A League Win at Last

The bottom of the table clash was never going to be high scoring, Borrowash haven’t scored in the league and Rainworth’s had come from a penalty and an own goal.

Rainworth continued to have key players unavailable, whilst Borrowash had four debutants.

Rainworth almost threatened in the opening minute when Warren Squire’s kick up field almost set up Blessing Adeleye. At the other end a great cross from Vernon goes across the area and out for a throw-in.

Rainworth were creating half-chances, but it was the same old problem a lack of a finish.

On ten minutes Liam Jepson put his effort straight at the keeper, whilst at the other end Taylor almost capitalised on a defensive error, but he put his effort wide.

Rainworth had a glorious chance in the 17th minute when Tom Sharpe’s excellent cross was headed over by Jepson.

It was a scrappy match and neither side looked as if they had enough firepower to trouble either keeper. In the 34th minute it was Scott Wesley who headed Roberto Labbate’s free-kick wide.

Jepson was continuing to cause problems when in the space of minute, he had an excellent cross blocked and then his goal-bound effort was also blocked.

Rainworth continued to huff and puff when in the final minutes of the half, Luke Walker’s run and shot from a tight angle hit the side netting. Then Sharpe’s cross was met by Adeleye, but it was blocked on the line.

The nil-nil score-line reflected two sides who were as determined not to lose as to win.

Rainworth came out with purpose at the start of the second-half and Sol did well to hold Joe Sockett’s effort on the line. The Sharpe had an effort that was well blocked by Sol at the expense of a corner.

Rainworth continued to create and miss and it began to look that both sides frailties in front of goal would rule the day. The first Rainworth substitution saw Antonio Wedderburn replace Sharpe.

Rainworth came close in the 58th minute when Soal pulled off an incredible save to deny Walker and from the corner the same player was inches wide.

The turning point in the match came in the 64th minute when Adeleye won the race to the ball as Soal advanced from his goal. As he rounded the keeper he was brought down, the red card was inevitable, the only other decision was penalty or no penalty. The referee consulted his assistant and a free-kick on the edge of the box was awarded.

Rainworth almost conceded in the 66th minute when a quick Borrowash break and shot saw Squires struggle to grasp it but it was cleared from danger.

Walker was having one of those night’s when once again he outpaced the defence, but his effort beat the keeper and rebounded clear off the upright.

Rainworth should have opened the scoring in the 71st minute when Jepson’s cross went through Wedderburn’s legs with the goal at his mercy.

The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute when Adeleye was through on goal and he was ceremonially brought down by the stand-in keeper, the referee had no hesitation and pointed to the spot but took no further action. Adeleye stepped up and coolly slotted it into the corner, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Rainworth were now dominating and Adeleye almost doubled the lead after his flick was pushed wide by the keeper. Jepson’s effort was almost fumbled whilst Wedderburn’s chip beat the keeper, but it was cleared before the ball could cross the line.

The inevitable second goal came in the 90th minute when Walker’s pass found Wedderburn, who ran across the edge of the area and hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Rainworth made their second substitution in injury time Kyle Lee replacing the injured Walker. Right at the final whistle Adeleye had an excellent chance to add a third when through on goal but the keeper saved his effort, but the score remained 2-0.

RAINWORTH MWFC: Squires; R. Labbate; N. Labbate; Webster; Barnes; Sockett; Sharpe (Wedderburn); Wesley; Adeleye; Walker (Lee); Jepson.
Sub (not used): Gaughen.

Referee: Aidan Murphy

Man of the match: Luke Walker

Attendance: 92