The fans returned, and Retford United put on a second-half performance for the ages, booking a place in the Central Midlands League Chairman’s Cup semi-finals as reward.
It turned out to be Clay Cross Town in which Retford United would oppose in the knockout stages of the post-season tournament, opposition in which Badgers manager, Liam Kay, had hoped to avoid until later in the competition.
Their quarter-final clash, at their opponents Mill Lane, all but justified his reasoning, the Notts-based outfit coming from behind to see off their cross-Midlands rivals.
In winning Group C, with three wins from four, Clay Cross was always going to be tough opposition for the Badgers, the Millers netting fourteen goals along the way and, with Mark West out of the starting line, resting up that ongoing injury, Kay’s charges did it the hard way, coming from behind to book a place in the final four.
The hosts took a first-half lead, netting after just 21 minutes before Kay’s heads were in his hands, a penalty was awarded after McDonnell was fouled, he stepped up, and the home ‘keeper made the save, Town holding out for an interval lead.
With the minutes ticking through in the second period, the equaliser would finally come on the hour; in winning a corner, the resultant set-piece reached the head of Sm Foulds, he taking much delight in powering home.
All of a sudden, it was game on, and with the Badgers in the ascendency, surely it would be just a matter of time before a second followed, and so it did.
Inside the last fifteen minutes, and another set-piece despatched to perfection, this time the set-piece falling nicely for Stuart Ludlum, who swings his boot, connects, and volleys hone what proved to be the winning goal.
A battling, rear-guard action from the visitors then followed as ‘keeper, Tom Crosby, and pretty much all in front of him, stood firm to not only see out the game, but book that place in the final four, victory over Clay Cross, means that Retford will go again this coming Saturday, with a trip to Crowle Colts.
Crowle Colts reached the final four having emerged from a group consisting of AFC Bentley and AFC Phoenix, winning two and drawing two of their four games, before seeing off Nottingham, 2-1, at home, in the quarters; the other semi-final, that will be either Rowsley 86/AFC Phoenix against Mickleover Reserves.
Retford Utd: Tom Crosby, Jason Paling, Stuart Ludlum, Tom Brook, Kosi Nwobi, Mason Barlow, Oliver Lawrence, Brandon Kane, Igor Mlynarski, Sam Foulds (Liam Frost, 83), Steven McDonnell.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @Chris1408mac action from the win against Clay Cross Town.
