Advantage to Badgers in double header

NCEL PREMIER DIVISION

Retford United 4

BADGERS took three points from the first of a ‘double header’ against West Yorkshire side Liversedge.

United drew first blood after only six minutes, Ricky Chambers sent in a cross from the right that somehow beat Liversedge keeper James Waggett at his far post, the ball hitting the upright and going in for the opening goal.

Brett Marshall’s men kept on the offensive, winning a corner after good work from Carl Haslam, but the ball sent into the box was eventually cleared.

Liversedge looked to get into the game, Nathan Cartman challenging Jason Fisher to poke the ball over the line, but a raised flag cut short the celebrations, then Corey Nightingale did well to block a shot from James Hurtley.

United hit back on the break, Haslam finding the run of Adam Scott, but his return ball was blocked by a defender.

Jerome White was unlucky after his shot from a tight angle was tipped over the bar by Fisher, then the United keeper was called on again to save from Jamie Wasley.

A superb move for Retford from a corner fell to Chambers who sent the ball into the box, Waggett didn’t get a grip on the ball allowing Steve Carty in but the eventual cross back into the box, laid off by Jamie Brown was hit over by Haslam.

Retford struck the post through Warren Hatfield after he was played in by Haslam’s cross.

As the first half came to a close, Liversedge had a golden opportunity to level the scores, Darryl Leach rose unmarked in the box, his header fizzing just over the bar, but it was Retford who had the last chance, Haslam and Baugh combining to feed Brown, his shot was blocked, the loose ball was played back in by Chambers and this time Brown could only fire his effort straight at a defender.

United doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half, Hatfield making a run, linking up well with Haslam for a one-two to fire past the keeper from close range.

Then came a flurry of yellow cards for the home side with three quick bookings before a straight red on 66 minutes for Chris Hanney, seemingly for something he said to the referee after a decision went against him.

Chris Hall, on as a second half substitute, was involved in some good play as he linked up with Hatfield and Baugh for Hatfield to eventually have a shot forcing a good save for a corner.

Liversedge should have found the net on 72 minutes when a ball was hit across goal by Alex Hallam, rolling just wide of the upright, but Retford were gifted an opportunity to increase the lead further, with Lee Mellon, making his first appearance as sub, tripped in the box by Daniel Cooper.

The referee pointed to the spot and Chambers duly dispatched the spot-kick for his second goal of the afternoon.

United finished on top and the scoring was completed two minutes from time as Hall broke into the box to slide the ball past an advancing Waggett to seal all three points and take Retford United back to the top of the division.

Next up is the second game in a week against Liversedge at Cannon Park (17th) before the Christmas break and a Boxing Day clash against Lincoln Moorlands (3pm).

United have been drawn away at Thackley FC in the much awaited Baris NCEL League Cup Third Round.

Related topics: