Retford: Wilkin at the treble for in-form United

Rossington opened the scoring after only two minutes as former Retford United player Lee Holmes found the net after good control in the box to fire past triallist keeper Luke Scollins.

Retford were frustrated with several offside decisions as Reece Thompson’s pace took him past the defence, only to be halted by the assistant referee’s flag.

But on 15 minutes, Wilkin levelled the scores as he fired into an open goal after good work from Jake Stannard had drawn the keeper.

Three minutes later Retford were in front, Thompson doing well on the left to cross the ball to the far post for Kyle Hadley to fire home.

And the scoring wasn’t over as four minutes later, Wilkin grabbed his second of the night with a great finish under pressure from a Rossington defender.

More chances fell for Retford through Thompson who struck at the keeper, then Rossington had a good effort through Willie McGhie but Scollins was able to push the ball round the post.

Wilkin secured his hat-trick on 38 minutes as good build up from Bobby Johnson and Hadley got the ball through to Wilkin, who slid it home.

As the first half ended, Retford wasted a golden double-chance to go even further ahead as Thompson’s header hit the post and the follow-up strike by Wilkin was blocked on the line.

An even better chance was missed on the hour as Retford were awarded a penalty after Liam Gaughan was brought down in the box. But he saw his spot-kick saved.

Gaughan was off-target again soon after with a header and it looked like Retford might pay the price when Rossington pulled two goals back in quick succession on 81 and 83 minutes, the second again coming from United old boy Holmes.

But Hadley’s strike two minutes from time ended the contest.

United are next in pre-season action at Clipstone FC on Saturday, 26th July (3pm kick-off)