Choughs Ready To Fly

Chris Woodhead and Retford FC are preparing themselves for third-time lucky when the Toolstation Northern Counties League kicks-off, in earnest, on Saturday afternoon, when home to Parkgate.

After having two seasons decimated by a global ‘pandemic,’ the North Notts side, nicknamed ‘The Choughs’ will, like every other person connected to the beautiful game, be hoping for a full season this time around – they do that, and teams like Retford will have had their first in the NCEL Division 1.

They were only formed in 2015, having begun in the Central Midlands League, by Chris, and the current Retford secretary, Kev Swannack and, after circumnavigating the CML, 2019 would see them promoted, enthusiastically, to the next level.

“We did well to get out of the CML as quickly as we did,” admits Chris, looking back on the clubs’ formative years.

“There was some really tough games there, but we did well, got ourselves promoted, and managed to keep the majority of the squad as well.”

The majority of that squad is fronted by the experienced shot-stopper, ex-pro, and captain, Jonathan Kennedy, he helping the club to win close to half of the games they have played in the NCEL since joining, their only disappointment, to date, is they’ve not enjoyed a cup run, being dismissed in the FA Vase at the first time of asking, every season they’ve entered.

Now though, they’re hoping for a full season in which to enjoy, one which will see ‘The Rail’ looking to build on experience of the past two seasons.

“As the last two seasons were broken (because of the pandemic), we have had a taste of the league and, if I’m honest, we’ve probably overachieved a bit,” continued Chris.

“We still managed to play a lot of games, and against bigger teams than us, but we’ve managed to give a good account of ourselves which I’m happy about.

“You have to remember as well, we’ve done this on no budget, so it’s gone well.”

Throughout the new campaign, local derbies/close encounters, will see ‘The Choughs’ oppose that of Ollerton Town (inc. the festive game on 28 December), Shirebrook Town, Teversal, and Rossington Main, but it’ll be Saturday’s opener, at home to Parkgate, where Woodhead’s focus first turns, even though he is more than excited about those local clashes this campaign.

Known as ‘The Steelmen,’ Parkgate have been an NCEL regular since the eighties, that fact, which aligns with a number of clubs in the league, is one which excites the Retford boss about being in the league.

“This season will be tough, we know that, but we’ll give a good account of ourselves,” adds Chris.

“Parkgate themselves are a very good, very experienced side, but we’re at home on Saturday, and with what should be a good crowd in, that could give us a slight advantage.

“But yes, overall, we’re looking forward to getting going again in what is a really good league with some great, historic clubs.

“Because of that experience, and longevity, in the league, we’ll be looking for stability this season, and to keep building on what we already have here.”

After opening at home to Parkgate, some key dates for fans of ‘The Rail’ open their NECL Cup adventure with a trip to Harrogate Railway on 10 August, whilst their shot at a Vase run begins away to Skelmersdale United (North West Counties Premier Division) on 11 September; the festive offerings sees 28 December away to Ollerton Town, whilst New Years’ Day is a home game against Selby Town, before finishing the season, at the Rail Ground, to Swallownest on 9 April (NB – fixtures are subject to change).

That Vase game though: “We just never get going in the Vase,” bemoans Chris, “So, facing Skem, it’s going to be a very tough game, and with some travelling involved (five hour round-trip).”

For now though, it’s all focus on the season opener with Parkgate, on Saturday 31 July, in the NECL Division One; the 2021-22 season is ready to go, as are Retford.

Follow their journey this season, and beyond, via their Twitter here.