Groundhog Day

August 4th, 38th minute red card, August 7th, 38th minute red card, the only difference one was justified one wasn’t.

Rainworth seem destined to play 52 minutes of every game with ten men, when once again, this time at Kimberley MW they had a player dismissed.

Whilst there could be no sympathy for the one awarded last Saturday, tonight’s was harsh and that was being generous to the referee.

The opening minutes saw Kimberley pressure and number 10’s effort was just over.

It was Rainworth’s turn in the 6th minute when Jacob Lowe’s effort was gathered at the second attempt by the keeper. They threatened again a minute later only for Blessing Adeleye to be flagged offside when put clear by Roberto Labbate’s through ball.

Rainworth continued to have the lion’s share of the play and were unlucky when the corner went the full length of the six-yard box without anyone getting a touch.

Kimberley came the nearest to scoring when number 10 created a yard of space in the area but he put his effort wide.

Rainworth continued to press and Jacob Webster’s goal bound effort was cleared and then Jack Weatherer put his effort straight at the keeper.

Then in the 38th minute disaster for Rainworth when a quick break by Kimberley saw 10 in the penalty area, the ball appeared to be cleared but 10 went down. The referee pointed to the spot and initially showed Warren Squires a yellow card this he subsequently changed to red.
From an excellent vantage point the penalty could have been described as generous at best, but the red card compounded a very poor decision.

Rainworth captain Lowe donned the keeper’s jersey, but Johnathen Jebbison converted the penalty to give Kimberley MW the lead.

The injustice of the decision seemed to inspire Rainworth MWFC and in the final minute of the half they were unlucky to see Adeleye’s header hit the post with the keeper well beaten.

Rainworth started the second half as they finished the first and within a minute were level when Adeleye was brought down in the penalty area. The keeper got fingertips to Adeleye’s penalty but was unable to keep it out.

From the kick-off Kimberley tried an audacious shot but Lowe was equal to it, pushing it onto the crossbar and gathering the rebound.

In the 50th minute Rainworth almost took the lead when Adeleye’s cross was met by Luke Walker but it struck the keeper on the line and was cleared.

In the 63rd minute Rainworth made their first substitution bringing on Ashley Jones for Antonio Wedderburn.

Rainworth continued to create chances and Jacob Webster was unlucky to see his effort tipped over for the keeper. In the 77th minute they brought on Thomas Sharpe for Walker.

At the final whistle the ten men of Rainworth came off to a standing ovation from their fans, after yet another battling performance with ten men. With this spirit it surely won’t be long before they secure their first victory.

Rainworth MWFC: Squires; R.Labbate; Barnes; Webster; Wright; Lowe; Wedderburn (Jones); Adeleye; Walker (Sharpe); Jepson.
Subs not used: Robinson; Smith; Gaughan.

Attendance: 75

Man of the match: Connor Wright