The visit of unbeaten Retford to Grange Park was always going to be a test for United, such is the view of some pundits who see the North Nottinghamshire side as favourites to start their climb back up the non-league pyramid following their voluntary demotion last season. However, a competitive encounter was only decided by a hotly-disputed 90th minute penalty in a game that could have gone either way, with United perhaps having the marginally better chances during a tight contest.

Nathan Parker was forced to miss the game due to an injury sustained in the midweek League Cup victory over Handsworth and Chris Murdock was unavailable. Micky Allsop was again rested and duly assisted Coach Mick Galloway throughout the game in the absence of Manager Craig Weston. Allsop’s omission ensured that James Carder retained his place alongside Dean Whiley at the heart of United’s defence. Gary Breach returned to the centre of midfield after missing the previous game and eighteen year-old Elliot King kept his place in the starting line–up after his recent good showing. Shaun Rickford, Kelvin Mushambi, Theo Ganderson and Jimmy Hunter were named as the United substitutes.

For most of the opening quarter the game was keenly contested, with both sides cancelling each other out. There was little opportunity for players to have time on the ball as the frantic opening pace was dominated by tight marking, though there was still plenty of evidence of neat inter-play from each of the two teams. As was the emerging pattern, when anything marginally creative released the front men, the two back lines dealt effectively with the threat.

Early chances were few and far between, though a shot from distance by Martin Bowles was safely caught by Jason Fisher the Retford ‘keeper and a dangerous Breach free kick was deflected for a corner. On the break, the visitors caused some concern in the United defence as the ball was played across the six-yard box but the danger was cleared and the more controlled duel continued.

Carder was having another assured game for United and Jacob Webster too was marshalling his opposite number with some composure. Paul Gamble was working hard but still retained the ability to make his task seem effortless and Whiley was rallying his side with due authority. In midfield, Breach, Bowles and Michael Martin were covering plenty of ground in an effort to utilise the pace of Will Mellors-Blair.

Shortly after a long-range effort from a Retford forward had sailed over the bar, King eluded his marker and made room to run at the visitors defence but as he moved to the right his attempted lob was comfortably gathered by Fisher.

Things continued in a similar fashion in the second-half, with perhaps United having the slight edge in terms of clearer chances. Mushambi and Rickford came off the bench fairly early after the break and a deflected shot from Mushambi had Fisher straining to palm the diverted effort to safety.

United went agonisingly close to opening the scoring after seventy-five minutes when a cross from Bowles was not met cleanly enough by Rickford and his deft header went wide of the post, and the despairing Retford rearguard. The same player had a shot from outside the box saved by Fisher a minute later and Ganderson, United’s final substitute, fired a low cross into the heart of the visiting defence during the closing stages, only for the ball to be cleared before a United player could react.

As the referee called to his assistants to acknowledge the period of added time, Retford’s Adam Scott was impeded by Ganderson and a penalty was awarded to the visitors without hesitation by the official in charge. Whether or not the offence took place in the penalty area is debateable, but Carder was subsequently booked for his protestations.

Scott himself took the spot kick and his confident strike went to the left of United’s ‘keeper. Shortly afterwards the game concluded and the visitors had snatched all three points when a share of the spoils seemed to have been the most likely outcome only moments earlier. It would have been no more than United had deserved.

Long Eaton United: Ross Whalin, Jacob Webster, Dean Whiley, James Carder, Paul Gamble, Michael Armstrong (Mushambi 60), Gary Breach, Michael Martin, Martin Bowles (Ganderson 80), Will Mellors-Blair, Elliot King (Rickford 58)

The end result was harsh on United and had they managed the draw they deserved they would have gained far more than the point on offer. Now, their current league record sees them perilously close to the basement of the NCEL Premier but to have avoided defeat against one of the fancied sides this season would have at least illustrated that they can compete with the best on any given day.

The upcoming series of away games certainly opens up the opportunity to get things back on track but doubtless player availability will be a crucial factor.

The encouragement from the bench during the Retford game was an interesting improvement and it although vociferous, it was clear that there was an important tactical element to the rallying that took place.

On the playing side, there were some very good performances and although clear-cut chances were rare, for both sides, it was still an entertaining game.