Rainworth MW v AFC Emley

Saturday 8th September NCEL Div 1

Needed to get to a ground close to home so I could get home to catch the England match. Rainworth is just 20 minutes away -- and I am pleased I DID chose this game, it ended 5-2 to Rainworth.

With Kev busy organising his daughters 21st birthday party, I stood on my own for the first half, a half that saw Mark Shaw grab a 42 minute hat-trick - the first after 6 minutes was a 22 yard belter, the second a delicate lob and the third a well struck penalty. Adam Lillie also netted for the home team. another delicate lob that left the visiting keeper grasping at thin air .... there was a bit of strange kicking from the Emley keeper -- he seemed to be having a competition with himself to see how high he could kick the ball out of his hands !!!! Crick in the neck time for the supporters!!!!! H-T 4-1.

Emley made it 4-2 right on full-time, but Steve Shannon added the Rainworth 5th straight after.

I was joined at half time by former Eastwood favourite Richard Smith - along with Rainworth's injured skipper Lee Wilkinson, Robbie Clarke (also injured) and former Mansfield Town star Michael Sisson (probably out for the rest of the season).

Had a nice chat to Smudge, a real gent off the pitch..says he loves it at Rainworth -- Rudy is doing a really great job there -- may be a team to watch this season - trouble is they are in the same league as Gedling Town who look really special this season.....

Next game -- either Rolls Royce Leisure v Grimsby Borough or a first visit of the season to Dunkirk to see them take on Holbrook MW....