Retford run comes to a halt as Armthorpe fight back

The hosts were without a win in 2013 before the game, and seemed destined for another defeat when Retford went two goals up inside two minutes.

But Retford were unable to hold their lead, and slipped to a disappointing defeat.

The opening goal came when a corner was met in the air by Brett Lucas, who powered his header past the keeper.

A second corner brought a second goal, as some supporters were still entering the ground, Craig Fisher heading to Richard Medcalf who beat keeper Adam Biggs for 2-0.

Armthorpe reduced the arrears on 16 minutes, a good strike from Jay Rollins beating Aydeb Duffy from range.

It could have been 3-1 when Medcalf headed goalwards, but the ball crashed against the bar.

In the second half Badgers thought they had found a third when Reece Thompson stabbed home, a raised flag curtailing the celebrations.

And it came back to haunt Retford a minute later when Armthorpe equalised with a low strike by Stuart Pearson that found the back of the net.

In the 78th minute Armthorpe had the lead for the first time, as the ball was sent into the box and Lucas slid in to clear, but only succeeded in putting through his own net.

Retford’s attempts to find a leveller came up short, and in stoppage time a challenge on Tom Dorgan by Craig Morley sparked a mass brawl.

Morley received a straight red, while Medcalf got his second yellow and his marching orders.

On Saturday Staveley Miners Welfare are the visitors to the Jones and Co Stadium.