Rainworth MW 2-2 Market Drayton Tn

It was good of the Evo-Stik North to put a on a full midweeek programme - all the other local leagues had very little on offer. Even so, our choices were limited due to work commitments - which left us only the Rainworth v Market Drayton fixture available. 

Turned out to be a decent enough game, but it was a bitterly cold night, but with November just around the corner I suppose we should now be expecting runny noses and frozen digits....

Only one point separated the teams before kick off, and only one separated them after the final whistle, although it was two set pieces that eventually handed their visitors a share of the spoils. 

The Wrens play a 4-3-3 system with Karl Slack, Blair Anderson and Ian Holmes at the sharp end, and for the first quarter of an hour they had the better of the chances. The opening goal in the 19th minute for Rainworth though didn't involve the front three, Drayton's left back RYAN CONNOR sending a near perfect looping header into the top corner with keeper Andy Price stranded. H-T 1-0

With two minutes of the second half played, Rainworth doubled their lead - Anderson received the ball in the corner of the box and picked out Slack in front of goal. The no. 9 miskicked but luckily the ball flew to IAN HOLMES who prodded home.

Rainworth seemed to think that was game over, and stopped playing, allowing the travellers to pick up their game and strive to get something out of the game.  They got their reward in the 52nd minute.

Whether Joey McCormack was impeded when MATT JOHNSON fired in a 30 yard free-kick or not, I'm not sure, but the ball by-passed everyone in the packed area and ended up in the back of the net. 

Fired up by the goal, Market Drayton went full tilt for the equaliser, and when Rhys Sweatnam hit a free-kick from the half way line low and hard into the area on 67, the home defence forgot to do what they are paid to do. MARTYN DAVIES was allowed far too much space in the box and the Town skipper connected sweetly under no pressure, sending the ball flying past McCormack. 

Chances were few and far between after that, and it was something of a relief when Referee Mr. Smith blew after two minutes of stoppage time had been played. F-T 2-2

Read a more detailed report from Rainworth website

Admission £7

Programme £1 ( excellent value - inc team sheet)

Attendance 58 ( that is poor for this level - are the Rainworth public staying away for some reason?)