The Conundrum that is Rainworth.

What team has more corners; more shots on goal; more possession and still loses the match? To stop you wracking your brain; I’ll tell you; Rainworth. Oh I forgot to mention they didn’t score the most goals, could that be the answer to why?

As expected after Tuesdays non-event the Rainworth team showed three changes; including a debut for new signing Ashley Kitchen. Both teams started nervously; but in the 4th minute Rainworth had the first attempt at goal; Kieran Walker’s shot was easily gathered by the keeper. Then disaster in only the 5th minute; Northwich hit a long ball; Ricky Hanson slipped and before he could recover the ball was crossed for Conor Roberts to strike home.

This was to be one of their only chances of the half as Rainworth began to create numerous chances at the other end. First Kieran Walker’s fine run and cross; just went behind Blair Anderson with only the keeper to beat. Further crosses from Blair Anderson and Ryan Goward also evaded the elusive touch required. In the 38th minute Blair Anderson had the ball in the net only for it to be disallowed for offside. Just as when it seemed the next goal would be scored by Rainworth and in the final minute of the first half Northwich caught the Rainworth defence too narrow. Matthew Walwyn picked up the ball just midway in the Rainworth half and drove into the space and hit a peach of a shot into the goal. Immediately afterwards the referee’s whistle went for half-time with Northwich leading 2-0.

Within two minutes of the restart Rainworth got a wake-up call when Matthew Walwyn hit the crossbar with a fine shot. In the 52nd minute Jared Holmes replaced Ryan Goward as Rainworth continued to look to get back into the game. Then disaster in the 61st minute Danny Bacon conceded a penalty; but they got a reprieve when Conor Roberts put it wide of the goal. In the 62nd minute Jordan Turner replaced Karl Slack as the manager looked for the breakthrough. The 67th minute emphasised Rainworth’s achilles heel; when a deflected shot from Kieran Walker came back off the post and when it seemed easier to score, Danny Bacon found the goalkeeper.

As Rainworth continued in their attempts to get on the score sheet they made their final substitution in the 81st minute when Ewan Clarke came on for Danny Bacon. In the final minutes Jared Holmes had a fierce volley well saved and Jordan Turner had his shot blocked by the keeper. On the final whistle Rainworth once again had lost a match they could have won.

It would be wrong to say Rainworth didn’t deserve to lose; for if you fail to convert your chances and don’t score it is impossible to win! To be brutally honest Rainworth at present don’t look like scoring many goals; this through a combination of missed chances; poor final balls and trying to score the perfect goal. When and if they manage to solve this problem then and only then will they reap the reward their efforts deserve.

NORTHWICH: Robinson; Gray; Guest; Henry; Hardiker (Cpt); Mercer; Toner; Mooney; Walwyn (Murray 90); Roberts; Connor (Peach 71) Sub (not used): Rigoglioso

RAINWORTH: McCormack; Walker; Hanson; Camm (Cpt); Kitchen; Burton; Lloyd; Bacon (Clatke 81); Slack (Turner 62); Anderson; Goward (Holmes 52). Sub (Not Used); Cooksey.

REFEREE: Mr. J. Hunt

Man of Match: Adam Burton