Retford United 4-2 Liversedge

Time for our monthly catch up on Retford United's progress folks. Oh joy i hear you say. In truth it was a good time to watch Retford. Funds are always tight a week or so before Christmas so it made sense to stay local. The two sides had met the previous weekend with Retford running out 4-0 winners in Yorkshire. A win that sent the Badgers two points clear at the top of the table. Liversedge themselves sat in 12 place in the division (Out of 20 teams)
Lincoln were down at Forest Green Rovers. This was off our radar due to Baz not getting the paperwork sorted for his brand new Bazmobile and Felice's recent off roading experience a week or so back. In our absence The Imps recorded a fine 2-0 win. Here's the highlights.



After going what like seems like an eternity without out a clean sheet the Imps have now only conceded a penalty in the last three games. Form and performances do seem to be picking up. As has the form of that horrible lot who we play back to back over the holiday period, our nearest and dearest rivals from North East Lincolnshire; Grimsby Town, anyhow more about this later.

I got up to Cannon park an hour or so before kick off, got settled in the bar, and had a few drinks with a couple of Frickley supporters. Over the course of the season Retford's crowds seem to have steadily risen (as has the team). Admission was the standard £5 with the programme £1.50. Also included with the admission price was a free chocolate. It doesn't get much better than that does it?

The spate of goodwill continued as Baz got the teas in; after being found guilty in the "Legogate" scandal a few weeks ago. On the pitch Retford United got in on the act by gifting Liversedge a goal in the first thirty seconds of play. A few Retford players half heartedly appealed for offside but i think they knew that had made a bit of a boo boo. Any thoughts of another easy game for the badgers went out of the window.
Retford got into their stride and equalised on 9 minutes through Adam Scott. The same player then gave the Badgers the lead in the 16th minute with a fine solo effort. This was our cue to head over to the food hut and stock up on meat and potato pie, chips and peas; all for the bargain price of £3. It was a good open game with both sides creating and missing numerous chances. It was Retford who got the next goal in the 38th minute through Warren Hatfield to give the Badgers some breathing space.

The visitors were given a chance to get back into the game on 69 minutes when they were awarded a penalty however Retford keeper Jason Fisher pulled off a fine save to keep Retford's two goal lead intact. Liversedge did get a second goal in the 78th minute when Retford's Corey Nightingale bundled the ball into his own net. Doh.
Liversedge then took the game to Retford who looked to be wobbling, however a great counter attacking move by Retford finished with Barry Payne scoring from close range to wrap up another three points for Retford in the 89th minute.

Although i will be in Grimsby for the New Years Day Lincolnshire derby i will be missing the match at Sincil Bank. This is due to our annual "Boxing day massacre" drinking session around Retford. I have no doubts that it will be as fun filled as ever and i look foward to seeing you all :-)