Late goal ousts Badgers from FA Vase

The 3-2 defeat was all the harder for Badgers to take as they had previously fought back from 2-0 down and looked set for extra-time.

Only seven days previously, Retford had consigned Armthorpe to defeat in the 93rd minute, and this time they were on the receiving end of the late winner.

The opening period saw both sides struggle to settle, with little in the way of chances created.

But on 22 minutes Badgers were unlocked and although Jacob Joyce saw his effort parried by Retford keeper Ayden Duffy, Shane Tolley was on hand to knock his 18th of the season through the stoppe’s legs.

Looking for an immediate response, Retford pushed forward, Danny Frost finding Liam Wilkin who had his shot blocked.

The visitors had penalty appeals turned down, and at the other end Spalding hit the post.

It should have been 2-0 when Tolley went one-on-one with Duffy but the custodian made a fine one-handed save.

Liam Slack fired the ball over the bar, from Rob Sanderson’s header, and Wilkin was taken down as he broke forward, Miles Chamberlain using his arm to halt the progress of the Retford man.

The second half was just three minutes old when Retford were dealt another blow, Slack leaving the game with a facial injury, Adam Scott his replacement.

Spalding increased their lead on 63 minutes, Sanderson failing to clear and giving Tolley the chance to get into the box and fire home his second.

Frost had a chance to pull a goal back when Scott laid the ball to him in the box, but the keeper came out to challenge and clear.

There was confusion when the referee’s whistle went after a Badgers’ corner, but the visitors were delighted when the official pointed to the spot and awarded a penalty.

Frost stroked the ball home and Badgers were back in the game.

Tom James hit the post for Spalding as they tried to put the tie beyond doubt, but on 79 minutes Wilkin shrugged off two defenders and found the net to level the score.

Scott and Wilkin had chances to win the game for Retford, but deep in stoppage time Tolley popped up with his hat-trick goal to send Spalding through.

It’s back to league action on Saturday as Retford face Lincoln Moorlands who make the short trip down the A57 to Cannon Park.

United are then hosting a Race Night after the game to raise funds in the clubhouse, first race 7.30pm.

The event is being supported by the senior squad and management and is free for everyone to join in.