The big question for Rangers in this their last home game of 2004 was could they break their duck against a Retford side struggling at the wrong end of the league.

Pete Daniel had real problems fielding a side due to illness and suspension. This was compounded when the goalkeeper didn’t turn up. Full Back Paul Lindsey went between the posts, and debuts were given to three new players, Matthew Plant at fullback and Ryan Gray and Anthony Marshall in midfield. The front pairing of Dean Wilson and Chris MacDonald, both midfielders promised hard work if not striking guile.

The first half hour was pretty even as both sides worked hard to break the deadlock, with Rangers looking most likely to score. As early as the 4^th min. Matthew Plant met a Marshall free kick from the right flank with a firm header, which luckily for Retford was straight at ex- Rangers Keeper Jody Barford.

Retford took 16 minutes to create their first effort on goal with a shot from the edge of the box that was defected away for a corner.

Rangers surged forward on 18mins when Wilson and Marshall linked well before winning a corner. The dead ball into the near post was cleared out to Ingram whose shot was deflected over for another corner. The incoming corner to the near post went back out to Ingram who’s superb cross was met 8 yards out by a towering Matthew Plant header that gave Rangers the lead on 19mins. 1-0.

Retford started to edge the possession for the remainder of the half with ever puncturing the Rangers defence.

Winterton have only lost one game since the end of September. The springboard for this has been the rock solid defence. Captain Billy Green has epitomised this with some solid uncompromising defending even with his move from centre back to right back

The back line of Green, Plant, Keel and Banks were very tight and protected the stand in keeper Lindsey very well.

In fact Retford only worried the Rangers goal on 31mins. When Lindsey did well to block two shots from inside the box.

Half Time 1-0

The second half was mainly edged by a Retford side lead by Kevin Noteman (Ex Doncaster, Chester and Mansfield) who got little joy from banks and Keel down the right.

The most controversial moment of the game came on 57mins. When Retford had a goal disallowed when Lindsey came out to claim a high ball. He lost it under a challenge and retford converted only for it to be disallowed for a push on the stand in stopper.

Rangers were working hard in midfield with Gray and Ricardo, but although the front pair of Wilson and Macdonald worked tirelessly all game they couldn’t retain possession enough for the midfield to get to them. Retford therefore saw plenty of ball, without having enough guile to break the resolute Winterton down.

Final Score 1-0