Both sides went into this important Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying round tie far from being in a position they would like to be in due to injuries ravaging both squads. The loss of key players and the way each club handled the matter had an impact on the outcome of the game as the host focused on licking their wounds whilst Teversal put in a workmanlike performance to control the game and come away from Kirkland Road by progressing to the Second Qualifying round.

The game lacked any real incident in the first half hour with it becoming clear it was going to be a game of two different styles, with a pattern of play slowly forming. Teversal looked to play a passing game and when it was broke down the Wrens would pump the ball forward for Luke Walker and Blessing Adeleye to chase down. In terms of efforts on goal neither side created anything of a note, Walker from outside the penalty saw Rio Alberry gather with ease, whilst at the other end Danny Fletcher produced a text book cross along the edge of the six yard box that neutralized the Rainworth defence but it was marginally to hard with Matt Wilkinson just failing to make that telling touch at the far post.

On 30 minutes the tempo of the game raised when Adeleye headed on one of those long punts up the park to find Walker, who drilled a fierce effort that saw Rio Alberry save low to his right to record the first real save of the afternoon. Teversal response was to lift their game playing their passing game with more purpose, but remained patient looking to find the right opportunity to create an opening.

Teversal’s dominance was rewarded when Ben Cartwright was allowed the time and space to deliver the perfect far post cross that needed the slightest touch to open the scoring, but in this case it didn’t receive that touch as the cross come shot deceived everyone including seeing the Rainworth keeper Squires rooted on his goal line as the ball simple went through everyone to nestle in the Rainworth goal at the far post.

Rainworth responded well with Walker holding up the ball before picking out Roberto Labbate excellently timed run to produce the extra man to fire a superb 35 yard swirling dipping effort that smashed against the post with Rio Alberry unable to do anything in the Teversal goal. This turned out to be the start of Rainworth’s purple patch with Adeleye finding himself in the penalty area with an opportunity but the pressure from Barry Alberry was enough to force the striker to fire high and wide of the target.

With the game now opened up the visitors went down the other end with Matt Wilkinson crossing to Jake Vernon who put the ball wide of the goal. Teversal then doubled their lead when Ben Cartwright then put a free kick into the Rainworth penalty area that nobody appeared to react too, with veteran Barry Alberry casually bundling the ball home in what appeared slow motion to make it 2-0 on 44 minutes, with the score line putting a fair reflection on the half time score line.

The Teversal camp will be disappointed with their slow start to the second period that allowed Rainworth to came out fighting and apply pressure on the Tevie Boys. Jepson caused problems down the Wrens left flank, picking out Adeleye who was denied by an alert Rio Alberry who was quick off his line to make an excellent block with his legs. The home side continued to pressure without creating any goal scoring opportunities. Roberto Labbate tried another effort from distance which was equally impressive in its execution than his first effort, but lacked direction going way wide of target. Sharpe took inspiration from his skipper, but again the effort cleared the target.

Having soaked up the early pressure and regained control of the game, Teversal then added to their lead to make it 0-3 on 62 minutes. Danny Fletcher held the ball up well before picking out Matt Wilkinson’s run down the right flank to deliver a far post cross that Squires spilled with Declan Jenkins effort hitting a defender bar before deflecting onto the bar with the ball dropping behind Jake Vernon who produced a text book overhead kick that hit the underside of bar to drop just behind the goal line before spinning back out to hit Squires on the back to then settle in the back of the net. The fact the initial effort from Jake Vernon went in, sees the striker opening his account from his first start of the season.

The final half hour saw Teversal control the game in a sedate manner to conclude a workmanlike performance that saw them control the game and progress into the next round were they will travel to either Clifton All Whites or Belper United who have to replay after a 3-3 draw.

Next Saturday the Tevie Boys entertain Newark Flowserve who were promoted as champions from the Notts Senior League last season and are among the candidates for a second promotion from East Midlands Counties League, Premier Division, kick off at Carnarvon Street is at 3:00pm.

RAINWORTH MINERS WELFARE; Warren Squires, Roberto Labbate, Joe Sockett, Anton Foster, Kieran, Barnes, Jacob Webster, Tom Sharpe (Anton Wedderburn 67), Scott Wesley (Jordan Denyer 83), Luke Walker, Blessing Adeleye (Kyle Lee 73), Liam Jepson. Subs Not Used; Nick Labbate, Alfie Gaughan.

TEVERSAL; Rio Alberry, Jack Griffiths, James Travis (Declan Jenkins 47), Danny O'Donnell, Aaron Pride, Barry Alberry, Ben Cartwright (Lewis Brown 67), Jake Vernon (Joel Smith 67), Danny Fletcher, Danny Fullwood, Matt Wilkinson. Subs Not Used; Gareth Briggs, Tom Laister.

REFEREE; Ashley Allen ATTENDANCE; 64
MAN OF MATCH; Rainworth Miners Welfare: Roberto Labbate. Teversal: Danny Fullwood.
YELLOW CARDS; Rainworth Miners Welfare: None. Teversal: None.
RED CARDS; Rainworth Miners Welfare: None. Teversal: None.