Wrens produce comeback in ten-goal thriller

Rainworth Miners Welfare recovered from 4-2 down with half-an-hour to go to win an incredible game 6-4 at Retford United on Saturday.
Matt Sykes hit a hat-trick to help Rainworth to victory.Matt Sykes hit a hat-trick to help Rainworth to victory.
Matt Sykes hit a hat-trick to help Rainworth to victory.

The Wrens were 2-0 up at half-time before four goals in eight minutes put Retford seemingly in control, but a hat-trick from Matt Sykes helped Rainworth on their way to a remarkable win.

Rainworth’s Aaron Moxam put the visitors in front just eight minutes in after combining with Owen Heather, and the scoreline should have been doubled in the 14th minute when Moxam’s cross found Sykes but he shot straight at Jamie Davis and it was cleared, the keeper then denying Moxam moments later.

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Heather shot over when well placed and then Sykes put one effort wide and had a second saved by Davis.

The second goal finally came in the 32nd minute when Rob Ludlam’s header found Moxam and as Davis came out he lobbed him for the second.

The pressure continued and in the 41st minute Declan Brewin put Moxam through once more only for a fine block to deny him a goal.

At the half-time whistle Rainworth were left wondering why they weren’t out of sight in a half they had totally dominated.

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They start of the second half gave no indication of the carnage that was to follow but in the 51st minute a Chris Funnell effort on goal struck Rob Ludlam and deflected past Ben Townsend and into the net.

Three minutes later the scores were level when Rainworth were caught on the counter-attack and although Townsend blocked the initial shot, Jermaine Gordon had the simplest of tasks of scoring, and soon Rainworth found themselves behind as Funnell added a third.

It was then 4-2 on the hour mark as Charlie Sykes volleyed over Townsend.

Rainworth regained their composure and when Phil Buxton found Matt Sykes he made no mistake with a shot across the keeper.

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On 66 minutes Rainworth were level when Matt Plant’s header was mis-hit over the line by Morris.

On 81 minutes Rainworth regained the lead as Sykes ran at the tiring defence and gave Davis no chance with the shot.

Then a piece of magic by Moxam in the 87th minute saw him beat three players and his inch perfect ball to Sykes was gleefully converted for his hat-trick and Rainworth’s sixth.