It Ended All White

Dan White led an excellent team performance from the front.

Rainworth had nine matches to save their season and continue to be an Evo-Stik team, a home tie against second placed Sutton Coalfield Town was therefore not one of choice.

Today’s game saw two experienced additions, Chris Bettney and Leon Osborne to what in essence was a young and inexperienced Rainworth side.

The additions had the desired effect with control being added to the undoubted effort the squad possesses.

Sutton Coldfield kicked off with a strong breeze at their backs and it therefore came as no surprise that they dominated the early possession and territory.

Rainworth managed to repulse everything thrown at them with captain Dan White leading from the front, until the 14th minute when Josh Raven cleared off the line.

There were periods when Rainworth threatened and in the 23rd minute they capitalised when Raven was brought down in full flight earning the offender a yellow card and Rainworth a free-kick.

Debutant Bettney hit an inch perfect free-kick and Romaine Graham rose above everyone to despatch his header into the far corner for the opening score.

The goal saw Rainworth grow into the game and Sutton were starting to over-hit their final balls.

Just when it looked like Rainworth had weathered the storm a cross from the right was met by Justin Richards and his clinical finish gave David Reay no chance as it found the corner for the equaliser.

Rainworth continued to nullify the Sutton attacks and threatened themselves in the 35th minute when Bettney’s corner was just headed wide by Darren Mansaram.

There was still time for one final scare when Dion Donohue’s free-kick avoided everyone only for a Relieved Rainworth to see it hit the outside of the post and out for a goal-kick.

Rainworth had the wind behind them in the second half and they almost capitalised in the 50th minute when Mansaram back-heeled into the path of Graham, but he put his effort wide.

Sutton were handling the wind well and Ramone Stephens had his effort blocked by Elliott Hodgett-Young at the expense of a corner.
It was Stephens again in the 57th minute when he appeared to delay his shot and in the end pulled it well wide.

Rainworth were to punish them in the 59th minute when a fine passing move found Graham his pass was struck into the corner of the net by Leon Osborne with Lee Evans a mere spectator.

Sutton were pushing hard for an equaliser and as the ball found Jordan Nadat at the edge of the area his shot went well wide.
Rainworth brought on Danny Williams for Kelleher and Grant Ryan for the injured Mansaram.

When the final whistle came the Rainworth fans celebrated and in truth it was no more than the team deserved for a performance full of guts and endeavour.

Today Rainworth showed against a very good Sutton Coldfield what they are capable of, it was no fluke and the acid test will be if they can repeat it enough times until the end of the season to avoid relegation.

RAINWORTH: Reay; Raven; Hodgett-Young; White; Bettney; Ofushine; Kelleher (Williams); Graham; Mansaram (Ryan); Osborne. Subs (not used): Bange; E.Brown; Brock.

Referee: Guy Stretton.

Man of match: Dan White.