The Dream Lives On

The two sides met twenty-one days ago at Kirklington Road when they fought out a goal less draw. Today the stakes were just as high with teams at the bottom continuing to gain points and Rainworth clinging on to their Step Six status.

After over 100 minutes of nerve-jangling action the teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Both sides could have won it with both having excellent chances in the final minutes as their good run of form continued.

Saffron started the game with intent and James Leverton did well to block Josh Pickering’s effort when through on goal. It took five minutes for Rainworth to have their first effort but Tommy Bedford’s attempt from the edge of the area went well over. Bedford had another opportunity minutes later when Callum Brooks set him up, however, Louis Harris got down well to gather it.

Immediately afterwards a chance fell at the other end and Rainworth were grateful when Maca Armstrong’s effort came back off the upright with Leverton a spectator. Fortunately, Leverton was the first to react and gathered the loose ball.

The game was end-to-end at this stage and when Callum Fletcher outjumped the defence his flick-on fell to Brooks on the turn, who drilled it home for the opening goal.

Liam Arnold’s 15th minute header was gathered by Harris as both sides continued to probe. Armstrong’s free kick went inches the wrong side of the upright as Saffron searched for an equaliser.

Rainworth almost doubled their lead when Mason Gee’s corner almost snuck in the near upright before Harris pushed it out just before it crossed the line.

Rainworth’s Fletcher was poleaxed by Leverton as both attempted to clear a Saffron corner. After a lengthy stoppage Fletcher had to leave the field for further treatment. Rainworth continued to play on with ten men, but it was apparent the cut required stitches and he was substituted with Oliver Brown replacing him.

Saffron finally go the equaliser their play deserved when once again Armstrong’s effort struck the upright but this time it deflected into the gaol. In the final minute of added time Armstrong almost gave Saffron the lead but his effort went inches wide of the upright.

The second half started slowly with both sides cancelling each other out. Rainworth made a double substitution in the 51st minute bringing on Reece O’Donnell and James Culf for Josh Nettleship and Ethan Wilkinson.

Bedford’s goal bound effort in the 55th minute was diverted for a corner and seconds later he was denied when a defender managed to get his head on Brook’s cross as he waited to tap it home at the far post.

Leverton brilliant reaction save from Shilcock’s free kick in the 63rd minute denied Saffron the lead. Whilst at the other end Harris managed to block Bedford’s goal bound effort.

The 75th minute saw a Saffron defender almost slice his attempted clearance into his own goal. Rainworth made their final substitution bringing on Sashan Pekin for Harley Butcher-Simpson.

In added time both sides had git-edged opportunities to win the game, but neither were converted. Ben White was through on goal with Leverton to beat his chipped effort went over the keeper, but it also cleared the bar. A minute later a Bedford rushed his effort and although it beat the onrushing Harris it went agonisingly wide of the far upright.

At the final whistle meant the points were shared, for Rainworth it made little difference in their fight for survival, with key games against Asfordby, Southwell City and Selston still to play. The loss of the versatile Fletcher for what could be the remainder of the season however will test the squad.

RAINWORTH MWFC: Leverton; Wilkinson (Culf); Butcher-Simpson (Pekin); Allcock; Arnold; Wilson-Rhiney; Gee; Nettleship (O’Donnell); Bedford; Fletcher (Brown); Brooks.