Wrens hand out early Christmas gifts

After 27 minutes four presents had been handed tothe home side as Rainworth, despite creating as many chances as Harrogate, lost 4-1.

In the ninth minute Mendes Dionisio’s header evaded Wrens’ keeper Ben Townsend’s grasp to make it 1-0.

Max Pemberton nodded Jack Waddle’s corner against the bar and a good break by Liam Royles found Sam Bebbington, but his effort lacked power, as Rainworth hit back.

But in the 12th minute poor defending saw an under-hit pass leave Townsend stranded and Jason Price doubled Harrogate’s lead.

The unmarked Dionisio added a third from a free kick and Nathan James drove in number four from a rebound.

After going close on numerous occasions in the second half, Rainworth grabbed a last-minute consolation when Nathan Modest set up Jack Waddle to side-foot home.

Rainworth had brought on James Munson for Dakouri at half-time and a minute later Webster had to turn the ball around the post under pressure from Bebbington, whilst on 49 minutes Munson had his effort blocked.

During the opening period of the second-half, it was all Rainworth and they should probably have done better when after an excellent passage of play in the 57th minute lacked a finish.

The first Harrogate effort of the half came in the 67th minute when Jordan Hendrie hit his long-range effort well wide.

A minute later and Rainworth were unlucky not to score when Royles’ effort came back off the upright.

On 70 minutes Rainworth brought on Jordan Claxton for Bebbington.

When Royles’ cross was intercepted by a defender in the 74th minute fortune favoured Harrogate as the ball cannoned off the upright and out danger.

Rainworth made their final substitution bringing on Kieran Barnes for Rob Ludlam.

In the space of two minutes both sides missed ‘sitters’ when firstly Hendrie put his effort the wrong side of the post from close range and then Pemberton put too put his header the wrong side of the post with the goal at his mercy.

With seconds remaining Royles’ long range effort was tipped around the post by Webster.

RAINWORTH MWFC: Townsend; Wilson; N.Smith; Booth; Ludlam (Barnes); Pemberton; Royles; Waddle; Dakouri (Munson); Modest; Bebbington (Claxton).

Sub (not used): Francis.

Referee: Paul Tomes

Attendance: 69