Retford manger Liam Kay is prepared for the Chairman’s Cup challenge ahead.

Like everyone else, Liam Kay, and his Retford United charges are preparing for their return to competitive action on Saturday, taking their place in the Central Midlands League Chairman’s Cup competition.

Over the past few seasons, Retford have been among the front-runners in the Central Midlands League, but, like others, have seen the tastes of glory, progression, and the bounty that comes with it, hampered by the ongoing, global pandemic.

Now though, with an ever-brightening chink of light emerging from what has been a long, dark, and sometimes harrowing, tunnel, the North Notts club are preparing for challenges that lie ahead, challenges in Newark Town, and Dinnington Town, in a shortened, cup competition.

The Badgers, they begin their Chairman’s Cup home time at Cannon Park, against Newark, with manager, Liam Kay, knowing that: “both clubs are ready to go this weekend, and we’re really glad to be back.

“We’ve had some friendlies, and a number of training sessions now, since we were allowed to return, and that’s been really nice to do.

“The lads are certainly well up for it, and raring to go.”

At Retford, as well at Newark and Dinnington, the suspension of league activity, for a second season, could not have arrived at a worse time, all three clubs noticeably firing on all cylinders and with promotion very much in mind.

“We (Retford) were on a bit of a roll so it would have been interesting to see what would have happened If we had carried on the season,” added Liam.

“I’m pleased that the lads are showing enthusiasm, and desire, to carry on with the cup though.

“It’s been frustrating really as we probably could have finished the league season if we’d carried on an played say, Saturday/Wednesday/Saturday/Wednesday, as we, here, wanted to carry it on, and would have been there, or thereabouts, come the seasons end.”

In playing a handful of friendlies in preparation, one of which was against higher opposition in Brighouse Town, Liam also spoke of, perhaps, double intentions.

Granted The Badgers lost that match, but their manager saw enough in his charges that night to fuel his belief in what he has at his disposal, whilst also providing hope for a bright future, and progression back up the footballing pyramid.

“Brighouse was, expectedly, tough, but it was also a nice test for the lads,” admits Liam.

“I wanted to see, quickly, how the lads were looking coming back after so long off, and we also want to be able to get back up the pyramid, to the Northern Counties, or Northern Premier League.

“First though, in the Chairman’s Cup, we’ve been drawn into a tough group as Newark are a really good side and played them a few times since I took over, and it’s always a really good test.

“The big games are what we are in this for, and it was great to beat them earlier this season (2-1 at home, in early November, Adam Doughtrey and Mark West netting) as they’d not lost for over a season.”

In finishing last season with a 15-match unbeaten run (11 wins, 4 draws), The Badgers began this with six wins from seven outings, placing them joint top with Clay Cross Town (they’d racked up a mammoth goal difference of +27 thanks to victories including 9-1, 7-0, 5-0, 5-0).

“Other than the blip, against Dinnington, It’s been going quite well this season,” continued Liam.

“These are a tight-knit, deep-bonding, bunch, which is what I wanted; a team that gives their all, for the club, as there’s a really good following here, and that needs to be rewarded, by the lads, on the football pitch, going out and performing, week in, week out.

“And myself, personally, I really enjoy it when I’m stood chatting away with the older generation of fans, about the olden days here, when the club were playing at a higher level (Liam’s father played for the old, Retford Town).”

Grouped with Newark Town, and Dinnington Town, in the Chairman’s Cup Group B, and playing home and away, The Badgers have the following fixtures lined up –

• 24 April vs. Newark Town (H) (KO 15:00)
• 27 April vs. Dinnington Town (A) (KO 19:45)
• 8 May vs. Newark Town (A) (KO 15:00)
• 11 May vs. Dinnington Town (H) (KO 19:45)

Retford United return to competitive action, in the Central Midlands League Chairman’s Cup, on Saturday afternoon, with a home clash against Newark Town – keep up-to-date with the club via their Facebook and Twitter or check their website via retfordunitedfc.co.uk

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @RetfordUnited the badgers celebrate – image courtesy of club photographer Jon Mathews.