Badgers ready for new season

RETFORD United are ready for the new NCEL season, after victory in the final pre-season friendly of the summer.

Badgers hosted Welsh Cymru Alliance side Porthmadog and won 1-0 at Cannon Park on Saturday.

The friendly was their final of pre-season, before the NCEL Premier League fixtures start this weekend at home to Heanor Town.

Porthmadog had an early chance, a corner hooked off the line by the Retford defence, and then the hosts broke forward, Scott Bibby going close.

Kyle Hadley had an effort saved as Retford put their visitors under pressure in the first half.

A shout for a penalty for Adam Scott was waved away by the referee, and at the opposite end, Graham Boylen went to ground under the challenge of Rob Sanderson, but his appeals for a spot kick came to nothing.

Gryff John’s effort on the volley rolled wide, then Scott mounted an attack that came to nothing.

Retford’s pressure paid off in the 23rd minute, a corner floated into the box was met with a powerful header by Sanderson for his first goal of pre-season.

The second half started with Retford on the attack again, Craig Aspinall firing wide of the post, then great control by Liam Slack enabled him to cross for Hadley who had his free header saved.

Sanderson powered another header wide from a corner and Andy Walkden went close.

Porthmadog keeper Richard Harvey kept the score down, tipping Aspinall’s effort over the bar.

A late chance for Porthmadog came through Craig Roberts, but he couldn’t get past Jack Ward.

After Saturday’s league opener, Retford are at home again on Tuesday as Pickering Town visit (7.45pm).

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