Rainworth MW 2-1 Staveley MW -- NCEL Division 1
No apologies for going to Rainworth again -- we just like going to Kirlington Road ..... and when the afternoon is as good as it was today, who cares if we've been there 8 times this season? Not us!!
Brendan Sweeney gets airborne
Matt Draper heads over from close range
Kev spent the morning and early aftrnoon helping a friend move house, so we met up at the ground - Kev's brother-in-law John came along, and I think he was quietly impressed with the set up at Rainworth....
Although it appears that Askern Villa (!) have failed to meet the necessary ground grading requirements, and even if they were to finish second behind champions Scarborough, they will not be promoted. However this does not mean that the team finishing 3rd will be guaranteed promotion, so Rainworth are desperate to finish in that vital second spot. With Staveley sitting in fourth place this was a crucial game for the home team and a win would go a long way to securing that 2nd place, and would also effectively take Staveley out of the promotion race.
Rainworth got the early lead they so desperately craved after just 10 minutes - a Simon Wright corner was well headed towards the goal, but the ball was hooked off the line - unfortunately for Staveley it fell at the feet of BARRY ALBERRY who slammed it home from close range.
If the Wrens no. 9 Julian McDonald had have showed a little more composure the home team could have been home and dry in the first half - but two fairly simple chances missed meant the half ended 1-0.
Kev and John decided to try the beverages during the interval, and were more than complimentary! Last time we tried then they were undrinkable - this time they got a "very nice".
Staveley came out for the second half firing on all six - forcing home keeper Mark Hales into making two terrific saves in the first two minutes. Two minutes later though, Hales blotted his copy book by tripping Staveley full back Scotty Wharton - LEE GREGORY stepped up and slotted the resultant spot kick wide of Hales' desparing dive.
Lee Gregory (no.10) wheels away after beating Hales from the spot
Rainworth almost grabbed the lead on 65, a blistering 25 yarder from Danny Naylor clattered the frame of the goal before rebounding straight into keeper Martin Keirney's arms.
The home team were awarded something of a soft penalty with 10 to go. Striker Phil Bignall ran into the box and with central defender Andy Brownrigg hot on his heels. A bit of a challenge, a tangle of legs and a penalty! A bit untidy, but the decision looked very harsh on Brownrigg - we thought he won the ball and it was going out for a goal-kick....
The home team were awarded something of a soft penalty with 10 to go. Striker Phil Bignall ran into the box and with central defender Andy Brownrigg hot on his heels. A bit of a challenge, a tangle of legs and a penalty! A bit untidy, but the decision looked very harsh on Brownrigg - we thought he won the ball and it was going out for a goal-kick....
Phil Bignall nets the winner from the spot
Still, it was Mr. Walsh's decision not ours, and PHIL BIGNALL took full advantage from the spot, sending Kearney the wrong way.
The Wrens held on for the final 10 minutes and when Manager Rudy Funk and Chairman Brian Reece shared a hug after the final whistle, you just had to smile -- a lot of hard work has been undertaken at Kirklington Road, and promotion now looks certain -- well done to all at Rainworth....
Programme ( inc team sheet) £1.00
Attendance 134.
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