Waiting game for Badgers

Their 2-2 draw at leaders Bridlington on Saturday means victory at Cannon Park over Thackley on Tuesday will make Brett Marshall’s men champions.

Retford started well against their rivals, only two minutes into the game Carl Snowden’s effort was deflected for a corner but the Badgers couldn’t make the set piece count.

Corey Nightingale was pressured by Bridlington’s star striker Craig Hogg who eventually got past the defender and had a close range shot on goal, but Jason Fisher was in the right place to block with his feet.

The hosts weren’t to be denied when Tom Fleming’s shot was deflected for a corner and the ball was floated in for Craig Hogg to rise and head past Fisher.

Retford levelled on the half hour mark.

Adam Colton twisted and turned in the Bridlington box before releasing Snowden who fired home past Mark Wilberforce in the Bridlington net.

Twenty minutes into the second half the title race took another twist as Karl Slack beat the offside trap, went past Wilberforce and slid the ball into the net, Retford getting one hand on the trophy.

It looked to be all over as Warren Hatfield netted from close range, only for the flag to be raised for handball.

Bridlington didn’t give up however, and in the 90th minute they won a corner and threw everyone forward including the keeper.

The ball fell to Billy Logan and the Retford defence could do nothing as he shot home a dramatic leveller to keep the league season alive.