Battling Performance

The game began as expected, with Heanor on the front foot. The away side came close to taking the lead after just nine minutes of play. Forward Kieran Debrouwer worked the ball in from the right and unleashed a low strike from distance onto the base of the post and out for a goal kick.

The game’s first goal came in the 25th minute as Heanor’s top scorer Jamie Sleigh found his 27th goal of the season. A long ball forward by Debrouwer was met by Wrens keeper Josh Hollis. Unfortunately for the home side Hollis missed the ball completely, leaving Sleigh to finish into and an empty goal.

After the opener Heanor pressed on. In the 27th minute Tristan Matthews struck the bar with an athletic volley inside the box. Seconds later and the visitors had doubled their lead, Jamie Sleigh sliced a first time shot upwards, finding ex Wren Jordan Ball who headed home at the far post to double the lead.

The visitors came close to finding a third as they squandered chances before half time. Matthews came agonisingly close as he saw his curling effort from the right side of the box fizz narrowly past the post in the 33rd minute. Then, with just five minutes until the break, Matthews played Sleigh through on goal but the striker could only slide the ball wide of the bottom left corner.

As the second half began Rainworth showed glimpses of hope. Captain Aidy Harris carried the ball through the midfield well before his long-range effort was well saved by keeper Jordan Pierrepont.

Drama ensued in the 63rd after a coming together between players. An altercation between Kieren Debrouwer and Alex Sennett left Sennett injured on the ground, other players got involved but the referee decided not to produce a card.

Despite the deficit, the home side continued to press forward. Striker Nathan Benger came the closest in the 84th minute as he sent his close range freekick narrowly over the crossbar.

With just four minutes remaining, Heanor Town probably should have found their third goal of the game. Top scorer Jamie Sleigh was put through on goal but couldn't finish the chance as he unexpectedly sent his shot well over the crossbar.

Next up in the East Midlands Counties League, Rainworth face a trip to mid table opposition Graham Street Prims whilst Heanor Town face a tough test as they travel to inform Radford.

Rainworth MW: Hollis, Coupe, Toon, Davidson (Comry), Sennett, Wright, Bonel, Herbert, Benger, Harris, Darby (Brewin).
Unused Subs: Edwards, Smith.

Heanor Town: Pierrepont, Horne, Nice, Thornberry, Roulston, Hall, Hazeldine (Vowles), Ball, Sleigh, Debrouwer, Matthews (Daley).
Unused Subs: Reittie, Sithole, Coyle.