Sport Leaders beaten by a classy performance
Retford United 1
Goole AFC 3
These are still early days in the season, but Retford's fast start to life in the UniBond League, where they lead Division One South, was brought down to earth in no uncertain manner by an excellent all-round display from the Vikings at Cannon Park on Saturday.
The win was soured somewhat by the news on Monday morning that Steve Rollinson had broke his hand in the second half, confirmed at the hospital on Sunday.
Having lost twice to the Nottinghamshire side, this third meeting in two months was seen as Goole wanting to prove a point, more so for the last game on the same ground where Nigel Danby's side dominated for 70 per cent of the match, only to lose in the fifth minute of injury time, and they did it in no uncertain manner.
Had the leaders lost 6-1 they couldn't have complained as they lacked belief, ability and discipline, with Goole playing the kind of football, especially in the first half, that those close to the club know they can do. Whether their own promotion aspirations can be reached later in the season is worth more debate, but they laid down some credentials here if nothing else.
Hard to pick out stars for the Vikings: all eleven played their part, but two players in particular worthy of special mention were Goole Times Man of the Match Andrew Jackson (right, 09-08-61 SU) and James O'Neill, and for those who believe that local players don't get their chance, those two have been patient over recent years but are improving rapidly hour by hour.
Brad Hill was the only Goole absentee from the team that beat Quorn, but his absence should not be for too long, with Dean Sidebottom returning on the bench after a three-match ban. Craig Robinson started at full back as Goole laid down early markers in a quiet, but interesting opening before the home side's biggest crowd of the season, 301!
Goole were on top, and it was no surprise when Duncan Bray shot them in front after 15 minutes, a well-taken right foot shot across Neil Murray, who by the end of the afternoon was almost a nervous wreck - it wasn't his day.
And had James O'Neill been able to take the ball in his stride from Bray, it might have been two, but he had to turn on his left foot and his shot curled wide.
Jackson, who dominated the middle of the park for the Vikings, earned his side a penalty on 31 minutes as he burst into the box, only to be clipped by a defender. Danny Buttle resumed spot kick duties, sending Murray the wrong way.
Steve Rollinson headed wide as the leaders continued to struggle, and their best spell of the half came just before half time with Mick Godber causing one or two flutters, brought to a halt by Chris Jenkinson's timely block.
The expected Retford cavalry charge after the interval never materialised, and when Murray handled a back pass on 54 minutes, Goole had a great chance to make it three, but he atoned by blocking Bray's free kick from eight yards.
Retford did pull a goal back on 65 minutes when a free kick, which looked to be a moving ball, was pounced on by Godber and his shot found the corner.
However, their hopes of a complete recovery ended almost immediately as Matt Fisher had a brainstorm, first fouling Liam Chapman and then following it up with a blow to the defender. Referee Benton had little alternative and, as things threatened to turn ugly, Ian McLean was cautioned and Chapman's ill-timed tackle shortly afterwards earned a yellow card.
Retford's forays became increasingly desperate, defenders were isolated and although there was a scramble in the Vikings box in added-on time, Goole had the last word when keeper Murray, in his anxiety to keep his team going forward, mis-kicked 50 yards from goal allowing Buttle the chance to run on and slot home and seal the best win of the campaign to date.
Published on 1st November 2007 in Sport.
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