Frustrating Vase Exit!!

Rainworth’s frustrating start to the season continued as they rebuild the team after last season’s battle with relegation.

Tuesday night had seen the best of them when they were more than competitive in the league against one of the title favourites Handsworth Parramore. Today they were for the most part always one step behind against a combative Long Eaton United in the Vase.

Injuries and suspensions had robbed them of key player, but in truth they were woefully weak as an attacking force today at Long Eaton.
The early exchanges saw Long Eaton on the front foot as Blaine Hancock puts his effort well over in the 8th minute.

Former Wren Alex Ford went close on 15 minutes but his attempted lob cleared the crossbar and minutes later his long-range effort was easily gathered by Ben Townsend.

The opening goal came in the 21st minute when an innocuous ball into the area struck a defender and fell into the path of Andy Todd, who made no mistake beating Townsend at the near post.

Rainworth went close when firstly Niall Smith’s cross was deflected into the arms of Scott Low and then after James Munson’s head-on, Smith was denied by Low’s fingertip save.

On 36 minutes Brandon Clarke’s cross was met on the volley by Jake Woolley but it was well over.

Rainworth had a lucky escape in the 43rd minute when Townsend left a ball that appeared to be going out but it held in the wind and came back off the upright.

With the last attack of the half Rob Ludlam’s cross was met by Munson’s head with Low struggling, but it was cleared.

The second half saw Rainworth come within inches of equalising when Smith’s cross was played into Munson’s path by Liam Royles but it hit the underside of the crossbar and somehow came out.

At this stage Rainworth were starting to threaten but lacked a finish to press home their pressure.

On 60 minutes Rainworth were thankful to Townsend who did well to block Tom Gamblin’s effort.

Rainworth made their first substitution bringing von Bryan Dakouri for Munson.

The game was all but over in the 63rd minute when a hopeful ball upfield bounced off a defender into the path of the unmarked Grant Ryan, who needed no second invitation to run on goal and slot his shot past Townsend for the second.

Rainworth made their second substitution on 75 minutes bringing on Kieran Barnes for Royles in the 75th minute.

Rainworth had a chance in the 78th minute but Smith’s effort deflected into the arms of Low.

Long Eaton went close in the 84th minute when a great finger-tip save by Townsend prevented Zak Goodson adding to the scoreline.

Rainworth had a couple of chances in the dying minutes when firstly Daniel Booth’s effort went just over then Dakouri’s free-kick hit the wall and deflected into Low’s hands.

In the final minute Matt Savage did everything right but his attempted lob of Townsend was too high.

Rainworth must now regroup and prepare for what is a very important local derby against Clipstone who will be eyeing their first points of the campaign.

RAINWORTH MWFC: Townsend; Ludlam; Claxton; Booth; Wilson; Pemberton: Royles (Barnes); Waddle; Munson (Dakouri); Bebbington; N. Smith.

Sub (not used); Francis.

Attendance: 84