On a day the elements were the winners

Rainworth went into today’s away fixture at Ingles on the back of their highest victory of the season 5v1 at home to bottom club Arnold Town.

Ingles however could boast a very impressive 6v0 away win at Graham Street Prims with hat-tricks for Kyle Fowkes and Sean Woolley.

There was a minute’s silence observed in honour of the Wren’s legend Brian ‘Nip’ Martin who sadly passed away this week.

The match started in far from ideal conditions on a heavy pitch and with Ingles kicking with a very strong breeze in their favour, and it was Ingles who had the first attempt on goal in the 6th minute. Woolley’s effort was straight at Josh Downie and it was easily saved.

Rainworth should have taken the lead in the 10th minute when Blessing Adeleye blocked an Ingles clearance and race through on goal, his effort beat Oliver Buchanan, but it went agonisingly inches wide of the far upright. A minute later and Ethan Wiesztort’s cross found Liam Jepson, but his ball to Cameron Davidson was flicked over from close-range.

At the other end Ingles went close from a corner but Downie wasn’t troubled as it hit the side-netting.

Ingles began to take advantage of the strong wind at their backs and Woolley hit his effort from distance straight into Downie’s hands and minutes later he did well diving at the feet of Lloyd Tapper. The same two players combined in the 22nd minute but Woolley’s acrobatic effort was well over.

Downie continued to thwart Ingles, saving well from Fowkes and then tipping Woolley’s free-kick over the bar.

Rainworth had an excellent chance in the 34th minute but Wiesztort delayed his shot and it was cleared, and just before half-time his effort was easily saved Buchanan.

When the referee brought the half to a close, it was Rainworth who were probably the happier of the two sides having defended heroically against a strong wind, even creating a couple of opportunities of their own. With the game goalless it would be Rainworth who would have the elements at their backs in the second half.

The rain that had been spasmodic during the half, turned torrential during the half-time break and puddles quickly began to form on an already sodden pitch. Just before the restart the referee consulted both teams and the only decision available in the conditions was to abandon the match.

As the full-time results came in the three teams around them, Gedling MW, West Bridgford and Teversal had all won sending Rainworth back into the bottom three. However, their performances in their last three games a controversial defeat at Radford, an excellent victory against Arnold Town and todays battling performance bode well for the future.

RAINWORTH MWFC: Downie; Henry; Toon; Drake; Taylor; Dawson; Wiesztort; Davidson; Adeleye; Fry; Jepson.
Subs (not used): Copestake; Spray; Doyle; Hardwick; Pursglove.