Rainworth Roll Back the Years

Rainworth last played in the Evo-Stik Division One South in the 2014/15 Season and the last time they beat Lincoln United at home was Saturday 26th November 2011.

Today they ran out 3-2 winners in a very competitive game where Rainworth’s goalkeeper A. Trialist was man of the match.

From the kick-off Lincoln took the game to Rainworth and Ryan Oliver must have wondered how the ball didn’t hit the back of the net as A. Trialist pulled off a stunning one-handed save.

On five minutes Rainworth had a chance as Jake Turner could only parry the goal bound effort, but no one was able to capitalise on the chance.

On ten minutes Oliver, again was thwarted by a fine save by A. Trialist and a minute later Kallum Smith’s effort flashed past the upright.

The game changed on 15 minutes when an excellent Jordan Claxton free-kick was met at the far post by Rob Ludlam and his header gave Turner no chance.

Three minutes later it was 2-0 as Liam Royles precise through ball found Daniel State for the second.

A minute later Lincoln should have pulled one back as Rainworth conceded a penalty when Jack Waddle mistimed a tackle and the referee pointed to the spot. Once again A. Trialist came to the rescue, brilliantly saving Conner Robinson’s effort.

On 31 minutes Rainworth scored their third as Waddle’s excellent through ball was slotted home by Nathan Modest.

It could have been even worse for Lincoln when only a full length save by Turner from Sam Bebbington at the expense of a corner prevented Rainworth’s fourth goal. From the resultant corner Tomas Poole’s effort was blocked on the post by Ben Fairclough.

With half-time approaching A. Trialist pulled off another excellent save to deny James Blunden and at the other end Turner saved Modest’s effort at full stretch.

The 3-0 scoreline at half-time flattered Rainworth and whilst they probably edged the half they had been indebted to A. Trialist for preventing Lincoln scoring.

The second half continued as the first had started with Lincoln on the front foot and A. Trialist pulling off an excellent save to prevent Robinson pulling one back.

Lincoln’s luck changed a minute later when Ludlam’s mistimed tackle on Smith resulted in a penalty. This time Andy Toyne gave A. Trialist no chance as his shot rifled into the roof of the net.

A minute later A. Trialist was at it again brilliantly tipping Robinson’s goal bound effort around the post.

Rainworth appeared to still be in the dressing rooms until in the 52nd minute when Turner saved at full-stretch, but State was unable to control the rebound and put it over.

On 58 minutes, it was Jack Whightwick’s turn to be thwarted by A. trialist as his top corner bound free-kick was clawed to safety.

However, from the subsequent corner Sean Wright hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

At this point Rainworth brought on six substitutes.

On 62 minutes Rainworth produced the passing move of the match and when the ball fell at the feet of Modest he mishit his effort wide when well-placed.

Lincoln almost got an equaliser in the 71st minute but a great block by Tim Whittacker prevented his goal being threatened.

At the final whistle Rainworth had won a hard fought victory and Lincoln must have been wondering what might have been but for A. Trialist in goal.