Had a feeling Town were going to get beaten today - and on arriving at the ground, looking at the team sheet and comparing the Rainworth line-up with the Yellows' starting eleven, that feeling didn't go away.
Kev Gee has put together a very good squad at Kirklington Road, and with Ian Holmes have secured the services of a top, top striker. Jared Holmes, Kieran Walker, Callum Lloyd and Danny Bacon have all worn the yellow of Hucknall, but in Blair Anderson the Wrens have a real gem. On loan from Alfreton - we first came across Blair when he was playing in the Unity U19's side a couple of years ago, and scoring for fun - the young man looked destined to do well even then. Blair was at times unplayable and was instrumental in setting up a couple of the Wrens goals.
The warning signs were there for Hucknall with just three minutes on the clock, when Ian Holmes was given space to run into and shot just past the outside of the post. Karl Slack then fired over for Town two minutes later, after he was found by Ben Good.
Jamie Brown looked dangerous for Town early doors, swinging in a couple of crosses and forcing keeper Joe McCormack into action on occasion.
I've seen many, many managers at most levels of the game, but in Gee, Rainworth have to have one of the angriest and loudest I have ever come across. Mind you, Hucknall's Graham Walker was almost as bad at times ... maybe they were seeing who can shout the loudest!! Who won? Gee - hands down....
Rainworth took the lead in the 40th minute - Anderson went flying down the left wing and was allowed to cross to the far side of the goal where EWAN CLARKE was waiting to volley sweetly home. The cross shouldn't have been allowed to happen, and Rob Paling maybe should have done more, but take nothing away from the finish - it was superb! H-T 1-0
Ewan Clarke hits the Wrens' first
The Wrens doubled their lead through RYAN GOWARD with 9 minutes of the second half played, the former Mansfield Town player hitting the ball low and slow from 25 yards through a crowd of players after two initial shots at goal had been cleared.
BEN GOOD reduced the Town arrears three minutes later, crashing a shot past McCormack from the corner of the box. Now, with the wind at their backs, the visitors should have gone on to get something out of this game, but there was little or no creativity from the midfield - Slack and Good needed some ammo - but both Topliss and Brown were unable to supply. Brown had a very good first half, but faded into invisibility in the second. Topliss never got going at all. What Brett Marshall will do next to try to get the season up and running is anyone's guess.
In the 77th minute, IAN HOLMES was played in from the back, and despite being chased down by Danny Hayes, the striker fired coolly past Fisher.
Ian Holmes gets the third
Five minutes later it was game over, after CLARKE was picked out with a superb ball from Jared Holmes - the no. 8 hitting the ball across Fisher and into the far corner of the net. F-T 4-1
Clarke (hidden) grabs the fourth
Well done, Rainworth - well worth the three points on the day. Hucknall have one or two or three or four problem areas - both me and Kev can see them - it's to be hoped Brett can. Early in the season it may be, but three wins out of the next four games look possible ( Northwich and Romulus at home - Lincoln Utd and Brigg away), and that should help calm a few nerves....
Admission £7
Programme and team sheet £1
Attendance 135
