The play off journey begins on home soil this Saturday as the Badgers welcome familiar opponents Staveley Miners Welfare, the Trojans, to Cannon Park for a huge semi final clash.
Heading into the final weeks of the regular season, this was not the play off match up many would have predicted. South Normanton and Grace Dieu both looked to be in the driving seat for that final play off place, but Staveley’s late surge in form, combined with dropped points elsewhere, saw the Trojans force their way into the top five. Even on the final day, they were still among the least expected sides to grab that spot, but they got the job done and now stand in the way of the Badgers and a place in the final.
Staveley come into this one in strong form. Over the final month or two of the season, only Retford United picked up more points than the Trojans, showing just how dangerous they can be at exactly the right time. Their late push helped them finish the season on 82 points, 21 behind the Badgers, who ended another outstanding campaign on 103. Staveley averaged 1.86 points per game across the season, while United averaged an impressive 2.34, underlining just how strong Ryan Hindley’s side have been from start to finish.
For the Badgers, this is another shot at putting things right in the play offs. This will be the club’s third consecutive play off campaign, having fallen at the semi final stage in each of the previous two attempts. Everyone connected with the club will be hoping that this really is a case of third time lucky. But the aim is not just to go one better and reach the final, it is to win the play offs and complete the job.
The Badgers will take confidence from their two meetings with Staveley during the regular season, having done the double over the Trojans. Back in August, United claimed a convincing 3-0 win at Cannon Park, while the return fixture in December ended in a hard fought 2-1 victory at Inkersall Road, with Carlton Carty scoring the late winner. Those results will give the Badgers belief, but knockout football brings a completely different test.
Staveley have threats of their own and Joel Ward is certainly one to watch. He finished the regular season as the Trojans’ top scorer with 17 goals in 33 appearances. But this is not a side that relies on just one man. Their goals have been shared around the squad, which makes them an even tougher proposition to contain.
Of course, once the whistle blows, the league table, the averages and the previous results count for very little. Play off football is all about the occasion, the pressure and who can rise to it on the day. It comes down to one game, one chance, and who wants it more.
Cannon Park has been a fortress for the Badgers and the players will need your backing once again for this massive occasion. Let’s get the ground full, get behind the lads and help push Retford United into the play off final. Gates, bar and kitchen will all open at 1:30pm. Please note, season tickets are not valid for this fixture.
Come on you Badgers.
Retford United FC Limited Company: 11388953
Club Registered Number: OC348147 | Owner: Nicholas Springthorpe