Glimpses Of Where We Need to Be

Newark took their chances and Rainworth’s Achilles heel of conceding poor goals and missing gilt-edged opportunities was once again on view. In truth Newark are a top six side and will once again be contesting the automatic promotion and play-off places. Rainworth at the moment are a work in progress but their periods of good play in matches, is increasing and gives hope.

A very strong Newark side were soon on the front foot and Rainworth were given an early warning when Lewis Chambers effort from the edge of the area in the 2nd minute cleared the crossbar. The pressure continued and two minutes later Josh Randall’s inviting cross found no takers much to Rainworth’s relief.

A minute later Randall was once again given space and opportunity and this time his fierce shot from the right of the six-yard box flew into the far corner, giving Niall Edge no chance.

Rainworth eventually got into the game and in the 10th minute Tommy Marshall’s cross from the right looked dangerous until it was adjudged to have gone out as it reached the Newark goalmouth. Two minutes later his brilliant cut back should have brought the equaliser, but it somehow evaded three of his team mates. A minute later and Callum brooks found Freddy Tracey, but his goal bound effort was blocked.
Rainworth paid the price for squandering their opportunities when Randall scored an almost identical goal to his first in the 14th minute. A minute later a lovely passage of play between Brooks, Marshall and Tom Berry saw the ball at Nathan Benger’s feet and only Sam Bartle’s outstretched leg denied him a goal. A minute later and Bartosz Berezowski pulled off an excellent save to deny Marshall.

At 2-0 Rainworth still pressed and all that was lacking from the good approach play between Benger and Berry was the final cross. The opportunities kept coming but James Culf’s header from Brooks cross was always rising and Brooks snatched at a chance, and it flew wide of the upright.

After a period of Newark pressure Marshall, who was a threat all night, broke but Berezowski forced him wide, and his effort flew agonisingly past the far upright. Just as it seemed Rainworth had weathered the early goal bonanza they conceded again when a deep cross saw Elliot King rise above the defender at the far post to head home.

Three minutes later it was 4-0 when Liam Arnold was adjudged to have caught Chambers before he cleared the ball, and the referee awarded a penalty. Chambers took it and gave Edge no chance.

At the half time whistle it could have been any score line with both sides having created lots of opportunities. Sadly, for Rainworth Newark had converted four of theirs, whilst Rainworth failed to convert any.

Rainworth made their first substitution at the beginning of the second half bringing on Callum Fletcher for Culf. Rainworth started the half on the front foot and Marshall’s effort was wide of the upright. This was quickly followed by Tracey’s header from Brooks and whilst it evaded Berezowski it found the roof of the net.

Newark responded but Chambers’s volley was easily gathered by Edge and Jesse Anderson put his header wide when well placed.

Rainworth almost opened their account in the 60th minute when Harley Butcher-Simpsons’s excellent cross was inches from be converted by the onrushing Benger. A minute later and they had when Fletcher’s excellent Crossfield ball found Marshall and his inch perfect cross was headed home by Tracey. Two minutes later they had their second when Fletcher’s effort was blocked, and Tracey drilled home the rebound. Newark almost conceded a third three minutes later when Marshall’s goal bound effort was blocked.

Rainworth’s run of misfortune continued when they conceded a fifth in the 68th minute when having failed to deal with the danger, Edge came to the rescue with an excellent block. With four defenders and a sole Newark player in the vicinity it fell at the feet of Jackson Buckthorp who had the easiest of tap-ins.

Buckthorp came to Newark’s rescue two minutes later when he managed to divert Butcher-Simpson’s dangerous cross for a corner as Tracey and Fletcher awaited, ready to pounce.

The goal of the game came in the 82nd minute when the dangerous George Asplin exhibited his talent by hitting an absolute Worldie from outside the area and despite Edge’s efforts it looped over him and dipped just under the crossbar.

Rainworth continue to search for another goal and Fletcher was inches away from Benger’s excellent cross. In the final minute Brooks effort from the edge of the area flew inches over.

Newark Town will be hard to stop on this form and a top four spot seems to be their destiny. Rainworth continued to show the green shoots of hope, but they must defend better and take more of the excellent chances they create.

RAINWORTH MWFC: Edge; Wilkinson (Ryder); Butcher-Simpson; Culf (Fletcher); Arnold; Thomas; Brooks; Berry; Benger; Tracey (Rose); Marshall.
Subs (not used): Faulconbridge; Blanksby.