Cannon Park, home of Retford United based in Nottinghamshire and play their trade in the Central Midlands League at Step 7. Nicknamed the “Badgers” as they play in Black and White. It’s my second visit to Cannon Park with the first one being a Pre-Season game against Mansfield Town but tonight, a more competitive fixture for Retford as they face AFC Phoenix.
Still in Step 7 but again, for how long? Ryan Hindley is the man in charge now! Is this the year that Retford return to Step 6? They’ve won 9 out of 9 so far… It’s looking good! Can they make it 10/10? Let’s find out!
A last minute decision by me and Ben tonight! It’s 6pm and… *PING* Ben: “Let’s go and vlog the Retford game tonight” Go on then! Straight out of the door and onto the A1 and into Retford with 25 minutes to go before kick off! £3 to get in here! Tasty!
“When two tribes go to war! A point is all that you can score!” Out come the teams but I’m sure both teams will be hoping that 3 points is all that they can score!
Kick Off! 2 minutes in and Retford have a throw in on the right, it’s played in, it’s crossed in, Liam Nelthorpe free header… over!
11th minute now and Retford play down down the right, it’s played in low, it’s cleared and it comes to Tom Brook and he goes for goal from 40 yards… OH MY WORD!!! HOW’S HE MANAGED THAT!!!??? THAT IS SENSATIONAL!! It’s dipped in and caught the keeper out and that is the goal of the season so far! 1-0!
2 minutes later and Retford play it through to Liam Nelthorpe who’s in… Saved! He should’ve scored there for me but it is a corner, in it comes… It’s headed up in the air… It comes down and the keeper misses it… And it’s spun in! It’s 2-0! That’s a poor goal to concede there…
19 minutes now and here come Retford again, Craig Mitchell is played through and he’s onside… He scores! 3-0! Just like that! Game over already?
The game goes on and it’s becoming a case of how many will Retford score? 36th minute and it’s a corner for Retford, in it comes… Craig Mitchell flicks it on… Blocked out for another, in it comes again… A header for Owen Fieldsend… Off the bar!! Goal kick.
41 minutes gone and Phoenix play it through to Lloyd Chuba and he gets into the box on the left, he shoots… Good save! He gets it back and plays it across… Retford clear.
44th minute now and Retford play down the left, it’s played in, Craig Mitchell controls… And finishes brilliantly!! Effortless brilliance!! 4-0! Retford go in at the break 4-0 to the good… But Hindley is not that all happy with that…
Second half, 55th minute and Igor Mlynarski drives down the left for Retford, he plays it across to Jon Froggatt to shoot on the edge of the box first time… OH! Just over!
65 minutes on the clock and Retford drive down the right, it’s crossed in, it comes for Craig Mitchell who sets up Danny Booth to shoot… Parried… Jon Froggatt is there for the rebound… OH! Brilliant double save!! Another outstanding save I have seen just lately!!
83rd minute and it’s a corner for Retford, in it comes… Brilliant delivery but no one attacking it and it rolls away… Play goes on, it’s played to Jed Phillips and the shot comes in from 30 yards… YES!! It’s another cracker!! Sensational! 5-0! Brilliant from Jed Phillips! A not so competitive game you have to say ends at 5-0.
The fans clapping off the players in a real show of community spirit here! After the game I spoke with Ryan to see his opinion on the game.
FT: Retford United 5-0 AFC Phoenix
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 2/10 – Not the loudest but there is a community spirit here!
- The Ground: 9/10 – As good as last time!
- Expense: 10/10 – £3!!
- Overall Experience: 9/10 – Great to see Retford United again but more importantly to meet Massive himself! Just a shame the game was a bit boring…
30/40
To see how my first visit went, click here