Tigers Retro: Ninth-place finish in strong 1984-85 league

Stepping back another year, we come to 1984-85 as Worksop entered a team in the Central Midlands League, Reserve Premier Division.

They would play the likes of Lincoln United, Retford Town, Hinckley Athletic, Alfreton Town, Eastwood Town, Belper Town, Arnold and Heanor Town, as well as the Reserve team of Football League club, Chesterfield.

After an opening day 3-0 defeat at Lincoln, the Reserves crashed in five goals at Retford Town. Cowlishaw 2, Cavell, Gabbitas and Pennington got the goals. Gabbitas then scored all three in a 3-1 win at Hinckley Athletic.

The first home game at Central Avenue saw a hugely entertaining 4-3 victory against Gresley Rovers, Watmuff 2, Gabbitas and Pennington on target.

Although Tigers then went to Saltergate and beat Chesterfield 2-1, a four match losing streak was ended by a 0-0 draw at Arnold.

The ‘double’ was registered over Chesterfield as they were beaten 4-3 on December 8, Moore, Brannan, Wragg and Richardson the scorers. In the League Cup, Heanor were hammered 9-3, Pennington grabbing four, but the next round saw a 2-1 defeat at Lincoln.

However, after beating eventual champions Ilkeston 3-1 on February 20 and then Heanor 4-1 three days later, both at Central Avenue, results dipped a little, some players drifted away and by March 16 the team was being beaten 4-1 at Central Avenue by bottom side Hinckley.

They ultimately finished in ninth place having won nine, drawn five, lost 12, scored 43 and conceded 52.