FA Cup Jinx Continues

By Paul Fryer

The difference between Rainworth MWFC and Shepshed Dynamo today was a clever free-kick and a coat of paint.

Liam Hurst’s clever free-kick in the 51st minute beat Ben Townsend at the near post and was the difference between the sides, who both fought, quite literally at times, until the end.

It could have been a different outcome if Nathan Modest’s effort in the 89th had not come back off the inside of the post into the grateful arms of Denham Hinds. Alas it was not to be and Rainworth’s last victory in the FA Cup remained a 2-1 victory against Sleaford Town way back in August 2012.

There was little to choose between the sides, when in the 7th minute interplay between Modest and Liam Royles presented Lee Betts with a gold-edged opportunity. With the whole of the goal to aim at he only succeeded in putting it wide of the upright with Hinds a mere spectator.

It was Rainworth who were grateful to Jordan Claxton, who blocked Joe Pheasant’s gold-bound effort in the 10th minute.

Both sides had half-chances with Max Pemberton and Modest’s efforts both clearing the crossbar.

At the other end Townsend, defused Michael Reeve’s dangerous cross.

On 30 minutes Sam Bebbington hit his effort straight at the keeper when well-placed and a minute later Alex Troke’s firmly hit cross at the other end had no takers.

On the stroke of half-time Troke’s first-timer with Townsend out of goal went wide. The 0-0 half-time score reflected the inability of both sides to break down their opponents.

Rainworth brought on Brad Wilson for Ryan Herbert at half-time, but the first chance of the second half fell to Troke but his fierce effort was just over.

Rainworth’s downfall came on 51 minutes when Shepshed were awarded a free-kick, just outside of the area. Hurst deceived everyone when instead of the expected cross he hit it into the far corner beating Townsend’s full-stretch dive.

Rainworth brought on Daniel State for Lee Betts and Rainworth were thwarted when a far post cross was put out for a corner just before Bebbington could get his head on it.

Rainworth made their final substitution bringing on Antonio Wedderburn for Bebbington.

Rainworth pushed forward chasing an equaliser and in the 89th they appeared to have achieved their goal, as Modest’s effort went over Hinds and seemingly into the goal. Football at times can be cruel and joy turned to despair as it rebounded off the inside of the post and into the grateful arms of Hinds.

That was the last incident of a close fought tie as the referee’s whistle went for full-time.

Rainworth MWFC are a work in progress with only four of the starting XI remaining from last season and several players unavailable for selection through holidays and injury.

Rainworth MWFC: Townsend; Ludlam; Claxton; Herbert (Wilson); Pemberton; Lawrence; Royles; Waddle; Bebbington (Wedderburn); Modest; Betts (State). Subs (not used): Walters; Munson; Barnes; Bennett.

Referee Mr. Trevor Basker