Sunday 17th August; Rossington Fall at First Hurdle in FA Cup
Rossington Main's FA Cup dreams were put on hold for another year after they exited this season's competition at the first hurdle, going down 3-2 at the hands of Runcorn Linnets. The Vodkat North West Counties League side made a first half lead count as they progressed from the Extra Preliminary Round at the Colliery's expense.
After a two hour trip across the Penines a downpour an hour before the game threatened to force a postponement, but thankfully as the teams came out so did the sun. Rossington were in command for the first twenty minutes of the match, limiting their hosts to an early shot which was tipped onto the bar by Jonjo Griffiths. However, as the half drew on Runcorn got themselves into the game and began to create a number of chances. The deadlock was eventually broken just after the half-hour mark when poor defending allowed Dave Thompson to shoot low to the keepers right for opening goal.
Just six minutes later the Linnets had doubled their advantage when Michael Morrison latched onto a right wing cross to volley home the home side's second goal. And on the stroke of half-time two became three when Nehru McKenzie climbed highest to hammer home a header from a corner, leaving Main a very uphill task for the second period.
That said the match resumed with the Colliery once again in command having made a few tactical changes at the interval. Just after the hour the visitors were rewarded as Lee Holmes cut in from the right and his shot took a slight deflection to fly past the helpless keeper and put Rossington right back in the match. The Colliery continued to apply the pressure, but had to wait until injury time to capitalise on their chances. Matthew Lodge controlled a Craig Morton near post corner then fired his shot into the roof of the net to offer a glimmer of hope to the visitors and set up a nervy ending. However, it was not to be and shortly after the re-start the referee blew his whistle for the end of the match.
Rossington Main line-up (4-4-2); Jonjo Griffiths; Carl Hastie (Craig Morton 63'), Nathan Hill, Rob Burton, David Holvey (Jordan Pickering 36'); Sean Anderson (Jonathan Billups 73'), Michael MacDonald, Matthew Lodge, Shaun Pendleton; Andrew Culshaw, Lee Holmes
unused subs: Jonathan Cooke; Tim Whitehouse.
Tuesday 12th August; Back to Winning Ways Over Bottesford
If you want to see goals then you could do little worse than head to Oxford Street at the moment, the home of Rossington Main has already hosted eleven goals in its opening two league games. After Saturday's disappointing opening day 4-1 defeat to new boys Hemsworth, The Colliery bounced back in emphatic style with a 4-2 victory over Bottesford Town.
Rossington took the lead quarter of an hour in as Lee Holmes was quickest to react as the Bottesford keeper spilled a long range effort from Andy Culshaw. However within minutes the vistitors had struck back, as Rossington keeper Jonjo Griffiths managed to get his hand to a cross only to divert it into the path of Jamie Sherlock who tapped the ball home for the equaliser. Two minutes later and still just twenty minutes into the game and the home side were back in front as Culshaw rose highest to head home a cross from Holmes for 2-1, which is how things remained until the second half.
On the hour mark Rossington managed to edge further in front of the hosts as Holmes punced on a loose backpass and rounded the keeper to give the Colliery a two goal cushion. This match was far from over though and twelve minutes from time Mike Nicholson struck to set up a tense conslusion, beating the Main offside trap to make it 3-2. Eight minutes later though Rossington wrapped up the points as Holmes got the faintest of touches onto a Shaun Pendleton free-kick to complete his hat-trick and secure the victory.
Rossington Main line-up (4-4-2); Jonjo Griffiths; Carl Hastie (Jordan Pickering 83'), Nathan Hill, Rob Burton, David Holvey; Michael MacDonald (c), Chris Burton, Matthew Lodge, Shaun Pendleton; Andrew Culshaw (Jonathan Billups 78'), Lee Holmes
unused sub: Bradley Billam
Saturday 9th August; Disappointing Derby Defeat for Colliery
The Colliery suffered a disasterous defeat in the opening match of the new North East Counties League season to begin the campaign at the foot of the table. In the Yorkshire derby against league newcomers Hemsworth MW Rossington suffered a 4-1 defeat at Oxford Street, conceding four goals at home for the second successive game.
Hemsworth, coming off the back of an impressive pre-season campaign, adapted to their new league surroundings with ease taking the lead inside quarter of an hour; the Oxford Street regulars silenced by Damion Liddle's opening goal for the visitors. Just before the half hour mark Hemsworth had doubled there advantage as Liddle struck again to give the former West Riding League side a 2-0 lead at the break.
After the interval the vistors continued where they had left off and within six minutes of the restart Liddle completed an opening hat-trick to make it 3-0, before Gary Welka ran in a fourth goal for Hemsworth three minutes later. Rossington looked to find a way back into the match and were rewarded briefly when Lee Holmes struck just after the hour mark, however it was to prove simply a consolation goal for Main as they sunk to a disappointing 4-1 defeat.
Rossington Main line-up (4-4-2); Tim Whitehouse (c); Carl Hastie, Jonathan Cooke (Nathan Hill 63'), Rob Burton, Shaun Pendleton; Matthew Lodge, William McGhie, Michael MacDonald (Chris Burton 76'), David Holvey; Andrew Culshaw, Lee Holmes.
unused sub: Bradley Billam
Saturday 2nd August; Amateurs Rout Rossington
After the encouraging showings against more illustrious opponenets in recent weeks The Colliery's pre-season preperations ended disasterously in the early August sunshine with a 4-0 home defeat to Hollinsend Amateurs. Despite having much more of the ball than their Sheffield County Senior League opponents Rossington failed to move it well and could not capitalise on their posession. Somewhat inevitably the visitors took the lead, scoring from the penalty spot after a Main arm had blocked a left wing cross.
After the break things got even worse for the home side as Hollinsend scrambled in a second goal just two minutes in. Rossington rallied a little with the strikeforce of Lee Holmes and Andrew Culshaw both coming close, but as Main's frustrations grew the visitors reshaped. With Hollinsend getting men behind the ball Rossington could not break their opponents down and the Amateurs added to their tally as a quick break away led to another penalty. In the clsoing minutes Hollinsend added a fourth goal on a disappointing afternoon for The Colliery. It can only get better for the start of the league campaign in one week's time.
Thursday 31st July; FA Cup tie Switched
Rossington Main will now have to wait twenty-fours longer than expected before they embark on the road to Wembley this year. The Colliery's FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie at Runcorn Linnets has now been moved back one day from Saturday 16th, to Sunday 17th August. The date change is due to the fact that the Linnets currently ground share with Witton Albion of the Unibond League, and as such Albion's fixture with Frickley Athletic takes priority. The match will remain at a 3pm kick-off.
Friday 25th July; Colliery End Stag Night all Tied Up
Rossington main continued an encouraging pre-season schedule with a creditable 2-2 draw against a Mansfield Town XI. With the Blue Square Premier side facing Derby County on the Saturday it was a Stags side made up mostly of youth and reserve team players that came to Oxford Street, however the professionals were given a run for their money by an eager Rossington side.
Indeed the Colliery took the lead as Lee Holmes continued his pres-season scoring form with the opening goal twenty minutes in. Holmes' strike instigated a flurry of goalmouth activity and within two minutes the Stags were level as Grant Ryan equalised. Ryan doubled his tally, and that of his team within just five minutes as Mansfield took the lead on the 27th minute mark.
Rossington Main refused to roll over though and with just thirteen minutes remaining they grabbed a deserved equaliser; midfielder Chris Burton grabbing his second goal of pre-season to level the match at 2-2. Thats how it finished in what proved to be a worthwhile exercise for the Colliery watched by a reasonabvle crowd of 67 at Oxford Street.
Friday 18th July; Colliery Upset the Odds with Victory Over Wakefield
The Colliery picked up their second and most impressive victory of their pre-season preperations with a 2-1 win over Unibond League side Wakefield FC at Oxford Street. Rossington Main seem to be relishing these Friday night kick-offs and they sealed a memorable victory in the closing minutes with a last minute penalty from Andrew Culshaw ensuring a 2-1 home win.
After holding their Unibond League opponents for the first half the Colliery took the lead midway through the second half as striker Lee Holmes found the net. However, within five minutes Wakefield were level as Chris Howarth struck for the visitors to make it 1-1. The crowd of 65 were to be treated to some late drama though in the form of Culshaw's late penalty kick which gave a yound Colliery side a very positive victory.
Tuesday 15th July; Badgers Set the Standard in Colliery's Third Friendly
Rossington Main sunk to their second pre-season defeat at Oxford Street against Unibond League Retford United. All the goals came in the first half as The Badgers showed their credentials to record a 3-1 win. However 'The Colliery' can take some heart from the performance, particularly as, like the Doncaster game a week ago, it was they who took the lead. Andrew Culshaw converting a 16th minute penalty to give Colliery a 1-0 lead.
However Main held the lead for less than ten minutes as Luke Staton equalised for the visitors midway through the half. Retford moved in front after thirty-three minutes when Paul Grimes struck, and the scoring was completed two minutes before the break as Steve Owens made it 3-1.
Monday 14th July; Stag Day Becomes Stag Night for Mansfield Game
The date of Rossington's pre-season clash with a Mansfield Town XI has been moved back to its original listing. The Blue Square Conference side will now visit Oxford Street on Friday 25th July and not Saturday 26th as previously listed. The Friday night match will be a 7:30pm kick-off.
Friday 11th July; Rossington Streets Ahead in Second Friendly Outing
There may have been something of a feeling of 'after the Lord Mayors' Show' about this second friendly outing for 'the Colliery. Just two days after the hype and attention of Doncaster Rovers' visit Rossington faced the slightly less daunting challenge of Mexborough Main Street in what proved to be another rain soaked night at Oxford Street. However, despite having played just forty-eight hours earlier the Colliry put in a convincing performance to defeat their Sheffield County Senior League opponents 4-1.
Manager Ian Wilson gave trials to two new players on the night with former goalkeeper Neil Murray returning for a spell between the sticks, and defender Steve Hill also offered a chance to impress. However the goals came courtesy of a few more familiar faces; Wednesday's scorer Lee Holmes grabbed his second goal in two outings, whilst Jason Stokes managed to get a brace and midfielder Chris Burton rounded off the victory.
Wednesday 9th July; Rovers Show Championship Class in Successful Friendly
In the run-up to this match manager Ian Wilson was interviewed by Trax FM and asked if it was an honour to be playing Doncaster Rovers given their recent success. "It would have been an honour when they were in the Conference," was Ian's reply, "now they're in the Championship it's an absolute privilege". Since the announcement of this fixture a fortnight ago Oxford Street has undergone a massive transformation in order to get it ready for it's first four figure crowd in over fifteen years.
The key factor in Rovers' decision to come to Rossington was the quality of the playing surface, however the rest of the ground was in a very poor state as recently as last week. However, thanks to the tireless work of the committee and a number of local volunteers the ground has been transformed, in parts rebuilt, and almost completely repainted ready for Doncaster Rovers first outing since their Wembley play-off win. It was certainly a come down for the Rovers players, but it could have been an even bigger one a week or do ago.
The hasty ground improvements may have given 'The Colliery' a slight edge in the opening minutes, the air of paint fumes still lingering in the away team dressing room perhaps culpable for Rovers slightly woozy start. Against a close to full-strength Rovers starting eleven Michael MacDonald had already struck the bar from the right flank before 'The Colliery' took a surprise lead as Lee Holmes shot found its way past Rovers' Ben Smith.
Rovers may have only been back training a couple of days but they soon found their gear to put in a near unstoppable display for the rest of the half. Swift passing and great movement helping Doncaster to get much the better of The Colliery as they turned the tables to run in six goals before the break; James Hayter, Jamie Coppinger, Paul Heffernan and Mark Wilson grabbing a goal each with Martin Woods cliaming two, his second a delightful chip over goalkeeper Tim Whitehouse.
In the second half both sides made changes but there was no let up in Rovers play as Welsh international Gareth Taylor added a seventh. There was brief glory to be had though for Colliery keeper as Rovers were awarded a penalty midway through the half. Wade Fairhurst took the spot-kick, but Lee Appleby guessed right, making a fine save low to his right. Rovers were still not done though and Taylor added two more, completing his hat-trick with a well taken solo goal to round off a 9-1 win for Rovers.
The fact is though the result of this match was never the important factor; Ian Wilson said he would be satisfied if the team kept it in single figures which they did. As effective as the gate receipts will be for the season ahead the main thing tonight's match did was restore some pride in Rossington Main as a village club, and hopefully many of those who were at Oxford Street tonight will return again in the season ahead.
Pictures from tonight's match can be found via this link.
Tuesday 8th July; Colliery to Kick-off Against League New-boys Hemsworth
'The Colliery' will start the league season with a home fixture against Northern Counties East League newcomers Hemsworth MW. The West Yorkshire side will visit Oxford Street on Saturday 9th August for their opening Division One fixture after entering the NCEL from the West Riding League where they finished fourth last season. This match is followed with another home tie for 'The Colliery' three days later as Bottesford Town come to Rossington on Tuesday 12th August.
'The Colliery' could be sick of the sight of Oxford Street by mid September as after six home friendly matches they begin the league season with five of their opening six league fixtures here in Rossington. A midweek trip to Staveley on Wednesday 3rd September serves as the Colliery's first league away game. With another midweek away match at Teversal a fortnight later Rossington have to wait until the 4th October for their first Saturday afternoon away game, when they'll travel to face Pontefract Collieries.
The club's first Doncaster league derby for some time comes on Saturday 6th September when Central Midlands League Champions Askern Villa come to Oxford Street, with the return match scheduled for Saturday 28th March. The Colliery finish the season unsurprisingly on the road, travelling to Tadcaster Albion on 25th April. Full fixtures will be available on this site from Thursday this week.
Friday 4th July; FA Cup Draw sees Colliery 'Linnet' to Win it
The very long road to Wembley will begin at Wincham Park Stadium for 'The Colliery' after they were drawn away at Runcorn Linnets in the Extra Preliminary Round of this season's FA Cup. The Linnets were fromed as recently as 2006, by supporters of former Conference club Runcorn FC, and finished 12th in Division 1 of the Vodkat North West Counties League last season. The winners of this match, scheduled for Saturday 16th August, will go on to play Curzon Ashton of the Unibond 1st Division North in the Prelimiary Round.
Also drawn this week were the opening rounds of the FA Vase with Rossington given a favourable home tie in the 2nd Qualifying round. 'The Colliery' will host Daisy Hill of the Vodkat North West Counties League on Saturday 20th September. Daisy Hill, who come from Westhoughton situated between Leigh and Bolton, finished last season at the foot of NWCL Division 1. Should Rossington overcome 'the Cutters' then they will host the winners of NCEL Premier Division Brodsworth's match with Ashton Town of the North West Counties League.
Monday 30th June; Ticket News for Doncaster Rovers Friendly
With interest already high in Rossington Main's opening firednly fixture against Championship side Doncaster Rovers 'The Colliery' have announced that only 2,000 tickets will be on sale for the game. After discussions with Doncaster Rovers it has been agreed that the match will be an all-tikcet game with 1,700 tickets available at Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat Stadium ticket office, and a further 300 on sale at the Rossington Welfare Club.
Rover's allocation went on sale this morning with their supporters also available to purchase tickets for their other friendly fixtures against Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers. Rossington's allocation will be on sale on Tuesday 1st July between 6pm and 8pm and the Rossington Miners Welfare Club on West End Lane. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2 for concessions with prrof of age required for those purchasing concession tickets.
'The Colliery' would like it to be know that there will be no parking either at the ground or on Oxford Street for supporters on the day of the game. Instead car-parking has been made available at the Miners Welfare on West End Lane, with overflow parking facilities available at Pheasant Bank Junior School, also on West End Lane. Rossington Main have also asked that all those attending the game respect local residents on their way to and from the fixture.
Tuesday 24th June; Rossington to face Doncaster Rovers at Oxford Street
Some great news for 'The Colliery' ahead of the coming season was confirmed yesterday evening with the confirmation that Championship side Doncaster Rovers are to face Rossington Main in a pre-season friendly. The Rovers will begin theirs, and Rossington's pre-season schedule at Oxford Street on Wednesday 9th July.
After searching the local area for a suitable pre-season fixture Rovers were reportedly delighted with the quality of the Oxford Street pitch, and so are likely to bring as strong a side as possible for this their opening friendly fixture of the season. Although there is still plenty of work do be done off the field at Oxford Street ahead of the coming season the news of this fixture is a welcome boost to the club.
Manager Ian Wilson commented; "This is fantastic news for the club, we've a lot of work to do in a short space of time to make the game happen, but such a friendly as this can really set the club up for the season". 'The Colliery' will be hoping for a bumper crowd at Oxford Street, particularly with interest in the Rovers high ahead of the coming season in view of their recent promotion to the Championship.
Monday 23rd June; New Season, New Opponents for Rossington
The Northern Counties East League held its AGM at the weekend, and on the agenda were the league structures for the 2008/09 season. As a result of the weekend's meeting 'The Colliery' now know that they will definately face at least six new sides in Division One this coming season, with the possibility of a seventh new side still to come. That possible seventh side is Halifax Town, with the Shaymen demoted out of the Conference this year due to finiancial difficulties. Halifax are expected to rejoin the pyramid in the Unibond First Division North, but to do so must provide the Unibond League with assurances of their financial situation by Tuesday this week.
The NCEL has now stated that should the Shaymen fail to provide the Unibond League with the assurances they need then they will be welcome to join the Northern Counties East League for the coming season. If this occured then Halifax would more than likely follow Scarborough Athletic into Division One, taking the league numbers from nineteen to twenty.
Aside from the Halifax issue six clubs have been confirmed as Division One clubs for the new season. Glasshoughton Welfare are arguably the only obvious inclusion in that group, relegated from the Premier Division, with Dinnington Town and Hall Road Rangers leaving the division the other way through promotion. Also joining the league are three sides from the Central Midlands League, including Champions Askern. The Doncaster side ran away with the Central Midlands League last season and have marked their step up the pyramid with a name change, becoming Askern Villa for the season ahead.
Two further CML sides will also make the move to the NCEL for the coming season with Lincolnshire sides Appleby Frodringham and Grimsby Borough invited into the league. Appleby's inclusion is perhaps the most ridiculous of the new side promotions, with the Scunthorpe based side finishing seventeenth in last season's CML Supreme Division, the Brigg based Grimsby Borough finished a slightly more impressive twelfth.
The remaining two additions have joined the league from the West Riding County Amateur League, but neither side finished with honours there. Hemsworth Miners Welfare were the better placed of the two new sides finishing in fourth place, whilst Brighouse Town finished a more disappointing tenth. It will be interesting to see how these new sides cope with the step up to the Northern Counties East League.
Monday 16th June; Rossington Announce Pre-Season Fixture List
Rossington Main have announced their friendly schedule ahead of the upcoming KoolSport Northern Counties East League season. The Colliery have confirmed five matches in the run up to the Saturday 9th August season start date with some choice matches against some quality opposition. The first match action for the Colliery is less than a month away as they face Mexborough Main Street of the Sheffield County Senior League at Oxford Street on Friday 11th July. It is the first of three Friday night matches as the club look to boost attendances.
The Colliery will follow their opening game up with two tough matches, firstly against Unibond First Division South Champions Retford United and then the second of those Friday fixtures against Unibond First Division North side Wakefield FC. The following Friday sees Rossington's highest profile match as they take on a Mansfield Town XI, The Stags having just been relegated to the Football Conference. The club complete their pre-season prepeartions with a match against another Sheffield County Senior League side facing Hollinsend Amateurs. The full pre-season list can be found below, all fixtures are to be played at Oxford Street;
Friday 11th July: Rossington Main vs Mexborough Main Street (7:00pm)
Tuesday 15th July: Rossington Main vs Retford United (7:30pm)
Friday 18th July: Rossington Main vs Wakefield FC (7:30pm)
Saturday 26th July: Rossington Main vs Mansfield Town XI (3pm)
Saturday 2nd August: Hollinsend Amateurs (3pm)
Saturday 17th May; New Club Sponsorship Packages Available
Rossington Main Football Club is under new management and keen to develop facilities and playing conditions for the three teams run by the club. We are desperate for sponsorship as currently the only form of income is gate receipts and the combined sports letter draw, the latter of which has diminished in recent years. We are considering grants to assist with ground development and youth development but running costs are high and the club needs an additional impetus and quickly. For the coming season the club are appealing for sponsorship to assist in our quest to have a team and a football club the community of Rossington will be proud of.
The following options are available for you or your company to consider:
Option 1; Pitchside Advertising Boards
Have your company advertised on display boards around the pitch for £300 a season. For this outlay you will also receive a regular half page advert in the matchday programme.
Option 2; Kit Sponsorship / Player Sponsorship
Full team kit with your company name printed on the shirts for £400. You can also sponsor an individual player for £70 (tracksuit, matchday holdall, warm up and training kit) or £40 (playing kit) and have your details displayed in the matchday programme.
Option 3; Match Day Sponsorship
We may not have luxury boxes to entertain business colleagues but £120 a home match gets free admission for four guests plus half-time and full-time refreshments.
Option 4; Programme Advertising
Advertise your company in the matchday programme. Match attendances are on the increase and we produce approximately twenty issues over the course of the season. £50 gurantees you a half page advert.
If none of the other options suit your needs feel free to discuss any custom built package with us. We can be an effective tool for promotion of your company or business to a captive audience throughout Yorkshire and the North Midlands.
If you are interested in taking up one of our many sponsorship packages for the season ahead please do not hesitate to contact us via the details listed at the foot of our club info page.
Saturday 26th April; Rossington End Victorious Over Victoria
Colliery may have been condemned to a bottom two finish as they took the field at Oxford Street, but they were to at least end the season as high note. Had results gone Main's way in the preceding weeks this could have been a 'winner-stays-up' showdown, but instead at stake was simply pride, and Rossington were able to end a much improved second half of the season positively with a 2-0 victory.
In a close encounter at Oxford Street a three minute spell either side of the interval proved crucial as young William McGhie struck twice for Colliery to secure the victory. His first goal coming on the stroke of half-time and his second, just three minutres after the break were enough to put the game beyond the Vics and let Colliery see out the season with a deserved 2-0 victory.
On paper Colliery's season looks a poor one; finishing second bottom with twenty-four points. However, the truth is this could be a revolutionary season for Rossington Main. Twenty-two of those points came under the new management regime of Wilson and Burton who took the helm with nineteen games to go. Had the club matched that form for the opening thirteen matches of the season then a much more comfortable twelth place would have been theirs.
And so the end of season high is not simply contained within this 2-0 victory instead it extends across the club as Rossington seek to establish a more professional set-up, and one which has local players and people at its heart.
Saturday 19th April; Colliery Undone by the Too Good Old Boys
The Colliery's aim of finishing outside the division's bottom two came to an end in emphatic fashion at Oxford Street, as a disasterous quarter of an hour midway through the second half helped Barton Town Old Boys to a 5-0 win. The defeat condemns Rossington to a sixteenth place finish in Division One as they sit six points behind Yorkshire Amateur with just one game remaining.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Colliery in every way with the heavy defeat inflicted in front of the club's lowest home league gate of the season. Just 30 spectators were on hand to see the Humberside team take their tally of goals against the Colliery to 12 for the season as they followed on February's 7-3 victory with a convincing 5-0 defeat. Despite the heavy scoreline the match began witha fairly even half and only Gareth Barlow's twenty-ninth minute strike seperated the sides at half-time.
In the second period though a devastating fifteen minute spell did for the home team, which began with Barlow doubling Barton's tally after sixty-one minutes. Four minutes later Matty McKay was on hand to make it 3-0, whilst Barlow completed his hat-trick just four minutes later to give the visitors a 4-0 lead with twenty-minutes to play. In this period though Barton added only one more, Tom Lee's 76th minute goal completing the scoreline.
As disappointing as this defeat is, Rossington can of course still take heart from a spirited second half of the season. Looking like eternal wooden spoonists with just two points at Christmas they have taken nineteen points since the festive period, including spirited performances against promotion challengers Bottesford Town and Gedling Town. Main will be looking to finish the season on a high at home to Borrowash next weekend and so have plenty to build upon over the summer months.
Saturday 12th April; Colliery Met Their Match at Leeds Carnegie
Rossington's hopes of climbing out of the bottom two took a significant knock with their first defeat in four games coming at the hands of Leeds Met Carnegie on Saturday. Needing a result of any kind other than a defeat to aid their survival hopes Main suffered the worst possible start at Throstles Nest as they went behind just two minutes in when Paul Harrison struck for the home side.
Within quarter of an hour Main were already facing a decidedly difficult uphill task when Kev Ryan doubled the home sides advantage with just quarter of an hour played. Rossington needed goals but had to wait until the second half to get on the score sheet when after an hour's play the referee awarded them a penalty. For the second succsessive game William McGhie tucked home the spot-kick hoping to kick-start a late rally by the Colliery.
Unfortunately though it was not to be for Rossington as the students held on for a 2-1 win. Defeat was made even worse for Rossington with the news that fifteenth place Yorkshire Amateur had picked up a 2-0 away win in their local derby at Tadcaster Albion. That result leaves Colliery five points adrift of the next side Borrowash Victoria with two games to play. Main need the Vics to lose their game in hand at Worsborough Bridge on Tuesday and away at Scarborough next Saturday to set up a potential winner takes all clash between the two at Oxford Street on the 26th.
Saturday 5th April; Professional Performance as Colliery Defeat Amateurs
Rossington edged ever closer to the safety with a third match unbeaten lifting them within three points of today's opponents Yorkshire Amateur. In what could prove a vital match in determining the relegation spots in Division One Colliery secured a much needed 3-1 win over the Amateurs at Oxford Street. (more to follow...)
Saturday 29th March; Impressive Draw Dented by Other Results
Following on from last week's dramatic victory over Gedling Town the Colliery continued their impressive run against the division's top sides with a 2-2 draw at third placed Bottesford Town. However Rossington's joy from events at Birch Park was shortlived as unexpected wins for their nearest rivals Borrowash Victoria and Yorkshire Amateur leaves Main five points adrift from fifteenth.
An impressive away draw against one of the division's top sides none the less, but it could have been even better for Colliery as they took a surprise lead at Birch Park as William McGhie found the net twenty-one minutes in. Far from sitting on their lead Rossington managed to double it within four minutes as Andrew Culshaw scored the Colliery's second for a shock 2-0 lead just twenty-five minutes in.
Bottesford are near the top of the table for a reason however and they pulled a goal back before the break as Phil Jackman made it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time to keep the Poachers in the match. However, Rossington held firm and looked set to return to South Yorkshire with all three points until the home side snatched a late equaliser three minutes from time; Craig Lill striking in the 87th minute to dent Colliery's recovery.
Saturday 22nd March; Colliery Back on Track after Easter Resurrection
After five successive defeats the Colliery returned to winning ways in dramatic style at Oxford Street to triumph in a seven-goal thriller with promotion chasing Gedling Town. In an Easter Saturday epic both sides led before Rossington suceded with a last gasp winner from the penalty spot to claim a vital three points. The win brings Colliery back within three points of fifteenth placed Borrowash Victoria, although the Vics do have a game in hand.
As has been their style of late Colliery started well and capitalised with an early goal as skipper Michael MacDonald found the net inside the opening ten minutes. A goal from top scorer Lee Holmes doubled Rossington's advantage ten minutes before the break, however before half-time came Gedling had halved the defecit as Dennis Simms found the net for the visitors.
As the second half began Gedling continued where they had left off before the break as they restored their promotion form with an equaliser after fifty-four minutes; Barry Payne levelling things up at 2-2. With just under twenty minutes to go it seemed that Colliery's dreams ahd been quashed as Alan Jeffries tucked away a penalty to give Gedling a 3-2 lead.
Thankfully for Main though there were still more goals in the game and more penalties too, as within five minutes of Gedling taking the lead Rossington had a chance to level the match again as they too were awarded a spot-kick. Sean Greaves stepped up and made no mistake to score the equaliser. At 3-3 the match remained a nervy encounter and in the final minute the advantage swung back to Colliery as the referee awarded Main a second spot-kick. Greaves stepped up again, and ignoring the pressure calmly slotted the ball home to give Rossington a much needed and deserved 4-3 win.
Saturday 15th March; No Sunshine at Rainworth as Colliery Lose Again
Rossington's worrying slump continues as they suffered a fifth successive league defeat away to Rainworth Miners Welfare. For the third match in a row Colliery failed to find the net as they left the Welfare Ground on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline. The defeat was made all the more frustrating for Rossington with the news that all of their nearest rivals picked up points, including Pontefract Collieries who picked up only their second point in fifteen matches with a 2-2 draw at Worsborough to move within six points of Rossington.
It was Colliery who started brightest at Rainworth as Chris Allen came close after the home side failed to clear a Chris Burton free-kick. However Rossington chances became few and far between as the home side got on top of what was a decidedly scrappy first half. However despite facing a few chances from Rainworth's lively forward line the Colliery back line stood firm and it remained goalless at the break.
In the second half the home side made their second placing in the league table clear and Colliery had already cleared one effort off the line before the home side eventually took the lead twenty minutes in as Sam Betts rounded off some good work by Adam Lille for the opener. Ten minutes later and the hosts put the game beyond doubt as Betts was on hand again to fire home after Colliery failed to clear a corner.
Colliery did manage a rare attack late on as Jason Stokes tested the Rainworth keeper, however it was to prove too little too late as the home side secured a much needed 2-0 win to keep up their promotion challenge. Rossington on the other hand remain rooted in sixteenth and in need of points from their Easter Saturday clash with Gedling Town to return to form.
Tuesday 11th March; Colliery Slump Cotinues as Tevie Triumph
Amidst the wind and rain of a wild night on the Nottinghamshire border the Colliery slipped to their fourth successive defeat on the wide open sapces of Teversal's Carnarvon Street home. After the five goal defeat at home to Hall Road Rangers it was to be another goalless match for the Colliery as the home side recovered from their own recent downward slide with a 2-0 win.
Rossington went behind in the very first minute as Teversal's Dean Short gave the home side the perfect start. Within quarter of an hour it had gone from bad to worse for Colliery as the hosts doubled their lead just sixteen minutes in through Marc Scott. Colliery failed to recover from this early set-back and it could have been an even worse evening for them had Short not failed to convert a penalty for the hosts.
The defeat keeps Colliery in the bottom two of Division One five points adrift of fifteenth place Borrowash Victoria and now having played a game more than the Vics. Main will retun to Nottinghamshire in four days time to face Rainworth Miners Welfare as they look to return to their early New Year form.
Saturday 9th March; Hall Road Raid Rossington
A disappointing day at Oxford Street for The Colliery as they slumped to their third successive defeat to remain rooted in penultimate place in the Division One table. Following on from defeats to Emley and Dinnington Rossington went down to a five goal defeat at the hands of promotion chasing Hall Road Rangers on Saturday afternoon.
It took just twelve minutes for the visitors to open their account as Paul Farley struck to give Rangers the lead. However Main matched their opponents and the rest of the first half remained goalless, as did the start of the second until Hall Road eventually doubled their lead on the hour mark as Jamie Barnwell was on target. Despite Colliery's best efforts three goals in the final ten minutes turned the scoreline from a defeat to an arguably unfair routish appearnce. First to strike for Rangers was Adam Walker to make it 3-0 after eighty minutes and then two late penalties but the match well beyond Rossington as Martin Thacker struck twice from the spot in the final two minutes to end the match 5-0 to Hall Road.
A bad day at the office was compunded with Rossington's nearest challengers picking up vital wins to pull themselves clear of Main. Worsborough Bridge Athletic continued their recent upturn in fortunes with a 3-0 win away at the Colliery's next opponents Teversal and now sit well clear of the bottom in 13th place. Meanwhile Borrowash also picked up another much needed win as four goals in the final twelve minutes helped them to a 6-2 win at Tadcaster Albion, putting the Vics five points of Rossington. The Colliery will have a chance to shrink that gap in midweek as they travel to face an out of form Teversal who are without a win in their last ten matches.
Saturday 1st March; Colliery Fail to Upset the Odds at Dinnington
Alas St Davids Day proved to offer little cheer for Welshman Ian Wilson as his Rossington Main went down to a second successive defeat at Division One leaders Dinnington Town. Admittedly few would have predicted Colliery to pick up points at Phoenix Park against a side fifteen points clear at the top of the table going into this game. And so perhaps encouragement can instead be drawn in the fact that Main found the net twice against the Champions elect in a 4-2 defeat.
In front of an impressive crowd of 144 Main matched their hosts for the early excahnges; however Dinnington eventually broke the deadlock midway through the first half as Grant Allot found the net. As half-time approached the league leaders doubled their advantage when Michael Blythen was on target after 38 minutes. The Colliery refused to lay down for their opponents though and two minutes before the break they reduced the defecit as Andy Culshaw pulled a goal back.
Rossington's joy was short lived though, as within three minutes of the restart Dinnington restored their two goal advantage as Ant Lynam struck a crucial blow. Despite the Colliery's best efforts the home side extended their lead further on the hour mark as Blythen scored his second goal to make it 4-1. However Main were not for rolling over and grabbed a second goal themselves as Jason Stokes brought some respectability to the scoreline on 80 minutes.
Saturday 23rd February; Home Defeat to Emley Dents Colliery Recovery
A disappointing afternoon at Oxford Street as The Colliery maintained their win-one-lose-one run of form with a home defeat to AFC Emley. The 3-1 loss was compunded with the news that Worsborough Bridge Athletic picked up a surprise three points away at in form Staveley MW to leave Rossington more isolated in the division's penultimate place.
It hadn't been doom and gloom all afternoon for Main though as things started very much as hoped with an early goal. Top scorer Lee Holmes struck in the second minute; his 11th league goal of the season giving The Colliery an early lead. However midway through the first half the visitors equalised as Allan Laud found the net for Emley, and it remained level until half-time.
Despite chances for both sides it was the visitors who struck next; Steven Kenworthy on hand to make it 2-1 to Emley with twenty minutes remaining. The West Yorkshire side held firm and eventually doubled thair advantage in the final minute as Laud struck from the penalty spot for his second goal of the game and secure the points for AFC Emley with a 3-1 win.
Saturday 16th February; Colliery Victorious over Vics
Rossington shrugged off the disappointment of a midweek defeat at Gedling Town in the best possible fashion with victory away at Borrowash Victoria. A 3-2 victory for The Colliery moves them to within two points of the opponents and fellow strugglers Worsborough Bridge Athletic in the bottom four of the NCEL Division One table.
The Colliery began in the best possible fashion at the Robinson Construction Bowl as Nathan Hill struck inside the opening quarter of an hour to give Rossington the lead. And within minutes Main had doubled their advantage as Jason Stokes made it 2-0 just seventeen minutes in. However the home side were not in a mood to roll over and eight minutes before the break Tommy Leighton pulled a goal back for Borrowash.
Within a couple of minutes of the start of the second half the match took on a whole new look as Victoria levelled things up; Leighton grabbing his second goal of the afternoon to equalise. This is a more resilient Colliery side to that of the opening months of the season and with twenty minutes to go they forced themselves back in front as recent signing Andrew Culshaw found the net to give Rossington the lead at 3-2.
That proved to be the last goal action of the game as Main held on for all three points and continue their recent resurgence. Four wins from seven matches since the start of the new year have lifted Colliery clear of bottom side Pontefract Collieries and victory at home to AFC Emley next weekend could lift Main up to fourteenth in the table.
Tuesday 12th February; Colliery slip to defeat by the Riverside
Perhaps The Colliery suffer from an aversion to water. After a 7-3 defeat by the Humber at Barton ten days ago comes another loss; this time on the banks of the Trent at the hands of Gedling Town. In a rearranged match at the Riverside Ground, following the abandonmment of the original tie last month, the hosts had just enough to overcome Colliery with a 2-0 win.
Rossington can probably count themselves unlucky to slip to defeat at the hands of their third place opponents with both goals coming in the first half. The Ferrymen took the lead after ten minutes however the final touch on their opening strike seemed to come from a Rossington player. After thirty-five minutes Gedling doubled their lead as Alan Jeffries struck from the penalty spot. Main rallied in the second half but it proved a bridge too far to catch the Ferrymen and Gedling held on for a 2-0 win that leaves Colliery four points adrift of Worsborough Bridge in penultimate place in Division One; Bridge's 2-1 defeat to Emley the only consolation from the night for Rossington.
Saturday 9th February; Winning Ways Return as Colliery Bridge the Gap
After the disappointment of last week's heavy defeat at the hands of Barton Town Old Boys The Colliery were in vital need of a win at home to fellow strugglers Worsbrough Bridge Athletic. Thankfully they managed to achieve just that; a 2-0 win making it three victories in the past five games for the Colliery and bringing them within four points of their fellow South Yorkshire opponents.
In front of the biggest crowd at Oxford Street since the visit of Scarborough in November Rossington made the breakthrough after thirty minutes as top scorer Lee Holmes found the net to give The Colliery the lead. Within four minutes that lead had been doubled with a goal from recent acquisition William McGhie. Those too strikes proved enough for victory as Main held on to their lead for the second forty-five minutes to register a vital three points.
Wednesday 6th February; Culshaw to Make Impression on Colliery
Rossington Main have made another dip into the transfer market with the acquisition of Andrew Culshaw. A Rossington local Andrew was originally on the books of Scunthorpe United. After being released by the Iron Andrew had a spell with Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity and was most recently with Unibond League side Ossett Town. This week however Culshaw, still only 19, returned to his home town club and could well feature in the side for Saturday's visit of Worsbrough Bridge Athletic.
Saturday 2nd February; Colliery Lose Out in Ten Goal Thriller
The Colliery's recent resurrection suffered a significant set-back in North Lincolnshire with a heavy defeat to Barton Town Old Boys. In the type of match for which the term 'eventful' doesn't quite seem to do it justice the goals rained in on the banks of the Humber with Rossington eventually going down to a 7-3 defeat to The Swans.
The hefty scoreline dowsn't quite tell the whole story though as Rossington were very much in this match for the duration of the first half at least. Despiet going behind to a third minute strike from Matty McKay the Colliery had squared thing up within thr opening ten minutes as Chris Lees netted for the visitors. Midway through the half a Mark Anderson strike restored Barton's lead, but back came the Colliery and a goal from new signing William McGhie levelled the match again three minutes from half-time. However the hosts restored their advantage a third time before the break; McKay's second strike making it 3-2 at the interval.
As the second half began the home side began to assert themselves on the game, and two goals from Gareth Barlow; the first early in the half and a second on the hour mark gave them a 5-2 advantage. A strike from Michael MacDonald threatened to set-up a n intersting final twenty minutes as he reduced the defecit to two goals. Sadly though what goals did come went against the Colliery as a third for G. Barlow (take that!) and a late Gary Dickinson strike made it something of a rout for the home side.
A disappointing road trip for the Colliery served as a firm reminder as to their current league position Division One. With an important bottom of the table clash with fellow strugglers Worsbrough Bridge Athletic on the horizon Rossington will be hoping recent form returns in time for next Saturday.
Saturday 26th January; Colliery Off the Bottom
What a difference a month makes. At the end of December The Colliery were already staring relegation in the face. At the foot of the table with just two points to show for the whole season new manager Ian Wilson faced a task that was not so much uphill as against a rock face.
Now four weeks and four games on the club's fortunes look decidedly more horizontal. A 2-1 win at Staveley MW a fortnight ago brought Main within touching distance of the rest of their division. And this afternoon the gap was breached with a 3-0 win over fellow strugglers Pontefract Collieries at Oxford Street. Colliery are off the bottom; displacing their opponents in 16th place in Division 1.
The leagues bottom two looked to have cancelled each other out in a goalless first half, however two goals in five minutes from The Colliery's top goalscorer swung the game in Rossington's favour. Lee Holmes netted twice, his first coming after fifty-five minutes and the second on the hour mark to give Rossington a two goal lead. Colliery held firm for the rest of the game and put the match beyond Pontefract with a third goal in the final minute from Bradley Billam.
Thursday 24th January; McGhie Joins Colliery
Rossington Main have ventured into the transfer market with the signing of William McGhie from Northern Counties East League Premier Division side Armthorpe Welfare. McGhie makes the short move across Doncaster in time to join the side for Saturday's bottom of the table clash against Pontefract Collieries.