Badgers beat Notts rivals and host of former players

Retford United’s 2-1 win over Notts rivals Arnold Town on Saturday gained a measure of revenge, for a defeat suffered at Eagle Valley earlier in the season.
Match action from Retford United's game against Arnold TownMatch action from Retford United's game against Arnold Town
Match action from Retford United's game against Arnold Town

Arnold, managed by former Retford assistant boss Graham Walker, featured ex-Badgers Chris Baugh, Rob Austin, Danny Hayes and Chris Hall, while the hosts had Gav Cooper starting in place of unavailable Bobby Johnson.

Retford started brightly and looked dangerous on the attack, but it was the visitors who had the first clear shot at goal, Austin firing his effort straight at Ayden Duffy.

Reece Thompson threatened for Badgers, Hayes blocking the run to stop Retford applying more pressure.

Against the run of play, Arnold took the lead, the ball was played into the box and a back header by Rikki Gardner beat a full stretch Duffy to give his side a 20th minute lead.

On 39 minutes another magical moment from Thompson levelled the scores.

He picked up the ball near the halfway line before making a run into the box and firing in a sweet shot into the net.

In the second half a handball in the area by Arnold went unnoticed by the referee.

But on 51 minutes the Retford fans were celebrating again, captain James O’Neill finding the back of the net after Adam Scott’s free-kick was flicked on by Thompson.

O’Neill later had a goal chalked off, rising to win the header and finding the bottom corner, but he was offside.

Retford travel to Armthorpe Welfare on Saturday.

Friday night sees a senior section fundraising quiz night at the clubhouse at 7.15pm.

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