Bones avoid dreaded drop
Rothwell Town walked the tightrope of relegation – but at 4.45pm on Saturday they learnt that they had navigated it with success.
This 3-1 win over Stourport Swifts, and Woodford's draw at home to Soham Town Rangers, meant that the Bones avoided the drop down into the United Counties League.
The game started remarkably quietly but as soon as it started to warm up, Rothwell took the initiative.
A David Glass free-kick was rolled home at the far post by the alert Robbie Maddox to put the Bones in front.
With Sam Maude and Michael Boyle-Chong a commanding presence in midfield, Rothwell continued to press and went further ahead after the break.
Visiting keeper Jamie Moore could only parry a Fazel Koriya shot and the rebound was pounced on by subsitute Shaun Goodall who powered the ball home.
Just two minutes later, Goodall was the hero again when he broke through the midfield, latching onto a Koriya pass and giving Moore no chance with his final shot.
Incredibly, Goodall had the ball in the net again just three minutes later, but this was quickly disallowed by referee Mr Mellor.
Just past the hour, Stourport pulled a goal back through Beng'yela Ngwa
and everyone held their breath in the hope that Rothwell would not succumb to another late fightback.
But Rothwell held on to their two-goal advantage, and Moore saved the visitors further embarrassment when he pushed a Glass free-kick onto the post and out for a corner.
The final whistle sparked the odd tear and immense relief amongst the Rothwell support, who can now plan for next season assured of more Southern League football.
ROTHWELL: Dorrill, Hackett, Glass, Maude, Wiltshire (sub Goodall, h-t), White, F Koriya, Boyle-Chong, Byrne (sub Locklin, 81 mins), Maddox,
Marlow. Subs not used: Linton, McIlwain, Underwood.
STOURPORT: Moore, Duggan, Robinson (sub Benbow, 60 mins), Dukes (sub Whittington, 60 mins), Joyce, Jones, Ngwa, Etheridge (sub Garton, 60 mins), Owen, Corns, Tompkins. Subs not used: Patterson.
REFEREE: Mr J Mellor.
GOALS: Maddox (35 mins, 1-0), Goodall (53 mins, 2-0, Goodall (55 mins, 3-0), Ngwa (65 mins, 3-1).
BOOKINGS: Glass (foul), Duke, Jones (both dissent).
ATTENDANCE: 142.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sam Maude (excellent game in midfield).
MATCH RATING: 7.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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