. And what followed was nothing short of the perfect start.

Inside the opening minute, the Badgers won a free kick right on the edge of the box. The delivery was spot on, finding skipper Conner Williamson, who cleverly headed the ball across goal. Jackson Buckthorp reacted quickest, attacking it ahead of the defender and turning it home to send Cannon Park into absolute raptures. WHAT A START.

United were on the front foot throughout the opening stages, with Carlton Carty causing all sorts of problems down the flanks. He tested the Staveley goalkeeper on a number of occasions, while Buckthorp nearly grabbed his second on 14 minutes with a volley from the edge of the area that flew just wide.

Despite the early dominance, the Badgers couldn’t quite find that second goal. Staveley did manage to get into some promising areas, but their finishing let them down, with Harvey Woodward largely untroubled in the United goal.

There was a setback on 27 minutes as Ross Duggan was forced off through injury, with Callum Orange coming on. The change disrupted the rhythm slightly, but the back line stood firm. Dom Hart, Conner Williamson, Josh Egginton and Matt Tootle all defended superbly to keep the visitors at bay.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Orange came agonisingly close to doubling the lead, only to see his effort cleared off the line. It would have been the perfect moment to strike, but United went into the break with a narrow 1-0 advantage.

The second half saw Staveley come out with more intent, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. However, their final ball continued to let them down, and Woodward dealt comfortably with anything that came his way. Changes followed for the Badgers, with Josh Devereux and Joe Lumley introduced to inject fresh energy. Both players did exactly that, helping United regain control as the half wore on.

Chances began to open up again late in the game, with Carlton Carty and Ben Ashall going close. Deep into added time, Tootle nearly sealed it after the Staveley keeper missed a cross, but the chance went begging. Moments later, the final whistle blew.

Relief. Joy. Pride. The Badgers had done it. After three consecutive seasons of play-off disappointment, Retford United finally got over the semi-final hurdle. It wasn’t just about quality, it was about heart, determination and a team refusing to let the moment slip.

The manager awarded Man of the Match to Conner Williamson for a commanding performance at the heart of the defence, while the matchday sponsors selected Carlton Carty after an outstanding display on the wing. Both were immense and fully deserving of the recognition.

With Coalville Town F.C. also securing a 1-0 win in the other semi-final, the stage is now set. One final game. One huge opportunity. The Badgers are heading to the play-off final… and they will need your support more than ever.

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