Along with neighbours Retford United, Chirs Woodhead’s Retford side were moved laterally from the Northern Counties East, to the United Counties, at the end of last season, and, going into the Boxing Day derby clash at Cannon Park, both are riding high in Division One’s top five.
With just a point splitting the two, and Woody’s Choughs having a game in hand, even at this early stage of a season, it could be a turning point to push one of the two on into the second half – although it’s not make-or-break, far from it.
The Choughs, they are heading into the derby on the back of a six-match winning streak, and their boss is priding himself on performances put in against sides from higher divisions on those enjoyable, cup days, this campaign.
They’ve been scoring plenty as well, just like their near-neighbours, and not only have the like of Scott Boden and Ainsley Finney hot double figures, so to has their centre-half, Nicolantonio Degirolamo.
Boxing Day however, that’s a completely different kettle of fish, for both sides, and for the Choughs boss, so far this season, they’ve transitioned well.
“That lateral move, it was a shock for us, but the league is ran really well and I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen so far,” explained Woody.
“Looking at the teams that were moved over, I always felt that they’d be able to compete, including Staveley (Miners Welfare), and we’ve had a really good, positive, first half to the season, especially when gelling a new side, but we’ve got there.
“Our top-scorers, Scott, his career has been unbelievable, and Ainsley, he’s your typical centre-forward.
“Both are big players for us, as are our wingers in Aaron Sennett-Nielson, and Iren Wilson.”
Just like their neighbours, Woody’s Retford side head into the derby having registered fourteen wins in the league this season, and are doing so on the back of an impressive, six-game winning streak.
It’s a run which has seen them score twenty-five goals, concede five, and keep three clean sheets – they’ve won 4-2 at Southwell City (Sennett-Nielson brace), defeated visitors Dunkirk 6-2 (Boden, Finney and Wilson among the goals), and put hosts Staveley to the sword, 8-0 (Finney hat-trick, and two apiece for both Boden, and Degirolamo), during that period, just for added measure.
As for Boxing Day however, and the Choughs’ visit to Cannon Park, Woody added: “I’m feeling positive about it, but we also know that anything can happen on derby day.
“We understand how big of a game it is this year and, so long as we give a good account of ourselves, then it should be a great day.
“I’ve seen them play a couple of times this season, and they’re a really good side, but it’s all about what happens on the day itself, and we’ll go in there fully fit and ready.”
The return fixture, the final day of the season, will be at the Rail (21 April), but for now, it’s all about Cannon Park, on 26 December, with a 1pm kick-off.
Keep up-to-date with all the derby day action for the Chough via their X account here.
*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).
*Main image @Retford_FC there’s been plenty of celebrations this season so far for the Choughs.
