Rainworth Mw 1 - 1 Kidsgrove Athletic

After initially planning to join the Pilgrimage to Inkersall Road for Staveley`s second leg of the FA Vase semi-final against Dunstan UTS;  little questions start toing and froing in Dudsey`s head, thoughts turn to the endless miles we`ve covered following Rainworth`s plight since joining the Evo-Stik and "how many times have we actually seen Staveley play this season?..None!.

No doubt for one club and it`s supporters it will definitely be a great afternoon out", with a one goal deficit from the first leg we wish the best of luck to Terry, Billy and the Staveley lads this afternoon! So with only three home-games left loyalty wins the better of me and it`s off to Kirklington Road to see the lads take on Kidsgrove Athletic.


Since the Ilkeston game Rainworth have had three consecutive away games; an emphatic 1-5 win at Coalville, a 3-2 defeat at New Mills (although by all accounts the lads made a really good game of it) and a 1-1 draw at Newcastle Town last Tuesday night.

So four points in three games was enough to see 'The Wrens' clear the bottom three leap-frogging Romulus who now sit two points adrift in twentieth spot.

The last thing you want when you`re unsure about your decision is the commercial manager asking if you`ve bought your boots as the Wrens are struggling to make a side up..."told you we should have gone to Staveley" a little voice mutters in my head ..! Anyway here we are so lets see what`s on offer...

So Ironic on a day when the FA Vase is causing such a stir in the local area that Rainworth should be holding a minutes silence for Brian Phillips, the man who steered 'The Wrens' to Wembley in the very same competition back in 1982.

Perfectly observed by the 82 in attendance

Despite a make-shift team, most of the locals seemed pleased to see Joe McCormack back in goal from his short spell at Leek Town (obviously the grass is no greener even over the High-Peak), but in all fairness Joe is about as good as they come locally. Nathan Adams is up-front with Ant Lynam who`ll probably need a game or two to shake off the Cobwebs, and Matt Plant makes his debut joining from Sheffield Fc.

As a game, I soon realised that Inkersall Road was probably the place to be this afternoon, unimaginative and lacking any real cut and thrust, both sides fumbled about, continuously hoofing the ball to imaginary colleagues for the first quarter of an hour, non more so than Matt Plant, every ball he cleared went for a six..

Going on the opening spell it looked as though half-time was nailed on for a goal-less forty five until Curtis Shaw was up-ended in the box by Sam Hall leaving the Ref with only one option.... Shaw picks up the ball, places it on the spot and duly prods it to the right of the keeper 1-0 after twenty minutes.

Shaw makes no mistake from the spot...1-0

Thinking the goal might spur the game into life sadly turned out to be wishful thinking on my part, Kidsgrove`s usual flair and pace is no-where to be seen, the very capable figure of Dave Walker seems to pose little or no threat and similar can be said for Rainworth`s towering defender Romaine Graham who made such a good impression down the right flank against Ilkeston. I guess they all have their off-days!!

One player who does stand out for 'The Grove' is their No 4..Danny Smith, quick and alert, he Shepherd`s and organises the defence playing a similar game to Rainworth`s best signing in recent seasons, Mark Camm.

Smith No4 holds the fort whilst Kidsgrove make a break

Despite the lack-lustre goings on Rainworth should have been two to-the-good on the half hour mark, Nathan Adams zips in a pacy shot running in from the right, only for it to come back off the post. Kidgrove are slowly starting to gain some momentum, Karl Charlton seems to be making his mark on the game but Rob Paling and the ever reliable Camm are managing to clean up effectively.

Kidsgrove continue to press 'The Wrens' defence, McCormack responds well to his first real test as Andy Taylor hits a rocket from well outside the area closing the first-half at 1-0 to the home-side.

Tweets are pouring in and Staveley are 2-1 up with Dunstan down to ten men, so it`s looking good so far...

Lynam l0 looks on as Kidsgrove look for an opening

Having only just parked my ass back in the stand, Dudsey glances towards play, Rainworth are caught napping from the re-start and the visitors win a corner, a good cross falls to Taylor who sneaks it over the line leaving McCormack to retrievie the ball from the back of the net, Kidsgrove square the game within the first minute of the second half.

For a while the game reverts back to being short on entertainment and full of wastefulness, although Kidsgrove do look marginally the better of the two sides, Rainworth manage to squeeze the visitors for a brief spell, two decent free-kicks cause the visitors a moment of unrest. The first one from Danny Bacon and a lovely effort from Ryan Goward who forced a good save from Kidgrove`s Steve Hodgson.

Bacon tries his luck from twenty five yards

Any chance of action from free-play in this half has to spring from the bench and unfortunately it comes from the visitors bench in the form of Liam Shotton. This lad is a real live-wire and his stance and movement reminds me a lot of Massiah McDonald, one of Dudsey`s favourite ex-Rainworth striker`s who now plays his football with Worksop Town.

Despite Shotton`s turn of speed and agility Rainworth display their one key strength again..solid defending, he`s all-over the area like a jack-rabbit but the killer strike still eludes him.

One face to emerge from Rainworth`s bench warms Dudsey`s heart, young Sam Dockwray makes his first team debut having spent a few months with the reserve squad since joining from Belper. We`ve known Sam from toddler to touchline and it`s great to see local talent flourish. Well done Sam..!

Shotton (far-left) makes a nuisance of himself

Several more foray`s down into Rainworth`s half see Kinsey, Griggs and Shotton trying to steal a winner but once again the door is closed and 'The Wrens' make a quick counter attack. Young Sam looks lively and keen to impress and in the main he`s enjoying the opportunity. 

Rainworth`s last chance to grab the points is once again from a set piece as the ball is handled outside the box, Ant Lynam (who has had a very quiet game) decides to take the kick and only manages to drill it into Kidsgrove`s wall.

Kidgrove`s wall soaks up Lynam`s pile-driver.

There`s just enough time for one last charge for the visitors with Shotton setting the wing alight once again, gladly Mark Camm is there one last time to bring the advance to a halt.

Full-time and it`s a point apiece and on reflection probably the right result on the day. Although the game lacked any real flow or excitement Rainworth`s single point and all the lower clubs losing it looks as though Evo-Stik status is now guaranteed for a third season for 'The Wrens'.


My Man of the Match - Rainworth; Mark Camm (another faultless display). Kidsgrove; Liam Shotton (Thank God he was on the bench for the first hour!)

Attendance - 82

Unfortunately Staveley`s Wembley dream faded as they also went down to ten-men and Dunstan got an equaliser seeing them go through 2-3 on aggregate and as much as it`s a disappointment they should hold their heads high for a great achievement and flying the flag for local football in our area. Well Done!

Ilkeston Fc 2 - 0 Rainworth Mw

Other than local grounds Dudsey had vowed not to travel too much this season, but a revisit to 'The New Manor Ground' is too much of a temptation.

The last time I was here was back in the 2000/1 season when a young keeper by the name of 'Hales' signed by Chris Marples was out to make his name in non-league football and in the absence of Ally Barcherini he`s back to enjoy the atmosphere at the NMG.

I really had forgot what a cracking set up they have here, from the clock tower to the elevated stand you have to admit this place is a fine setting for an afternoon of football and it sure is a treat for the away fans who make the journey to Awsworth Road.

As much as the locals dispute that 'The Robins' are a bigger club than Step 4 and size wise they definitely are, it looks as though Grantham Town are out to steal the show this season.

Rainworth`s line-up looks a little toothless upfront again for me, the play-makers 'The Wrens' have sorely missed in recent weeks are lining the bench and Dudsey`s left scratching his head. Why on earth would a team who have one of the best defensive records in the league who`s only Nemesis has been lack of goals start a game with their best three goal-scorers on the bench...?

No such problems with 'The Robins' strike-force and all expectations will be for Ricketts, Thomas and Sam Duncam to produce the goods and hopefully assert some pressure on Grantham`s title surge.

The New Manor Ground - Step 4 Paradise

The game gets off to a cracking start on very slick surface heavily watered prior to the start of the game and Rainworth are left pinching themselves, Danny Bacon rattles the crossbar in the first five minutes and 'The Wrens' are given the luxury of a second chance but Niall O`Rafferty only manages to loft it over the bar from close range.

A fine start and although chances are being created by the visitors too many of the early opportunities are going adrift as the ball is lashed forward to no-one. Romaine Graham is pulling up trees down the right-hand side but constantly pushes it too far and ends up losing possession.

Matt Richards and Laurie Wilson are driving the mid-field battle for 'The Robins` and Rainworth`s defence have their eye fixed firmly on the dominant Ricketts but Camm, Cooksey, Kennedy and Rob Paling seem to have things under control.

Ricketts is forced to do a little defending

A good contingent have congregated behind Hales` goal and are giving him and the defenders a good old ear-bending but all in very good spirit. ("this place is magic").

Mark Camm is excellent in his Sweeper role, his experience of playing at a higher level serves him well, high on the adrenalin of the atmosphere created by the 431 strong crowd, he`s revelling in it.

Sooner or later against teams like Ilkeston  you are inevitably going to have to absorb some spells of pressure, Duncam is slowly finding his feet (this lad has it all), persistently wriggling his way down the left flank he`s getting in deep behind the Rainworth defence with Ricketts and Thomas jostling it out in the box.

Duncam (11) and Ricketts (9) look on as Watts makes a charge

The scales are slowly starting to tip in the home-sides favour, a wave of free kicks ensue and Rainworth are starting to get pushed more and more into their own half, the crowd are expecting the dead-lock to be broken, and to be honest it`s looking that way.

Rainworth make the odd break down the right, Rob Paling is feeding Ryan Goward who is pushing on, threading in some decent crosses but the front men are failing to make anything of it

Ilkeston 'Up the Ante' and it`s time to defend

We enjoy conversation with some of  'Ilsons' faithful, there`s a good mix.... 'The Beer Warriors' are all behind the goal and the less vocal are shoulder to shoulder down the side-lines, they love their footie here and are a good honest crowd who appreciate the visitors efforts. A charming old chap is to our left and thinks that 'The Wrens' have had the better of the first half but clearly he`s here to cheer on his beloved 'Robins'.

Within minutes our friend get`s to see what he`s come for, Duncam has switched to the right and drives in a lovely cross, the defenders are pouring their attention on the menacing figure of Ricketts only for Thomas to whip across the six yard area from right to left  fizzing the ball off his head into the top right and corner. Nice goal and a little harsh on the lads, but it`s 1-0 at half time and the sprinklers are back on!!.

Ilkeston`s dug-out has the edge at half-time

With the goal advantage Ilkeston came out for the second half as you`d expect, full of confidence and looking to capitalise, and in the main they had the lions share of play in the opening the minutes of the second half, Matt Richards (who for me was Ilkeston`s best player of the second-half), dinks a ball into the box and Rob Paling could do little to stop it catching his arm, despite his plea`s with the Ref the penalty is awarded.

The No 4  picks up the ball and carries it to the spot, the crowd are well and truly on Halesy`s back, Wilson picks his spot, Hales choose`s to go right but he`s beaten with a rocket just to the left of centre.

Laurie Wilson converts, 2-0.

Two-nil and it`s all uphill from here...Rainworth`s reply is to load the guns after the battle has ended, on comes Adams and Glass immediately after the goal and 'Hey-Presto' the visitors have the 'Robins' on the back foot, the locals are quick to notice Adams and Glass` ability, "this kid can play football" utters one of the Ilkeston fans with regard to Adams, Yep...I see that and you see that...!!

Glass sneaks in down the right, feeds the ball towards Adams, he slots it home and it looks like we have a game on our hands...or not..!! the linesman has his flag aloft and I fail to see at what point he deemed Nathan to be off-side along with agreement of the locals.

Matt Glass injects some life into Rainworth`s second-half.

Rainworth`s front pairing continue to push but the balance of power starts to swing back in favour of the home-side, Tyrell Waite and Will McCall`s fresh legs have 'The Wrens' on the back foot again, Hales makes a brilliant save from the foot of Wilson and then again from McCall

Gary Ricketts heads the ball into the net in the dying minutes but again the linesman`s flag is up for a foul in the box, the Ilkeston bench seem enraged by his decision and boss Kevin Wilson has no qualms about letting the official know his feelings, the ref has a word and calm is restored. Full-time, and it finishes 2-0.

Rainworth have one last push but it`s too late

Despite coming away empty-handed, the lads should come away from this one not feeling beaten but a tad unlucky on the day, Ilkeston are a strong side with strength and depth in all area`s including on the bench, a luxury the bigger clubs can afford.

Ilkeston are a club with a great history and ambitions to return to a higher level understandably, the fans are a decent bunch, they make you feel welcome, and despite regular large crowds they have display no aggression to visiting teams or supporters and have no "Potty Mouths", they just come to enjoy a day out at the club they love and for very selfish reasons I hope they stay in this league for at least one more season.

A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon out at what is Step 4`s premium venue in my opinion as a travelling fan.

My Men of the Match - Rainworth ; Mark Camm and for Ilkeston; Sam Duncam.

Admission - £7

Attendance - 431

Rainworth Mw 0 - 0 Brigg Town

After an abyssal long haul this morning to watch Shirebrook Rangers U16`s get mauled 6-0 by the Wolves of West Bridgford I was hoping that after a two month lay-off a little Evo action would brighten up a dull start to the day for Dudsey.....

As we arrived at the ground the Brigg players and Officials were just entering the ground having been delayed, therefore the kick-off was put back by fifteen minutes.

As a match it turned out to be as exciting as being stuck on the M18...Dour was the keyword today, two teams with a definite lack of direction and little in the way of fire-power left the paltry 76 strong crowd with little to talk about post match.

Rainworth look to have lost their way again squad-wise, gone has the spark that briefly got the faithful moving towards the edge of their seats back in November and Brigg look to be in a similar scenario.

Ryan Goward keeps himself busy..

A few players looked as though they came with a little intent, Ryan Goward and Lee Cooksey were the best on offer for the Wrens, Hales looked his ever dependable self when called upon but fire power wise they were as 'Flat as a Fart'.

Matt Glass looked to be full of beans when he came on but without the likes of Adams and Akers in the mix it`s looking very lack-lustre upfront.

Cooksey (left) doing his stuff..

Steve Owens, Liam Davis, Sam Mulready and Olly fisher led the way for Brigg and did look the sharper of the two teams at times but today had 0-0 written allover it.

One candidate for the best performance this afternoon was by today`s Referee...Andrew Park, Top Marks Sir...

Every season there comes a point where teams realise there is nothing left to play for, they are not going to make the play-offs or are pretty sure that they are going to manage to 'beat the drop' thus making for a winding down period, as much as it`s a relief it does become a little hard on the eye.

Hales....nice to see him back albeit as cover.

During the game a few chances went begging but with the lowest attendance and nothing much to raise a shout about the atmosphere today seemed to be one of submission.

Come 17:03, as Mr Park blew his whistle, the only highlight of my day was the sight of seeing Hales back in the No1 shirt at Kirklington Road.


Attendance - 76

Man of the Match - Probably Mr Park

A few more pictures from the game;