Badgers back to winning ways

Retford United 1

BADGERS returned to winning ways with an important victory over Brighouse Town, who entered the game at the top of the table.

After two defeats in their last two outings, in the cup against New Mills and away at Tadcaster, victory was finally achieved in front of their home support.

Retford were first to go on the attack, Adam Scott forcing a quick clearance from the Town keeper, giving Bobby Johnson an opportunity to shoot, but the effort was blocked.

A corner from Scott was punched clear by Tom Taylor, as Rob Sanderson challenged, and Graeme Severn’s shot fell wide.

Danny Naidole tried to kick start Brighouse, his shot taking a deflection into the arms of Jack Ward, then Retford were unlucky not to find the net as Scott tried to catch the keeper off his line, looping the ball onto the crossbar.

On 16 minutes, the target was found. A corner sent in by Scott was inch perfect for Sanderson who made no mistake as his header powered past the keeper and into the back of the net.

Sanderson was called into action moments later, this time his header at the other end ensured Brighouse were kept at bay.

Joe Mitchell played the ball through looking for the run of Anthony Brown, but the Brighouse striker couldn’t stretch to meet it and Ward was able to collect.

Johnson did well to stay on his feet as he burst forward, he played in Shaun Nesbitt who got into the box, the keeper having to dive to block his shot.

Tom Brown had an effort that lacked power and was easy for Ward to collect, then Scott sliced open the Brighouse defence to run forward despite the offside protests, his ball across for Nesbitt was good, but there was no connection.

The second half saw Kyle Hadley replace Parlby and he was in action from the start.

Good work from Nesbitt found Hadley, his ball across goal had the keeper beaten but the ball rolled wide of the far post, then Tom Dorgan and Scott combined to win a corner, once again Sanderson was the target who could only head wide.

For Brighouse Nick Jagger’s far post header was over the bar, then a corner floated in saw Naidole hit wide.

United lost Johnson to injury, being replaced by fellow Under 19 striker Reece Thompson with 10 minutes remaining.

Hadley’s ball in gave Thompson a great chance, but his faint touch couldn’t angle the ball towards goal.

Ernest Boafo thought he had levelled for Brighouse with only two minutes remaining, his shot was on target, but was well saved by Ward as he flung himself down to palm the ball away for a late corner.

Sanderson’s goal was enough to give United the three points before a week free of fixtures, ahead of Saturday’s visit to newly promoted Glasshoughton Welfare.

One other change to the fixture list has been made, with the home game against Worksop Parramore scheduled at Cannon Park next Tuesday (25th) being switched to Worksop, with the reverse fixture on Boxing Day now to be played at Cannon Park.

This change is due to the pitch at Parramore being double booked with their tenants Worksop Town on Boxing Day.