2022 started with a draw for Retford FC as they came up against an in form Selby Town at The Rail.
A healthy crowd of 227 packed into the ground to watch this first game of the year with a healthy following from Selby to add spice to the atmosphere and it was a steady start for both sides from the start, Liam Flanaghan having an early chance for the visitors and Alex Wonham thwarted by Jody Barford in the Selby net.
Harry Clapham went close, his shot from close range going wide but he was flagged offside, then Retford made progress through Matt Parkin who fired over from distance.
Selby kept pushing, Flanaghan again going close with the game edging in Selby’s favour but Retford kept on the pressure, Liam White getting into the box only to be bundled off the ball by two defenders.
Daniel Davidson got into the mix, his shot from close range went the wrong side of the post, Jack Johnson then firing over at the opposite end shortly before the half hour mark.
Then moments later, the deadlock was broken, Harry Clapham meeting Liam Flanaghan’s cross to head home and give the visitors the lead.
Selby grew as the game wore on, Flanaghan inches over the bar with another effort and Clapham had the ball in the back of the net but his celebrations were cut short by the raised flag of the linesman for offside,
Shortly before the break, Retford had a great chance to level, Joe Edwards getting into the box to head towards goal and somehow a fantastic point blank save by Barford kept him at bay as the keeper used his body to block the ball then smother it on the ground before Edwards could react for a follow up.

The second half saw a much improved Retford performance, Liam White pressuring the defence to get into the box, he tried to win the ball from the defender going down with Barford looking to win the ball, eventually play was stopped and a drop ball given to Selby.
The visitors went close again, a shot straight at Jon Kennedy in the Retford goal but it was his opposite number that would garner the plaudits for two great saves in quick succession, the first somehow tipping the ball away at full stretch when it looked like Johnson had found the target with his header, the second a minute later to block Alex Wonham shot then turn Matt Parkins follow up for a corner.
The Retford pressure paid off and on 66 minutes, Zach Casburn was the scorer as he met the ball to head home and level the scores and about ten minutes later, the pendulum swung in Retford’s favour when Liam Bennett rose to head home and put the hosts in the lead.
Those looking to make an early exit from the game were soon turning on their heels with chances for both sides in the last ten minutes, Adam Scott hitting an effort over and Selby going close from a corner, but with two minutes left, Selby were level as substitute Luke Balderson hit a low drive past Kennedy to earn a draw.

After the game, Manager Chris Woodhead reflected on the point saying, “I thought we were good today at times. We definitely had chances in the second half to win the game but it wasn’t to be. It was disappointing that Selby levelled so late, but it’s another point on the board.”
Looking at the crowd he said, “There is nothing better than a very good attendance at the Rail and I hope those in the 227 that turned up enjoyed the game.”