The ground deserved more in
the way of attendance (160-odd), and whilst the natives were friendly
enough, it would seem Ossett is fairly uninspiring place. That said,
it's Wikipedia entry lists all manner of glittering alumni, ranging
from Black Lace to Gail off of Corrie. So what do I know?
The game was largely ruined by a linesman with only a passing
understanding of the offside rule, and two teams who seemed determined
not to play football, despite both being extremely competent when they
forgot themselves. The hosts took the lead when stand-in keeper
Kingston had his customary lapse, and gifted them a two yard tap-in.
The visitors meanwhile laboured hard, and yet again produced several
good opportunities whilst struggling to put the game to bed. The
equaliser came from a the head of Mick Godber (his 100th for the club
in a little over 100 games) from a Bettney corner, and that was pretty
much that for the first half. Marrison, Harvey and Barwick all spurned
good chances for The Badgers, but 1-1 was a fair reflection.
Second half can be characterised by Ossett attacks and the linesmans
flag. Kingston made ammends for his earlier error with a string of
decent saves, whilst Godber became increasingly frustrated with the
seemingly arbitrary implementation of the offside rule. There was a
debut for Marquin Smith halfway through the second half, and his added
bite in the centre began to pay dividends. With five minutes to go he
produced a determined run down the right flank, before putting a cross
for Godber to net his, and Retford's, second. Three points.
Honestly, not a game that will live long in the memory, nor a
town that I will be scurrying to revisit. Much like this guy, spotted
ligging about on a freebie outside the ground.
