Rob Bordman scored both goals for Nostell as they completed the great escape in the first game of the NCEL Easter GroundHop
Nostell Miners Welfare completed the great escape with a 2-0 home victory over struggling Retford United at a busy Crofton Community Centre.
Over 200 people saw Nostell’s talisman Rob Bordman score both goals in the first game of the NCEL Easter GroundHop weekend.
The win takes Nostell to 30 points in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division table and ensures their survival as Glasshoughton and Retford would have to string together a run of unlikely wins.
Paul Lines and his side have achieved their goal which seemed a tough ask back in November when Lines replaced Darren Holmes.
Nostell were bottom of the table with nine points, but a revival of seven wins in their last 12 league games has steered them to safety.
Second-bottom Retford United remain in serious relegation danger and their night was compounded by Matt Thornton’s late red card for using foul and abusive language towards referee Alan Hull.
Bordman taking on several Retford defenders
As expected, there was a big turnout at Crofton because of the NCEL Easter GroundHop weekend
Action from Nostell 2-0 Retford United
Nostell deserved to go in front on the half hour mark. Bordman’s drilled low drive put Nostell ahead, but the home side had created a series of chances leading up to it.
The second half was a different story. After Steve Wales wasted a glorious chance to increase Nostell’s lead, it was one-way traffic at the other end.
Retford will be disappointed they didn’t take a point home with them as they certainly deserved to score. Nostell invited pressure onto themselves and Retford’s Adam Lee and Jordan Good before went close.
Even in the dying minutes, Retford gave their all in search of a priceless equaliser. Former Athersley midfielder Josh Wright brought back memories of Ricky Villa’s famous 1981 FA Cup final winning goal with an incredible mazy run past several defenders and looked destined to score. However, he lost his footing at the wrong way and the ball went harmlessly wide.
It was from a Retford attack that Nostell were able to seal the win deep into injury-time. A Retford defender lost the ball on the halfway line and Bordman raced away to score.
There were arguments that Bordman had fouled the player and Retford players surrounded referee Mr Hull in protest. Thornton was pulled out of the crowd and shown a red card for his comments.
The goal rounded off a great night for Nostell. Not just because of the result, but also because of the money-spinning crowd.
Nostell Miners Welfare manager Paul Lines:
“The crowd was fantastic and it was great to see so many people here.
“I just wish we could get as many people here week-in-week-out. It created a great atmosphere tonight.
“There’s also the financial aspect and I’m grateful everybody involved.
“I think the GroundHop day is such a good idea because it supports local clubs and puts a bit of finance into clubs. It is fantastic and I appreciate that.
“I’d also like to thank all the volunteers that have come and helped. From people who helped on the pitch, to the gate, to selling programmes and food.”
Nostell Miners Welfare: Saynor, Johnson, Ball (Davies 91), Thompson (Poole 68), Fisher, Elliott, Wales, Clayton, Kitson, Bordman (captain), Kelly (Moxon 58). Subs unused: Rhodes, Mole.
Retford United: Ledger, Thornton, Buck, Mullooney, Lycett, Swain (Laight 84), West, Wright, Ashton (Highfield 62), Lee, Johnston. Subs unused: Hardman, Roper.
Referee: Alan Hull
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 265
Man of the match: Rob Bordman (Nostell Miners Welfare)