Badgers top at Christmas

Liversedge were out for revenge after last week’s 4-0 defeat by the Badgers, and got off to the perfect start with a goal inside 20 seconds.

David Boardman put his side ahead from close range despite the Retford defence appealing for handball in the build up to the goal.

United were back on level terms on nine minutes, good work by Warren Hatfield got the ball across goal for Adam Scott to run in and strike past James Waggett in the visitors’ net.

The hosts went 2-1 up on 16 minutes, Scott with his second of the afternoon with a fantastic run through the Liversedge defence to get into the box before firing an unstoppable shot past the keeper.

Liversedge went close as they tried to push for an equaliser, a goalmouth scramble hooked away by the Retford defence, then a ball fired across goal by Carl Horsman evaded everyone with Jamie Wasley attempting to get the ball back into the mix but his cross went out of play.

Jamie Brown did well on the United left and should have done better as he tried to pass to Scott, the ball cut out by the Liversedge defence, and United were close after Hatfield robbed the ball from the keeper and from a tight angle could only find the side netting.

Hatfield’s chance was to come a few minutes later when, on 38 minutes, he powered home a shot meeting a cross from Scott for his 11th goal of the season.

In the second half the home side then had to do some defending, Rob Austin with a superb stop as James Huntley broke into the box, the United defender standing firm to halt the visiting attack.

A short corner between Halsam and Scott saw the ball sent into the far post looking for the head of Barry Payne, on as a half time substitute for Jamie Brown, but Daryl Leach rose higher to clear the ball.

Liversedge were desperate to avoid defeat for a second week against the Badgers and almost pulled a goal back through Jamie Wasley, but his powerful shot crashed against Steve Carty and away to safety.

United had their hearts in their mouths as Liversedge were awarded a penalty on 70 minutes, Austin adjudged to have handled the ball, Boardman stepping up to the spot-kick and seeing it saved by Jason Fisher.

The visitors did pull a goal back on 78 minutes, Corey Nightingale turning the ball into his own net after a tricky ball in from a corner to give Liversedge a glimmer of hope.

But the game was all over with a minute left on the clock as another run from Man of the Match Scott saw him get to the touchline with plenty of time and space and instead of going for his hat-trick goal, he took the wise option to play the ball across the goal for Payne to stab home from close range and seal the points for Retford.

With other results going Retford’s way, both Scarborough and Bridlington losing, United go into Christmas on top of the table.

United are back in action against Lincoln Moorlands on Boxing Day (away) with a 3pm kick-off, then return to Cannon Park on 2nd January when Parkgate make the short trip from Rotherham (3pm).