Solid Performance denies Bourne Town

Both sides had chances on the day and Rainworth had a strong penalty shout overturned. However, the 0-0 score line reflected the closeness of the contest.

Rainworth almost gifted Bourne the opener after a defensive mix up. However, Herbie Panting couldn’t take advantage putting the ball out with the goal beckoning. Rainworth’s response saw Callum Fletcher’s effort blocked at the expense of a corner.

Jake Brown’s inswinging corner was pushed out by Luke Chadwick and Brown’s follow-up was inches over. Chadwick did well in the 23rd minute to block Zak Munton’s drive from the edge of the area.

Four minutes later and Nathan Benger attempted an audacious lob from the half way line, but it lacked direction. Then Dan Swan did well to block Fletcher’s effort on the turn.

In the 37th minute an excellent Rainworth passing move ended in Fletcher’s attempt to turn it goal wards going wide. Brown puts his effort over from the edge of the area, whilst at the other end Fletcher’s effort is gathered by Swan.

Bourne’s Munton almost scored the opener in the final minute of the first half, but James Culf somehow managed to clear on the goal line.
James Hill-Seekings effort was blocked in the opening minutes of the second half and Chadwick easily gathered. Rainworth should probably have done better moments later when Benger’s head on was put wide by Fletcher when well placed.

It was now end-to-end and Chadwick did well to get down to turn Munton’s effort around the upright. Fletcher brought a fine save out of Swan at the other end.

Rainworth almost paid the price when they gifted the ball to Michael Cox, but Culf once again cleared off the line. Benger’s free kick in the 78th minute from outside the area, was always rising.

Bourne came close in the 83rd minute when Hill-Seeking laid it into Jake Sasby’s path, but he pulled his effort wide.

In added time Rainworth had a big shout for a penalty as Butcher-Simpson appeared to be brought down from behind. The referee however waived play on.

The final minute saw Max Cook involved at both ends, his long-range effort went inches over and then in the final play of the game he headed off his own line.

A bare bone can take great credit in pushing Bourne all the way and a point was the least they deserved.

Rainworth MWFC: Chadwick; Onwubiko; Cook; Culf; Arnold; Nettleship; Rossiter; Scott; Benger; Fletcher; Butcher-Simpson.
Subs (not used): Allcock; Magee