TWO LOST IN A ROW

RETFORD United suffered two disappointing defeats in a row this week, starting with an exit from the FA Cup on Saturday.

The 2-1 defeat at home to New Mills was followed on Tuesday by a 1-0 loss at Tadcaster Albion, when the woodwork denied them a share of the spoils.

Steven Moore got a double for New Mills at Cannon Park on Saturday, one either side of half-time, and although Steve Phillips hit back for Retford on 67 minutes they were unable to find an equaliser.

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On Tuesday United were without Rob Sanderson and Jake Stannard, but did give a first start of the season to Bobby Johnson, who had made the step up from the Under 19s.

Johnson almost found himself through on goal early on after Phillips had sent the ball forward, but it rolled out of play before Johnson could get a touch.

Adam Scott was caught offside on two occasions as Tadcaster held their line well, but they were almost undone seconds later when good work from Johnson found Phillips who hit the bar with his fierce effort.

Tom Dorgan made a good block as Tadcaster looked dangerous through Terry Taylor, then a free-kick by Ryan Qualter had a scramble at the far post that Andy Walkden cleaerd.

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A free-kick from the right caused a scramble at the near post, Jack Ward having to get down to block, the ball eventually cleared for a corner.

The best effort of the half for the visitors came when Phillips was brought down 25 yards from goal, the free-kick was floated over the wall by Scott and crashed against the crossbar, bouncing down on the line a Tadcaster player hooked it away.

Shaun Nesbitt almost caught out the keeper with an audacious lob, but it was the home side who took the lead on 38 minutes, Callum Ward firing in against the run of play.

Retford looked for an immediate response from the start of the second half, a header from Johnson almost found Scott but the keeper got to the ball first, then a free-kick in by Scott saw Phillips challenging, the keeper dropped the ball but United couldn’t get hold.

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Retford were forced into efforts from distance, Nesbitt firing over the bar and Phillips heading off target.

Gav Cooper met Nesbitt’s long throw to head wide, and Ben Parlby fired his effort into the arms of the keeper.

A handball on the edge of the box gave United a free-kick, Johnson hitting his shot over, and the evening could have got worse for Retford, but this time the woodwork came to their rescue as Ward fired against the foot of the post.

Despite their efforts, Retford United couldn’t find the back of the net and were subjected to another league defeat.

The result leaves Badgers eighth in the NCEL Premier League table, and on Saturday they host Brighouse Town, who sit fourth at Cannon Park (3pm).

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