BARTON BEATEN

The Badgers maintained second place in the division with a hard fought win over 10 man Barton Town on Tuesday.

Carl Haslam and Warren Hatfield got the goals as Retford gained momentum ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hall Road Rangers.

Retford took the lead after 10 minutes, a good ball forward from Hatfield found the run of Haslam who made no mistake as he fired home from outside the box.

Barton broke forward and tried to push the United defence, the ball was crossed in, but lacked quality and easily went out for a Retford goal kick.

United kept pressing their hosts, Haslam and Adam Scott combining well on the left wing, Haslam clipping the outside of the post.

Barton had their best chance on 30 minutes as Danny Buttle broke forward, sending in a low shot that was just wide of the upright.

Three minutes later Barton’s Mike Gibson was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Scott which left the United winger with an injured rib, and he was replaced by Steve Owens.

Haslam took the resulting free-kick which he managed to get over the wall, but only into the arms of the keeper.

Deep into stoppage time in the first half, Haslam was tripped just outside the box and Gibson received his second yellow which led to his dismissal.

With the man advantage, Retford started the second half with some good chances, but it wasn’t until the 57th minute that the second goal arrived.

It was a great strike from Hatfield after a good run, picking up a pass from Owens for his sixth of the season.

Barton went close through Gareth Barlow who put his header wide, then a long free-kick played into the box by Ash Lattimore was missed by Jason Fisher and somehow cleared by the United defence.

Good vision by Haslam set up Hatfield, drawing the keeper out of his box but not getting a good clearance on the ball.

Dave Issott tried to chip into an empty net from just inside the Barton half, but could only find the top of the net.

Barton will feel unlucky they didn’t score after Barlow headed over from a good cross late on, and another chance, saved by the feet of Fisher as the home side looked for a glimmer of hope from the game.

Eventually it ended with a victory to the Badgers, and sets up well for another away fixture in Humberside on Saturday.

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