Badgers go through ‘Gate

The game almost got off to a dream start for the Badgers, when with only seconds on the clock Kyle Hadley broke free and was inches wide with his effort.

Ryan Johnson had the first effort for the home side, his shot rising over the bar, then Sam Smith found himself in front of goal but Ayden Duffy did well to get across and make the save.

Lee Hill drilled in a good ball that Duffy did well to react and block, the second effort by Martyn Lee was cleared for a corner.

Retford’s Adam Scott picked up the ball deep in midfield, he managed to weave into the box but the ball was shepherded back to the keeper.

Lee forced another fine save from Duffy, then headed wide.

Retford looked to step up their efforts in the second half, Hadley’s cross in for Johnson was caught in the air by the keeper, then both Reece Thompson and Brett Lucas couldn’t get a final touch on Scott’s corner.

Finally, the breakthrough came on 74 minutes, when a free-kick was curled to the far post, Thompson meeting with his head to put United into the lead.

Seconds later the scoreline was doubled, a great run from the left took Scott into the box before he slotted the ball past the keeper.

As the game came to an end, Retford soaked up the Parkgate attack, the home side winning a succession of corners, and the final score could have been increased further as Scott’s shot was only a matter of inches away from the top corner.

But the points had been won and United go up to sixth place in the league.

The next game sees a home match against Arnold Town at the Jones and Co Stadium on Saturday at 3pm.