The Central Midlands League Chairman’s Cup competition kicked off last Thursday evening, in Holbrook, as hosts, Holbrook St. Michaels, fell to an opening night 3-0 reverse, against visiting Mickleover Sports, the goals coming from Emilio de Abreu, Davon Smith, and Surf Tefera.
As Saturday came around, Retford United overcame falling behind early when opposing visitors Newark Town to put claim to what became a convincing, 4-1 victory. Level at the break, Mitch Griffiths having opened the scoring inside the opening fifteen minutes, the Cannon Park Badgers levelled, from the spot, through Mark West; however, it would not be until the closing the stages the hosts would affirm their dominance.
A twelve-minute spell towards the end of the game, kick-started matters into life for Liam Kay’s charges as Andrew Daughtrey put the hosts ahead prior to late goals from first, Brandon Ashmore, then Igor Mlyanrski.
Crowle Colts would get their group stage campaign underway with a narrow, 2-1 victory, away to Bentley, Daniel Barrowcliffe opening the scoring inside ten minutes and Kurt Robinson with what proved the winner, with three to go, Brad Sykes netting a second-half equaliser for the hosts in-between.
Meanwhile, at Clay Cross Town, they started off with a comfortable win over Nottingham as Lewis Mackaskill netted twice in a 3-0 win, Callam Lytham the other.
In a quick turnaround, the Chairman’s Cup goes again in midweek as Retford travel to Dinnington Town and Crowle Colts host AFC Phoenix on Tuesday night, whilst Underwood Villa welcome Nottingham in Group C, and Rowsley 86 entertain Holbrook St. Michaels in Group D on Wednesday, before three further games this coming Saturday including Newark Town at home to Dinnington Town.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @RetfordUnited Daughtrey scores for Retford against Newark Town in the Chairman’s Cup tie.
