Rainworth Mw 0 - 2 Coalville Town

Raven`s and Halloween!!

It`s been that long since Dudsey took in a match I`ve had to check up to see if the offside rule hasn`t been changed again, no excuses really Rainworth made the trip to Quorn on Tuesday night but chose not to travel (work and all that!!).

Thank God I saved some diesel money and a bucket full of frustration on that one, two nil up after thirteen minutes and chucked it down the pan, no wonder the forum seems a little vitriolic.

Forever the optimists we set off in hope to see if Rainworth can have a turn of fortune against today`s visitors. Looking at the team-sheet leaves me scratching my head a little, club captain Steve Kennedy is available but on the bench.....!!


Coalville Town are nicknamed "The Ravens", a bird who is closely associated with bad luck, this shouldn`t phase the `Rainworth Faithful` too much, good luck is something that hasn`t landed in this neck of the woods since mid-August. "Talking of the faithful"..... there`s not many of them here today, in fact it looks like the home supporters are outnumbered by about three to one.

Coalville take the kick-off and look to challenge the Wrens defence immediately via a lively looking Matthew Moore; Rainworth`s reply is pretty woeful, the usual dependable defence are in tatters and their inability to string two passes together fails to instil any confidence into my optimism.

Upfront Sean Cann, Danny Bacon and "newbie" Nathan Adams are trying to create openings but everything behind them in support is well below par today, aimless swipes at the ball result in possession being far too easily surrendered.

Timo`s got his hands full today, literally!!

Coalville`s No 11 (Anthony Carney) is sidling down the left flank and the visitors are picking up corner after corner, it`s only a matter of time before someone connects with one of the decent crosses being offered.

Not only do they seem well structured but they have a general awareness of each other and sure enough another corner allows Shane Rowlston to make one count in the nineteenth minute, heading the in-swinger beyond  Joe McCormack, 0-1.

Rowlston nods it home 0-1

Rainworth are plugging away at it but I don`t know what`s wrong here today, there seems to be a strange feel about the place, "sort of flat if you know what I mean", the lads are quiet and there is a definite lack of atmosphere.

Cann makes a good rush into the box but the semi-redundant Bowles in Coalville`s goal makes a perfectly timed dive to the feet of the Rainworth striker to deny him the chance of pulling the trigger, Sean`s not so convinced and remonstrates his penalty plea, but there`s nothing doing and that`s how it remains until half-time.

Bowles dispossesses Cann.

Dudsey`s pondering if there`s a way back for Rainworth during the break, a good dose of inspiration will have to be administered in the changing room, but it`s not impossible, well not until the fifty first minute.

The home side had the first decent chance after the restart as Mark Camm forced Bowles to make a decent save, seconds later Carney was making another good charge down the left, he threads a low ball into a busy box where Danny Quinn produced the neatest of back flicks to beat McCormack, 0-2.

It really is above The Wrens heads today.

With little in the way of hope, Rainworth decide to make changes and Coalville are quick to follow suit, unfortunately two of the subs are involved in a premature ending to the game, Lee Briggs is involved in a rather innocuous challenge which resulted in the very nimble Ryan Robbins falling awkwardly and in need of an ambulance. (Lets hope the lad is Ok). With only seconds left to play the Ref calls time early.

Despite the second goal putting the game well and truly beyond The Wrens Dudsey has to commend Nathan Adams for his efforts today but the statistics speak for themselves that Rainworth have real work to do to avoid the drop zone.   We`ll See....!!

My Men of the Match, 

Anthony Carney for Coalville and Nathan Adams for Rainworth.

Attendance 154.

A proud night for local football!!

Sky Sports Victory Shield - England U16s 3 - 1 Northern Ireland U16s

"The Young Ranger" (Braden, my lad), started with Shirebrook Rangers as an nine year old with a group of friends from Whaley Thorns Primary School; Cody, Carlton, Matt and Mason, just a bunch of kids enjoying a kick about and a sense of belonging.

Dudsey used to pick up the Langwith contingent for Team Managers; Wayne, Nige & Brett for the training session at Park Road Recreation Ground, they`d pile out of the car, slip on their gleaming little boots and strolled over to the pitch to enjoy their footie, the banter was quality!

After the session was over they would jump back into the car (usually with half the pitch on their boots) and make our way back home, they used to drive me up the wall, the electric windows were up and down, the radio was on full blast as soon as a favourite tune came on...Bless em!.

Shirebrook Rangers U9`s - 2006  (Mason top right)

After a couple of months watching the rebels develop, a couple of the lads show some real promise, but one lad really begins to stand out; he has an uncanny skills, his spacial awareness is incredible and plays he the game in a very mature manner for his age. Mason has no idea how gifted he is, others have though!  We talked about Mason constantly, yet, as far as he`s concerned he`s just doing something he loves with his schoolmates. If only he knew what we saw back then.

Although Mason hadn`t slipped under the radar (both Chesterfield and Notts Forest had made previous enquiries), the second they mentioned ditching Shirebrook Rangers Mason said "Nah", playing with his best mates was all he wanted to do.

We watched in awe every Saturday as he worked his magic in the Mansfield Chad Youth League. People used to say "where has he learn that", that`s just it; "he hasn`t ! Ironically he was a central defender back then, along-side our Rughead (very good at it too), nothing slipped the lads eyes and was having none of it when Wayne suggested he should try playing up front.

After a couple more months the interest in him was becoming more frequent. Eventually one day a scout from Derby County turned up to have a look at this talented kid from Langwith; he sidled up between me and Mason`s Nana and began to ask questions regarding Mason. After the game, the scout had had discussions with Wayne and Mason`s Nana, eventually they had to sit Mason down and explain that perhaps it was time to take for him to take his opportunity.

Good Luck Mason

The day he left Shirebrook Ranger`s, we all crammed into the changing room at Shirebrook. He was presented with his leaving present `A Man Utd shirt` and a spraying of something wet and fizzy. Thinking back it all seemed a bit embarrassing really; grown men and women openly crying.... not so much an ending but the beginning of something very special.

The B2Net stadium at Chesterfield hosts the Sky Sports Victory Shield U16`s International England against Northern Ireland, and guess who`s in the line up!!

"How often does a lad from this area get to play for his country?, tonight is the answer, and it couldn`t have happened to a nicer lad. The "Young Ranger" has already heard from Mason earlier today and he`s starting the game. Great news!

Mason in action for Derby

Five years on, after refusing trials with Chesterfield and Forest; simply because he didn`t want to let his mates down he is now the talk of Derby County`s academy and it looks like he is causing a stir at an higher level too.

Tonight seems so surreal, in the last couple of seasons prior to Mason`s departure I can`t count the times whilst stood on the sideline we said "If we don`t see Mayo on the telly one day"..........

The B2Net is under siege, no less than 350 tickets have been distributed by Shirebrook Rangers and it looks like half the Academy is here, the PA announces that a very healthy 4126 are in attendance tonight. This place is a credit to Chesterfield Borough Council and the developers, the place is immaculate and the playing surface is a dream.

The Teams emerge from the tunnel, Mayo is wearing the 10 shirt. As the National Anthem plays Dudsey is rushed by Goose Pimple`s, Mrs H is also on an emotional high, the "Young Ranger" is beaming with pride at the sight of his mate enjoying on of his finest moments and even ` The Little Chic` who "doesn`t do football" is up and clapping. This is one proud moment for the "H" household.

"Send her Victorious" (Mason No 10)

The game turns out to be as magical as it was surreal, if you wanted to write a script you couldn`t have dreamt for anything better than the outcome. A blistering run down the right see`s Mason cross a lovely ball in for Lewis Cook (Leeds United) who just manages to push it wide left.

Mason then set up the first goal with an inch perfect through ball to Conor Hunt (Chelsea) who took his goal perfectly in the 17th minute.

England conceded a very sloppy goal just before half-time, Connor Ogilvie (Spurs) slipped allowing Jamie McDonagh to dodge round Man City`s, Angus Gunn (son of Bryan) and sneak it in cheekily off the near post

The second half gets underway and the fairytale starts to unfold, within minutes of the restart, Conor Hunte repays the favour and crosses a lovely ball for Mason to tap home, the place erupts as he takes his 1st goal.

Minutes later, substitute Oluwaseyi Ojo (MK Dons) makes a cracking run in from the left and lofts a ball in just over the Irish defence for the "local hero" to nod into the goal, 3-1 and the game is beyond the reach of the Irish lads but they still try to make a game of it.

Sonupe and Mason in action at the B2Net.

We arrive home and watch the match again, we all sit there transfixed "it really does take some sinking in "Mason`s on Sky Sports" and to be honest it looks like it`s the first of many.

Some decent performances for England`s youngsters tonight, Skipper Rubens Loftus-Cheek made a good showing as did Leeds United`s Lewis Cook and Angus Gunn looked like a "Chip off the old block". But the true star of the show is wearing No10, so with Sir Trevor Brooking looking on, Mason has unknowingly probably just sailed through the only interview he`ll ever have.

Anyone wanting to know Dudsey`s favourite Fairytale? "You`ve just read it!

I know it`s easy to say, but if one young fella deserved a crack at a decent club....it`s Mason. A lovely, humble and well mannered lad whenever you are in his company or if he dropped in for tea.


Wishing you all the best for the future Mason.  Love from  D, K, B & I.

Rainworth Mw 1 - 2 Hucknall Town - FA Trophy Preliminary Round

A day away from the Evo-Stik is exactly what the doctor ordered, another defeat at the hands of league leaders Sheffield Fc on Tuesday night has added to Rainworth`s woes, although not totally outplayed they were definitely out-gunned again, on this occasion by Ashley Longstaff `s wondergoal and Matt Glass` early second half strike.

It`s four games since the ball hit the back of the net from a Wren`s boot and twelve games without a win in all competitions.

Hucknall are enjoying a bit of mixed form this season but still remain a respectable fifth in the league and have already taken three points from Rainworth at Watnall Road on Bank Holiday Monday.

There`s two grand up for grabs today with a trip to Leek Town beckoning in the next round, no doubt Hucknall will be very eager to secure some much needed funding whilst Rainworth will be more concerned about giving the fans something to cheer about......or not moan about I suppose!!

That`s more like it!!

Mansfield Town have loaned two "Young Bloods" to Rainworth in an attempt to get the season rolling again in the goal department.

Ex-Wrens, James Jepson and Matty Baxter now ply their trade for Hucknall and are always received with a warm welcome, these two have turned out some cracking performances for the Wrens in the past and know every blade at Kirklington Road.

The game gets off to a quick start on a very slick surface due to constant drizzle, any idea of Rainworth having any domination would be a little naive, Hucknall have some quality players and it`s Aiden Brady and Grant Ryan who are looking for a break with some good link play provided by Matty Baxter.

Baxter pushes Rainworth`s defence

Rainworth are looking much better shape-wise, Danny Bacon looks a lot more fluid on the ball, Mark Camm is all over the pitch as usual and "Young Stag", Joel Holland looks very accomplished on the ball, finding himself some decent space wide left, (Dudsey`s not too sure about starting Lavell instead of Sean Cann though).

The home side do start to enjoy a good spell of play and it looks as though they can trouble the visitors, Young Joel has instantly won some respect from the home faithful, disappointingly for Hucknall Jared Holmes limped off after taking a knock, being replaced by Kieran Watson who adds pace and width to the game.

Rainworth are making a good game of it.

Several good attempts by either side keep everyone on the edge of their seats in what is turning out to be a good end to end game, right back Keiran Walker is having a good game for Hucknall and is keeping Ryan well supplied.
.
The Wrens look better every time they turn out but Dudsey has one concern today; on a few occasions a suicide pass has occurred but luckily they either managed to retrieve it or Joe McCormack did the business, "but why put yourselves under such pressure".

Rainworth look as likely to score as they ever have but Wayne Duik has his back four thinking as a unit and when they do get untangled the tall figure of Jack Harvey is able to make amends, ("he`s filling in very well for Jimmy Lindley"). Neither side manages to find the net in the first half so it`s all square at the break
.

Harvey has his eye on the ball

Dudsey starts the second half by the railings close to the action, Rainworth had the first run at goal but another suicide ball gifted Ryan with a chance to good to miss and he didn`t 0 -1 after only five minutes of the restart.

For want of better words the game entered what can only be described at "The Nat Watson Show"; what Nathan produced over the next twenty minutes was truly inspiring, such a shame he wasn`t rewarded with a goal of his own.

Lee Briggs gets the unenviable task of retrieving the ball 0-1

Watson is on fire and unless someone takes control the game is soon going to be beyond Rainworth`s grasp, another foray see`s him twist and turn his way into the box blasting the ball directly at McCormack, Joe could do no more than palm the ball out towards Ryan, fortunately for Rainworth he scores from an offside position.

It`s looking like squeaky bum time for the home side, Hucknall are enjoying good possession all-over the park, Nat and his brother Kieron are running the show down the left and Jeppo`s having a field day down the right flank, threading the ball through to Lloyd and Ryan.

Common sense prevails and Rainworth decide to make some much needed changes, Lavell White is replaced by Sean Cann, and Young Joel is replaced by his Mansfield counterpart Adam Somes.

Somes` towering figure makes an immediate impact

On this occasion Rainworth`s changes are bang on, Cann and Somes have completely upset the balance for Hucknall, Sean hits a rasper from close range and it looks as though the lads are back in business. Cann has another run from the right and threads a low ball across the face of goal but no-one is close enough to put a toe to it.

Just as it looks that a goal and a possible replay is on the cards Hucknall break down the right, Lloyds sneaks a perfect pass to the feet of Brady who makes little effort to beat McCormack, 0-2 with ten minutes left.

As far as Hucknall are concerned it`s "Game, Set and Match". Watson is withdrawn to let him receive a rapturous round of applause. "Dudsey doffs his cap to this one, Top Draw son!"

The only consolation for the Rainworth faithful was the ever elusive goal, Somes connected with a sweet cross from Camm and heads it beyond Harvey, 1-2 with about five minutes left including stoppages.

The big lad creates some space for himself

Hucknall`s fans seem on edge and are eager for the Ref to blow time and after one more last ditch chance for Cann they get their whistle.

Another disappointing result for the lads despite finding the net, a good overall performance despite a few sloppy passes, surely a much deserved win can`t be far off!!

My men of the Match - Hucknall - Nathan Watson -Awesome!!   Rainworth - Danny Bacon/Ricky Hanson

Attendance - 124.

As far as the Wrens go it`s a three week Blog break for Dudsey until the next home game, unless I pop-up somewhere else!!

Rainworth Mw 0 - 2 Belper Town

October 1st 2011.... Dudsey and Mrs H are travelling down the A617 towards Rainworth, the Air-Con is on and the thermometer reads 29 degrees, "this is wrong" but we`re not complaining.

Hales has received the call and is making his debut for Scarborough Athletic (Ed Eley`s sick) "hopefully wafted by a gentle sea-breeze". Unable to make the trip as "The Young Rangers" game doesn`t kick off till mid-day, we decide to take in Rainworth`s home-tie against Belper.

Ironically this will be the third time we`ve watched this fixture in 2011 and Belper are on as many Managers, their latest Innkeeper comes in the form of Pete Duffield, someone who Gordon Foster holds in high regard.

Looking at today`s team-sheet he`s "Ringing in the Changes", only six of today`s squad featured in the away tie at Christchurch Meadow back in August whilst "The Nailers" were under Tommy Taylor`s tenure.

Rainworth`s squad is back to full strength but once again I have to question the starting line-up!! (I won`t go into detail for the fear of becoming boring).

Tbh, I thought there could be a chance for Rainworth today given last weeks improved performance at Lincoln plus the fact Duffield`s newly formed squad would need a few games to gel.

Morris fails to convert from close range

The game gets off to a good start, despite the temperature both sides look committed to the cause, Rainworth have a quick stab at goal from Lee Cooksey. Belper are next to push on, a quick break catches the home-side off guard and Lee Morris has a golden opportunity to take the lead but he fails to capitalise.

Belper do get the break they are seeking, Morris breaks again and is halted in his tracks by Steve Kennedy`s tackle, being the last man Ref Ian Smedley ("he had a bit of a mare today") had no option but to produce a straight red despite there not being anything cynical about the challenge.

John Froggatt steps up to take the kick and McCormack gets it right making a perfect block, Scratch that!!, the linesman is waving his flag and indicates the Rainworth keeper was off his line, the kick is re-taken and Frogba converts.

Joe McCormack stops Froggatt`s first attempt

So The Wrens find themselves a man light on a blisteringly hot day with seventy five minutes left to play, not the stuff dreams are made of but if anyone were to walk into the ground at this point they probably wouldn't `t have noticed the one man deficit.

No one can dispute the inefficiencies Rainworth display in-front of goal but the defence for me is as good as any in the league, a special mention has to go to young Lee Briggs again, he stood out head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch, not to diss the others, Fearon, Timons and Hannigan also worked their socks off. 

Rainworth still make chances despite the disadvantage.

Surely Belper will capitalise given the conditions and one man advantage, not in the first half! Froggatt and Morris are being suppressed by some solid defending. Aaron Pride looks to be Belper`s most influential player going forward and ex Sheffield Fc defender Dan White is saving Duffield`s blushes as he works tirelessly to prevent Rainworth`s advances.

Half time can`t come quick enough for all involved as the thermometer hits 30 degrees,   0-1 at the break. The attendance is announced as 165 today, not surprising really as Belper have more men in shirts and ties than MI5. "Big plans I think"!!

Lee Cooksey has come up with an alternative plan for the second half.

Dudsey thinks the second half might be a bridge too far for ten men, and although the result might indicate I was right, the performance put on in the second half showed real determination by the home side.

Belper were pegged back in their own half during the opening spell until inevitable substitutions had to be made, Ben Spargo looked very lively as" The Nailers" looked to replace tired legs, Rainworth followed suit with a series of changes to freshen things up.

Rainworth still managed to test Andy Richmond`s mettle

Someone`s Tweeting for Belper in the ground, "Still 1-0 here, cant` believe it`s not 3 or 4" Dudsey scans the ground but can`t see anyone wearing a pair of golden tinted glasses, "some folks bias kills me"!!

Legs are getting very tired and the feeling a slip up could take the game either way proved right, Tommy Hannigan who had put in a stellar shift makes a uncharacteristic error which allows Froggatt to take possession just outside the area, without ado he skirts into the box and plants it into McCormack`s net. 0-2 with only a minute to go, so harsh on the lads after a very gritty performance.

Froggatt and Hannigan enjoyed a good tussle.

With a second goal Belper are home and dry and Rainworth take another defeat, a penalty and a last minute defending error was all that separated the sides today. Belper for me should have walked this given the conditions and a man advantage, or are Rainworth despite a goal drought a better side than some people are giving them credit for. "Time will tell".......!!

Dudsey`s always rated John Froggatt`s worth at Belper due to his seniority and experience but a few disappointing little incidents have left me a little disillusioned today, on a couple of occasions he feigned injury and dropped to the floor as if he`d been shot, totally unnecessary for me as it`s obviously rubbing off on the likes of Morris as well.


My Men of the Match - Rainworth; Lee Briggs and Ian Clarke.  Belper; Dan White and Aaron Pride.