Having been to see Retford United FC play Retford FC in their local derby back in September when 1202 turned up I chose the reverse fixture on Boxing day.

I had been to Retford FC a few years ago when this junior, only in age, Retford team were getting ensconced in the Northern Counties East League Division 1. Much has changed, covered standing down one side, a temporary, open, seated stand behind one goal, a large tent/marquee to house a bar and concrete footings for something else new. What also had changed was the fact that the ground called ‘The Rail’ that has the East Coast Main Line running down one side was empty with no trains running at all. Strange way to run a railway!

Retford FC were looking to reverse the drubbing, 1-6 that they recieved earlier in the season but United wanted to get on track to try to get back in with a real chance of the play offs.

I had read that this was set to be the warmest Christmas on record but the 7 degrees would have felt colder if it hadn’t been for the 5 minute walk from where I had parked. It was dry with little wind and wispy clouds and the pitch looked a little worn with muddy goalmouths.

Retford FC 1 Retford United 4

Tuesday 26th December 2023, 13.00 pm kick off. The Rail, Bagworth Road, Retford, DN22 7 NJ.

Northern Counties East League Division 1, 13th v 6th, Choughs v Badgers

Retford FC, Dark blue shirts and shorts white dart under arm. Retford United FC, Red shirts and shorts with white flashes on the bottom of the shirts.

United showed the greatest endeavour from the start and hit the crossbar in the first 15 minutes after continual forceful play on the right. This dominance was rewarded when a through ball was headed on by Liam Owen who ran on to it and scored hitting the ball across the keeper inside the far post with 21 minutes gone. Just 3 minutes later United were 2 ahead when a high ball across goal was headed back for Jake Chapman to riffle home.

The away team continued to show more endeavour and skill opening up the home defence at will. Retford United went 3 up on 33 minutes when another good cross from the right gave Jake Chapman the chance to just tap the ball in.

Whether this lead relaxed United I don’t know but a minute later they seemed to go to sleep and allow Hayden Covill a free shot at goal with no one near him. He didn’t miss and the goal did perk the home team up for the rest of the half.

The second half was a bit of an anti climax with Retford United controlling the game. The last ten minutes did see Retford FC put some pressure on but the goal they sought to set up a grandstand finish didn’t happen and it was United who sealed the game on 90 minutes when tired defenders let the ball fall to Joshua Batty who took it wide and slid it back across the goal to score the away teams fourth.

Retford United looked sharp and confident in this Boxing day derby, deserving the points.

The other winners on the day were the 1247 (45 up on the reverse fixture) fans of all ages and sexes who turned out to be thoroughly entertained and enjoy meeting up with many friends, family and colleagues at this very local encounter.

Unfortunately no chips so I settled for a very dry sausage roll, I should have waited for the left overs when I got home.

It looked like someone had missed some mistletoe on a nearby tree.