Rout puts Retford in second spot

Bagers didn’t start well against last season’s NCEL Division One winners, but by full-time they had moved second in the table thanks to the 5-1 victory.

Albion Sports took the lead after only a minute, Karl Hall breaking down the left and slotting past Jody Barford in the Retford goal.

On 21 minutes, Retford were deservedly level. A corner kick was knocked down by Brett Lucas for Reece Thompson to strike his ninth goal of the season.

There were a couple of let-offs for the hosts before the break, Albion unable to take advantage of promising attacks and Retford mistakes.

The two sides went in level at the break, but it took just three minutes of the second half for Retford to go in front.

Thompson’s run drew Jan Zolna out of his box, forcing him to make a block, but the ball fell to Lee Holmes who fed Thompson for his second.

On 58 minutes it was 3-1, Craig Fisher firing home to take the wind out of Sports’ sails and give Retford the momentum.

Liam Wilkin entered the fray with 12 minutes remaining in the game, and his first touch was a diving header that sent Holmes’ cross into the net to further extend the lead.

The fans were treated to one more goal, three minutes later, as Fisher bagged his brace, cutting into the box and curling the ball into the back of the net.

Thompson had a chance to secure his hat-trick in the final minute, his shot forcing a great block by the keeper to keep the score down.

The next game pits the Badgers once again against Tadcaster Albion at the Jones and Co Stadium on Saturday ,followed by another home game against Bridlington Town the following Tuesday evening.

United have been drawn at home against Oadby Town in the FA Vase First Round on Saturday 19th October, which means the scheduled match against Lincoln Moorlands will now take place on Tuesday 3rd December.