Reece Thompson celebrates his second goal with John Tunney in Retford United’s 3-1 win at Worsbrough Bridge
To see the complete set of match photos, see our Facebook page HERE
Words and pictures by James Grayson (@jamesAgrayson, @NonLeagueNorth, jamesagrayson@yahoo.com)
Worsbrough Bridge manager Dave Mace was happy with his new look side’s performance in the 3-1 defeat to Retford United last night.
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side Retford did comfortably win, but Worsbrough gave a good account of themselves – especially when you consider their horror start.
It took just 40 seconds for Reece Thompson to put Retford in front.
Fortunately a long night wasn’t in store as Division One outfit Worsbrough soon hit back through young Brad Kerr.
Thompson would score again before predatory NCEL striker Liam Wilkin sealed the victory in the second half for Retford.
Worsbrough are still in midst of rebuilding their side under Mace after the departure of Chris Hilton so the Bridge boss saw some good things from his team.
“Despite the defeat, it was well worth it,” Mace told Non League Yorkshire.
“Retford are a classy side. I knew before each friendly from day one that each one was hard.
“Obviously these are from the league above and you can tell.
“We had six in who are under 19-year-old so I learnt a lot from it tonight.
“When we conceded after 40 seconds, we were still getting changed.
“It was a hopeful launch and the centre-half wasn’t on his toes and it was easy.
“To be fair with the way we started in the first 15 minutes, I was surprised we got one back because in the first 15 minutes it could have been two or three.
“All in all, I’m satisfied.”
Worsbrough Bridge manager Dave Mace (left) and his assistant Nev Hunt watch on
He won’t have been satisfied in the opening 40 seconds as it looked at first glance that Worsbrough, who won 2-1 at Athersley Recreation, were staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat.
The Worsbrough defence failed to deal with Bobby Johnson and he played a neat through ball to highly-rated youngster Thompson who did the rest.
Paul Ward’s side were dangerous going forward, but the new Retford chief, known in Yorkshire Non League circles for his spell as Harrogate Town manager in the late 1990s, will have been disappointed with the way they conceded.
Kerr’s weak effort somehow deceived goalkeeper James Hitchcock and with the help of the post, Worsbrough were level.
Thompson was the main threat for Retford and the Worsbrough defence struggled to cope with him. His blast from the edge of the box on 20 minutes was too powerful for Jared Oxley to hold and that strike put the visitors in front again.
Retford United striker Liam Wilkin rides several challenges from Worsbrough Bridge defenders
Retford’s dominance continued into the second half and there was a disallowed goal before Ward’s men got the killer third goal.
The home defenders gave Jake Stannard too much room inside the penalty area and the midfielder was able to cross for Wilkin to score a tap-in on the hour.
Bridge didn’t throw the towel in though. Kerr was unlucky with an ambitious attempt as Retford’s goalkeeper came rushing out and there was also a late header that went wide.
The home side are now turning their attentions to the prestigious friendly with Chesterfield next Thursday at West Street.
Worsbrough Bridge: Oxley, Warren, Lawrence, Broadbent, Laight (captain), Lycett, Bouffon, Kohot, Kerr, Adgie, Colton. Subs: Lane, Thorpe, Long, Parlott, Middleton, Evans.
Retford United: Hitchcock, McFayden, Tunney, Walker, Smith, Dorgan, Stannard, Johnson (captain), Wilkin, Muirhead, Thompson. Subs: Nelthorpe, Cooper, Campion.
Referee: Matt Tyers
Man of the match: Reece Thompson (Retford United)