Rangers manager Steve Smith has made a few changes of his own, introducing Chris Keel and Dave Blanchard to the defence and Glen Kaveney in midfield with the welcome return of Chris McDonald to the fold.

Retford’s excellent new ground and pitch, had obviously taken a pounding from the recent weather conditions, which had left an unseasonably wet pitch and long grass.

Winterton started well with the first attack of the game when Ian Fenton made ground down the right flank before crossing towards the near post where Rhys Pindar’s half volley was blocked away for a corner after only 3mins. Two minutes later a Richards through ball sent Dave Ricardo racing up the middle but Retfords Lee Dawson stood up well to out battle the Rangers midfielder.

On 8mins. Rangers created the best chance of the game when Jamie Richards held the ball up, before sending Fenton into space on the right. His pinpoint cross to the far post found the unmarked Chris McDonald on the edge of the six yard box, his side footed volley skipped past the far post with Retford’s Keeper Barford stranded.

United were working hard to create their own opening with some neat play on the heavy pitch and Noteman the obvious target. In fact Noteman had Retfords first chance on 14 mins. with a shot from the edge of the box that went over Leigh Herricks goal. Three minutes later, Rangers early dominance looked as if it would bear fruit when Jamie Richards was sent racing towards the Retford goal before being pulled back from behind by Bagshaw. The referee Peter King from Lincoln gave the foul but surprisingly no card.

The pressure finally paid off on 21mins. When Pindar and Nikolaidis linked well before laying the ball back to Dave Blanchard who’s low drive from 25yards curled away from the Retford keeper and into the back of the net, just inside the far post. 1-0 Rangers.

Retford came more into the game after that, Herrick had to clear off his line on 30 mins. And had a penalty shout turned away a minute later when Davies was allowed to run in the box from the right.

HALF TIME 0-1

The second half saw Rangers having to defend for long spells, as Retford pushed for an equaliser. The defence was absolutely rock solid restricting United to shots from distance and Leigh Herrick didn’t have to save a direct shot all game.

Retford's best chance came on 85mins. When sub. Kevin ward was found in space in the d on the edge of the box between Green and Keel only for him to shoot over.

Rangers could have made it two on the 90^th minute when Nikolaidis picked up the ball from a blocked shot from Fordham, in the box but he shot over.

FINAL SCORE 0-1.

Steve Smith was “happy with the result and the all round team effort, especially in the first half when Rangers could have been three up.” 

Team : 1.Herrick 2.Spall 3.Blanchard 4. Green 5.Keel 6.McDonald 7.Fenton 8.Ricardo 9.Pindar 10.Richards 11.Nikolaidis 12. Fordham 14.Lindsey 15.Brown