Abacus Central Midlands League Midweek roundup for 25-26th August
In the Black Dragon Badges South division, Matlock Town Reserves and Eastwood Community met just a week after their epic cup battle, which the home side shaded after extra time. The rematch proved just as exciting with the points shared after a 2-2 draw, Matlock conjuring up an equaliser in added time. After a goalless first half, Matt Brian gave Eastwood the lead just 20 seconds into the second period. Matthew Bradshaw equalised ten minutes later from a corner, but Dave Worger restored the advantage for the visitors a couple of minutes later. That’s how it stayed until the 93rd minute, when Matt Wilkinson scored, meaning that Eastwood have drawn four of their five league games so far. Blidworth Welfare travelled to Nottingham to face Bulwell and picked up their first win of the season by two goals to one. Jordan Simpson gave Blidworth a 24th minute lead, Ben Rogers doubling the score on the half hour. Daniel Chadwick pulled one back for the Bulls five minutes after the break, but the home side couldn’t find another goal. Another side to gain their first win in the league were Pinxton, who were 2-1 winners at Keyworth United. The home side led through a Luke Burrell goal, but were undone by Julian Topliss, who equalised from the penalty spot, and got the winner in the second half to give Pinxton the points. On Wednesday night Hucknall Town extended their 100% record, still with no goals conceded, by beating neighbours Linby Colliery 4-0 at Watnall Road. KajallyDanso opened the scoring on 20 minutes, Ben Waplington adding a second shortly after the interval. Waplington scored again in the latter stages, with Cameron Davidson rounding off the night in the final minute. The result puts Hucknall two points clear at the top of the table

Tuesday’s game in the Black Dragon Badges North division saw Bilsthorpe earn their first points of the season after a one goal win at previously unbeaten Askern. The visitors were reduced to ten men after only five minutes, but battled on to claim the win with an 85th minute goal from Jake Egglinton. Appleby Frodingham took their record to four from four, without conceding a goal as they saw off Dronfield Town Reserves 3-0 at Brumby Hall. Nathan Watson gave them a 7th minute lead, and two in three minutes from Connor Couch and Joe Moloney around the hour mark completed the victory. Harworth Colliery put on a powerful display at Newark Town as they blew the home side away with a 7-2 scoreline. The visitors were two up in the opening ten minutes, Blake Freeman and Tom Walker with the goals. Dom Swingler reduced the arrears but Marley Alder restored the two goal lead just before half time. The second half saw further goals for Harworth from Freeman, Shane Carver, Greg Archer from the penalty spot, and Josh Dickinson, Adam Boddy getting a consolation for Newark.
In the reserve division Heanor Town opened their season with a short trip to Eastwood Community, returning with a 4-1 win. Heanor’s goals came from Liam Beardsley with two, Jack Hawkins and Jack Warner, Matt Clowes replying for Eastwood. Graham Street Prims were two up at half time with Jack Tyson and KrystianStelmach scoring, but were pegged back by Harworth Colliery’s Michael Wibberley who scored twice to clinch a point. Blidworth Welfare beat Mickleover RBL.
Richard Lane