Jake Wade got Rasen s second goal with a stunning volley.
The phrase "After the Lord Mayors show" was never more applicable than to Market Rasen Town performance at Rase Park on Saturday. Following last weeks fabulous result over Pinchbeck Utd in the County Cup, Rasen showed none of the quality and industry which put Pinchbeck to the sword.
Both Jason Hall and Guy Smith got a deserved start and Scott Coupland returned in attack.
Louth arrived at Rase Park looking to avenge their 2-3 defeat to Rasen earlier in the season and indeed took advantage of the usually immaculate, Joe Osbourne's hesitancy to open the scoring after 5 minutes. Coulam robbed Osbourne in the home penalty area to fire past the helpless Will Bradford.
Rasen struggled to find any real pattern although Nathan Smith caused problems when released behind the Louth back line.
Scott Lowman provided a moment of excitement when he was watched his 25 yard free kick rebound of the upright to safety.
After the break, Manager Andy Brumpton shuffled his formation as Rasen looked to get a grip on the visitors extra man in midfield. However defensive hesitancy again proved Rasen's downfall. Jake Wade, exceptional in last weeks cup victory failed to clear his lines on the edge of his own area with Manders capitalising to slip the ball past the on rushing Bradford for a second Louth goal.
James Bennett was introduced to beef up the Rasen midfield, and 10 minutes from time he latched onto a fine pass from Jason Hall to reduce the deficit, slotting past the Louth keeper whilst holding off the challenge of the defender.
Aaron Greenbeck was pushed further forward in the remaining minute but the game fizzled out to a disappointing end.
Rasen get a rest next week before Sleaford Town come to Rase Park on Saturday March 10th followed by an attractive fixture against Boston Utd Reserves on the 17th March.
After last weeks positive performance against league leaders Cleethorpes Town, Rasen made the journey to Skegness United for another difficult fixture this time against the team currently second in the league.
Manager Andy Brumpton made changes from the previous week welcoming back Kyle Paul at left back and Jason Hall asked to play on the left wing. Scott Lowman put his versatility to the test by joining Skipper Greenbeck at the heart of the defence.
On a small, bumpy pitch Rasen tried to get their flowing passing game going with Osbourne and Rutherford in Rasens midfield combining well with Coupland. However with Rasen enjoing possesion there was no real end product in the opening exchanges.
Skegness opened the scoring when Jackson turned neatly on the edge of the box and smashed the ball passed the helpless Dale Christie in the Rasen goal. Christie was unable to prevent a second Skegness goal shortly after when Rasens back line opened up for Reeson to race unchallenged to stroke the ball home.
With Rasen frustrated James Bennett saw red just before half time when the referee sent him for an early bath after an over zealous lunge on the Skegness left back Neil Thorpe. Thorpe's reaction to the tackle saw him accompany Bennett off the field for retaliation.
At half time Guy Smith filled Bennetts slot at full back at the expense of the unlucky Jason Hall who had more than played his part in the first half. and Rasen's ten men went to a 4-3-2 formation.
Starting the brighter Rasen pulled an early goal back when a Coupland free kick on the right was flicked on to an onrushing Scott Lowman who fired past the home keeper giving Rasen hope.
The game was swung back in the home sides favour 25 minutes from time when appeals for a blatent offside from the Rasen defence were ignored by the officials only to see the ball fall for Whitewick to fire home in convincing style.
Rasen threw on Andy Belt in an attempt to breath new life into the Rasen attacks, but this proved to no avail as despite Kyle Paul's impressing throughout from left back Rasen were unable to recover.
After last week's fine away win at Ruston Sports, Rasen welcomed table topping Cleethorpes Town to Rase Park on Saturday. Manager Andy Brumpton was back in the dugout after the recent birth of his son along with Scott Lowman in Rasen's midfield also the proud father of a son born last Sunday. Nathan Smith returned to the starting line after missing Rasen's last game as he was assisting the League representative team to victory in the National County League Cup.
Cleethorpes , unbeaten so far in the league this season, boasted the league's most prolific strike force who had notched up no less than 86 goals in their 22 games.
Cleethorpes fast passing game put Will Bradford's goal under pressure from the first whistle but the Rasen keeper and his back four dealt admirably with any attempts to break the deadlock. As the game went on Rasen's midfield of Lowman and Osbourne started to restrict the early possession enjoyed by the Cleethorpes midfield. The duo worked tirelessly to close the opposition down whilst attempting to feed the Rasen frontline. Nathan Smith's pace and the guile of Scott Coupland gave the vistors defence problems and Smith and winger Andy Belt should have done better with half chances.
With the first half hour reasonably even Rasen Manager Andy Brumpton will be disappointed when Rasen failed to deal with an in swinging corner only to see Peck bundle the ball scrappily into the net at the near post.
Going into the half time break Rasen were very much in the game and confident of getting something from the game. Jason Hall replaced the ineffective Williams and looked to provide more pace in attack and the game continued its even flow as in the first half. The midfield battle was evenly balanced until the 75th minute when Matt Rutherford failed to spot the dangerous Maskell closing in on him. Maskell nipped ahead of Rutherford to fire past the helpless Bradford to make it 0-2.
Bradford was on hand to pull off a couple of fine saves as the clock and the game ebbed away from Rasen, and a third goal from the experienced Cawley probably flattered the visitors.
Rasen had more than matched a highly talented Cleethorpes side for 75 mins and showed how far the Rasen squad have improved this term at a higher level. In particular the outstanding performances of skipper Greenbeck and central defensive partner Jake Wade along with typically industrious display from Joe Osbourne bodes well for the rest of the campaign.
The tough fixtures keep coming with next week's trip to the seaside to face a highly fancied Skegness United, who currently provide Cleethorpes with their biggest threat to the title.
Jake Wade Aaron Greenbeck.
Rasen resumed their Lincolnshire League campaign with a fine away victory at Ruston Sports on Saturday. Rasen had beaten their hosts at Rase Park in December and completed the double of the season with a professional display at Newark Road, Lincoln.
Market Rasen Town 2-1 Moulton Harrox
Supporters attending Rase Park on Saturday witnessed all the thrills that a pulsating cup fixture can bring as Rasen moved into the Semi Finals of the Lincs Junior Cup, with a fine 2-1 victory over Peterborough League side Moulton Harrox.
Manager Andy Brumpton had ensured that any of the festivities were removed from the Rasen legs with training continuing through the Christmas break and this helped Rasen in the latter stages of this difficult game. On a sour note Dave Hone had left the club over the festive break to join Lincoln Moorlands of the Northern Counties League. However, skipper Aaron Greenbeck and his colleagues in the Rasen rearguard were more than up to the challenge from the talented Moulton attackers and defended superbly throughout.
Brumpton welcomed new signing Scott Coupland from Lincoln United and he slotted in a free role behind the front two strikers of Ian Williams and leading scorer Nathan Smith.
Rasen for once started the brighter and had the greater of possession for the opening quarter of the match. Rasen's midfield three of Rutherford, Osbourne and Lowman breaking up any Moulton attacks to feed Coupland and the pacey Smith.
On 25 mins Smith was felled whilst twisting and turning the Moulton defence and referee Parkinson pointed immediately to the spot. Coupland showed no nerves converting exquisitely from the spot.
This spurred the visitors into action and for the remainder of the half placed the Rasen goal under pressure. Both visiting full backs enjoyed exploiting the space down each flank and indeed this pressure brought a deserved equaliser with ten of the first half minutes remaining.
Matt Rutherford saw a long range effort skim the crossbar but honours remained even at half time.
Birthday boy Kyle Paul replaced Jake Wade at half time as Rasen looked to pin back the opposition full backs in the second period. James Bennett found his name taken by the referee for a clumsy challenge on the Moulton winger. Indeed the home side had two legitimate claims for penalties both turned down by the referee.
With twenty minutes remaining Scott Coupland latched onto a poor clearence from the Moulton keeper to jink his way around the defence and unselfishly square to Ian Williams who finished clinically from ten yards out.
Moulton pushed men forward and peppered the Rasen goal with Rasen limited to sporadic attacks. Rasen keeper Dale Christie was enjoying his best game so far this season and was forced to punch clear on numerous occasions as the visitors pressed for an equaliser. Andy Belt replaced Nathan Smith as Rasen tried to regain the stronghold in midfield and assist the midfield trio who had worked tirelessly from the start.
Hearts were in mouths when Greenbeck cleared off the line in the final moments, but when the final whistle sounded a superb defensive display had paved the way into the semi finals.
Mondays draw sees Rasen in the hat with the likes of Horncastle Town and the much fancied Pinchbeck United.
Next Saturday Rasen are on their travels with a trip to Newark Road, Lincoln to face Ruston Sports with a 2pm kick off.
Andy Belt- Who returned to the starting line up with the opening goal on Saturday.
Louth Town Reserves 2 -3 Market Rasen Town - Weds 23rd Nov
A fine all round team performance brought a welcome three points for Andy Brumpton's charges in the floodlit visit to Park Ave, Louth.
With Nathan Smith replacing the unavailable Adam Brumpton. Rasen persisted with the 4-3-3 formation and Smith's pace immediatley began to cause the home side problems right from the kick off, but it was his strike partner Kyle Paul who crossed from the left for the on-rushing Scott Lowman to glance an fine header past the Louth keeper for a deserved opening goal.
A long ball over the Rasen backline forced Rasen keeper Will Bradford from his goal and he was forced to bring down the home striker to concede a penalty from which the home side drew level.
With the midfield three of skipper Rutherford, Osbourne and Lowman working tirelessly, the trio combined to feed the impressive James Bennett down the right. Bennett's forceful run and subsequent cross forced confusion between the defence and keeper and found Kyle Paul at the far post who controlled the ball before calmly firing home for Rasen's second goal.
Unfortunately, the home side again levelled the scores before half time, but sprits were high during the interval.
A Lowman corner 15 minutes after the break was flicked on by Dave Hone at the near post and fell to James Bennett who hooked the ball through the congested six yard box into the back of the net.
The Rasen defence of Bennett, Norburn, Hone and Wade dealt with sporadic home attacks with relative ease and provided probably the best defensive performance of the season, especially in the second half.
Smith and Paul both had half chances but could not increase Rasen's lead, but after a disappointing couple of results collected the valuable three points.
Market Rasen Town 1-2 Skegness Town - Sat 26th Nov, Supplementry Cup
Skegness Town once again provided the opposition for Rasen in the League Supplementary Cup. Unfortunately for the third time this season the visitors proved too stubborn in defence for Rasen to progress in this particular competition.
Exchanges were even throughout the game but indifferent refereeing meant that cautions were many, when really it was not that sort of game.
Skegness opened the scoring only for Rasen to reply when Smith was first to a Williams flick on to round the keeper to equalize. Sloppy defending allowed the visitors their second goal. Kyle Paul will feel he could have done better when well placed to cross on two occasions and Rasen really did not create to much danger for the Skegness keeper.
James Bennett took a nasty knock which enabled Rasen Manager Andy Brumpton to give valuable game time to Andy Belt and Belt did manage to cross from the left after nifty wing play, but his cross evaded any on-rushing team mates.
Dave Hone was dismissed by the referee with 10 minutes remaining to the dismay of the large Rasen faithful.
Rasen have the chance to redeem themselves next Saturday in the last 16 of the County Cup when Peterborough League, Crowland Town visit Rase Park for a 1.30pm kick off. It is hoped that the Rasen fans will come out in force to support the home sides push for a quarter final place.
Market Rasen Town 3-6 Nettleham - Sat 12th Nov
After witnessing his Market Rasen teams excellent showing last Tuesday at Boston United, Rasen Manager Andy Brumpton would have been full of hope for the visit of Neighbours Nettleham to Rase Park on Saturday.
On Tuesday night Rasen not only provided a constant threat on attack but also looked a solid unit against a strong Boston outfit who were made to work hard for their 2-1 victory. James Bennett grabbed Rasen's goal on Tuesday from a Rutherford free kick.
For Saturdays local derby Rasen welcomed back Scott Lowman to the starting with Brumpton able to choose from a strong looking squad of 19 players. Nettleham arrived on the back of an impressive start to their league campaign and included former Grimsby Town and Lincoln City midfielder Adam Buckley who was watched by his father and former Grimsby Manager Alan on a perfect day for football at Rase Park.
The first half provided the worst display from a Rasen side this year and enabled the visitors to race into a 3-0 lead after half an hour of play. Nettleham strikers Beesley and Munro were too lively for Rasen, capitalising on constant service from the flanks. After the third goal Rasen did pull what could have been considered even at that stage of the game a consolation goal when Ian Williams volleyed home a Jason Hall cross. This was closely followed by a fourth goal for the visitors to effectively kill all hopes of a Rasen revival.
Rasen Manager Brumpton made changes at half time and wasted no time in giving striker Adam Brumpton his first run out of the season early in the second half. Rasen began to create more chances and Nathan Smiths pace opened an opportunity for him to fire superbly past the Nettles keeper from a tight angle. Unfortunately Nettleham restored their three goal advantage when their centre half rose unmarked to head home a corner. To confirm a miserable afternoon for Rasen Andy Belt brought down Munro who converted the resulting penalty to make the score 2-6.
Rasen tried to bring some credit from the game and further pressure saw Belt draw a rash challenge from a Nettleham defender in the closing moments and Brumpton brought the score to 3-6.
Rasen have the chance to make amends for this disappointing showing when their run of home games in November continues with Grimsby Boro the visitors to Rase Park for a 2pm kick off.
Market Rasen Town 3-0 Metheringham 5/11/11
Nathan Smith provided the fireworks at Rase Park on Saturday for the visit of Lincoln League Metheringham in the Lincs Junior Cup. For the second weekend running Smith tore the visiting defence apart from the first whistle, opened the scoring with a fine overhead kick and set the second goal up for strike partner Ian Williams as his pace continually opened up the Metheringham defence. Smith would be first to acknowledge some excellent service from Rasen team mates who look to have settled into a good pattern of play in recent weeks.
With a hectic schedule over the next couple of weeks Manager Andy Brumpton used the full squad available to him with James Brothwell and Jason Hall to the starting line up. Both players linked well down the right hand flank in the opening exchanges, with Hall's pace and Brothwell's stylish distribution not giving the visiting defence a moments rest.
From one of Halls crosses Nathan Smith produced a brilliant overhead kick for his seventh goal of the season, that brought the sizable Rase Park faithful to their feet with 20 minutes on the clock.
As with the previous week, centre half and new signing Dave Hone, continued to spread calm among the Rasen back four with all members looking solid again, cleaning up any forays from the Metheringham attackers.
Ian Williams pounced for his seventh goal of the season with a tidy finish after another pacy run from Smith putting Rasen 2-0 up on the half hour mark.
Rasen lost the influential Joe Osbourne before half time when he injured his back after a typically robust challenge from the Rasen man. He was replaced by James Bennett who joined the all action Scott Lowman in central midfield.
Kal Mattu replaced Williams at half time but Rasen continued to dominate proceedings with chances falling to Scott Lowman and Hall to no avail early in the second half.
Matt Rutherford was enjoying a faultless performance in an unfamilier role on the left and it was he who combined well with Jake Wade for Rasen's third goal. Rutherford fed that man Smith deep on the left wing. Smith held the ball up for Jake Wade to provide a telling cross, attacked at the near post by Mattu, whose flick on was despatched neatly by the on rushing James Bennett at the far post.
With Rasen safely through to the next round Manager Brumpton will again be delighted with a second clean sheet in as many weeks from his men. This week sees a tricky Tuesday night fixture at Boston Utd and a local derby at Rase Park next Saturday (12th Nov) against a strong Nettleham side, where it is hoped a sizable crowd will assist in pushing the Rasen boys further up the Lincs League.
Market Rasen Town 2-0 Swineshead Institute - 29/10/11
Following a string of recent defeats Market Rasen Town collected all three points from a tricky home fixture with Swineshead Institute at Rase Park on Saturday. The visitors came to Rase Park with an impressive run of form and as with most fixtures in the Lincolnshire league would provide a stern test for a Rasen team low on confidence from a recent trouncing at league leaders Cleethorpes Town.
Rasen management had once again been busy during the week adding the former Spalding Utd defender Dave Hone to the squad along with Boston Utd utility player Scott Lowman. Both players made their home debuts in a changed line up which saw Dale Christie continue in goal, James Bennett reverting to right back, Jake Wade to left back and Kyle Paul to a wide left midfield role.
Opening exchanges were even but early on it was clear that Rasen's back line were looking more solid with skipper Aaron Greenbeck looking dominant with new partner Hone at central defence.
Rasen continually pressed with Rutherford and Bennett creating frequent openings which deserved more of an end result.
A Hone clearance dropped behind a static Swinshead defence for Ian Williams to collect and calmly round the keeper before side footing the deserved opener for the home side on the quarter hour mark.
This settled the home side down and signalled a prolonged spell of posession and pressure with Scott Lowman and Joe Osbourne taking control and showing their qualities in central midfield.
Great work by Jake Wade and Kyle Paul on the left nearly brought a second goal and Joe Osbourne will be disappointed to flash a header the wrong side of the post from Paul's cross.
Livewire Nathan Smith was enjoying a square Swinehead rear line, and his pace and the quality of pass created countless opportunities for Smith to add to his tally of 6 goals for the season. His 7th goal of the season came when again a Hone clearance found Willams again who squared to Smith to outpace the defence and fire Rasen two goals to the good.
Ian Williams should have done better when his shot on the turn fired over the bar from 12 yards out.
Rasen again dominated the second period which found Scott Lowman on two occasions breaking from midfield and creating havoc with his powerful running. Both chances being thwarted by last ditch challenges and good goalkeeping.
As the half progressed manager Brumpton made various changes but this did not nullify the constant Rasen pressure which just lacked the killer finish.
The game drew to a close with the referee cautioning Osbourne, Lowman and Wade for over zealous challenges but showed Rasen's increased comittment that manager Brumpton had called for pre match.
Skipper Aaron Greenbeck commented after the game " it was an impressive professional performance from the lads, although Swineshead didn t show too much attacking threat ,it was a job well done".
A solid team performance was capped off with Rasen s first clean sheet since the opening day of the season, allowing Rasen to go into next Saturdays County Cup fixture at home to Metheringham kick off 1.30pm with increased confidence.
Heckington United 4-0 Market Rasen Town
Rasen travelled to Heckington in the return game of the previous Saturday's fixture and looked to avenge the 3-1 reverse inflicted by the home side.
Unfortunately it was a familiar story of plenty of possession, lack of concentration and no points. Rasen playing the more direct route in a bid to relieve the pressure on the back line were disappointed to restrict the home side to only two meaningful attacks that occurred towards the end of the half which unfortunately brought the home side two goals against the run of play. Until that time Rasen had kept the home side's open attacking style at bay with the five man midfield breaking up the home side's posession with ease. The ball over the top found the Rasen back line wanting and were punished accordingly.
Rasen threatened regularly with Osbourne and Smith working to carve out openings in Heckington's rearguard. Again lapses in concentration brought two further goals for the home side and left the Rasen Management scratching their heads and frustrated especially after having so much possession and not being able to fault the work rate of the entire team.
Next week Rasen travel to Lincolnshire League leaders Cleethorpes Town for a difficult encounter under the lights at Bradley pitches (Tuesday 25th, Kick Off 730pm). This is followed up by a visit to Rase Park next Saturday, 29th, of Swineshead Institute in a game that Rasen need to win (Kick Off 3pm).
Lincoln United Res 2-1 Market Rasen Town
Rasen travelled to Lincoln United'ls Ashby Avenue last Tuesday night hoping to inflict their first Lincolnshire League double over the hosts. Three weeks ago Rasen stroled to an easy 3-1 home victory and were looking for a similar return under the floodlights.
Rasen Manager Andy Brumpton would have been dissapointed with Rasen's sloppy start as the home side took advantange of Rasen's lackluster start to the game. Will Bradford was forced into action producing a couple of smart saves in opening exchanges. The inevitable goal came and was quickly followed by a second on the half hour with Rasen rarely threatening the home goal at all in the first 30 minutes of the half and went into the break 2 goals down.
A few stern words at half time brought a much better second half from Rasen with the midfield trio of Bennett, Rutherford and Osbourne stamping their authority on the game and pushing Rasen forward to threaten the home defence for prolonged periods. Jason Hall and Kyle Paul worked openings down the left flank and after one of Hall's forays James Bennett fired home on the angle to reduce the deficit to one goal. A fantastic Will Bradford save from a rare home attack kept Rasen in the hunt for points.
Nathan Smith, recently back from injury was a constant thorn in the side of the home defence and his tireless work rate was another positve from an improved all round second half performance. In truth Rasen were much the better side and as with previous weeks were dissapointed not to get something out of the game at the final whistle.
As with the recent fixture at Lincoln Moorlands Rasen are dealing admirably with the challange of the senior non league side in the county who use the midweek fixtures to give game time to some of their first teamers.
Market Rasen 1-3 Heckington United- Sat 15th Oct
Old Lincoln League rivalries were renewed on Saturday when Heckington United were the visitors to Rase Park. Sitting one point above Rasen in the table and enjoying similar reign of form Heckington started the game the brighter of the two teams, with the fast passing style being too much for the home side. Rasen veteran Ian Williams should have done better when he fired straight at the away keeper in a rare attack before Heckington opened the scoring on 10 minutes.
Rasen had keeper will Bradford to thank for a couple of smart saves as Rasen struggled to cope with the slick away attacks. Joe Osbourne had calls for a penalty turned down by the referee before the away side went further ahead before half time with Kirwan capitalising on sloppy home defending.
Rasen were unlucky not to reduce the arrears early in the second half when a strong James Bennett run ended with the midfielder lobbing the ball over the crossbar. Further chances went begging with Rasen looking dangerous from set pieces.
Against the run of play Will Bradford failed to deal with a rare Heckington corner allowing Clarke to grab his second goal of the game.
Rasen s only joy of the afternoon came when Williams nodded in a consolation goal from a Rutherford free kick.
Whilst Rasen were much improved in the second half Heckington were good value for all 3 points. Rasen Manager Andy Brumpton will need all his experience to lift Rasen for the next two fixtures which see Rasen travel to an improving Lincoln United on Wednesday evening for a 7.45pm kick off before a return fixture at Heckington next Saturday.
LincolnMooorlands Res 3-3 Market Rasen Town – Tue Oct 11
Market Rasen travelled to Lincoln Moorlands last Tuesday hoping to continue their mini unbeaten run. With Moorlands beefing their ranks with some of their first team and Rasen without regulars Drew Norburn, Nathan Smith and Andy Belt all through injury and James Bennett on holiday, it was not going to be an easy task, made more difficult by a bumpy, bare pitch.
As expected the home side had most of the opening exchanges with Dale Christie being
called into action in the Rasen goal.
Jason Hall had Rasen’s best chance of the half when he latched onto a Rutherford through ball, drawing the keeper, only to see his shot clip the crossbar. The deadlock was broken towards the end of the half when Chester scored after more sustained pressure from the home side. Attacking down the slope in the second half Rasen began to get back into the game with Osbourne and Rutherford making regular forays into the home side and Hall providing a constant menace from the left flank.
A delightfully lifted ball from an Osbourne free kick found skipper Greenbeck free to fire home the deserved equaliser for Rasen. Unfortunately the home side hit back almost immediately with John putting Moorlands back in front against the run of play. Manager Andy Brumpton would have been pleased with the reaction from his men as Rasen continued to press for something from the game and were duly rewarded when that man Greenbeck got them back on level terms with another neat finish. A Jason Hall free kick created an opportunity for Joe Osbourne who fired in from close range giving Rasen a 3-2 lead with 10 minutes remaining. However, an all to familiar lapse of concentration allowed the home side to steal a point when Matthews levelled. Lincoln Claytons 1-3 Market Rasen Town 8th Oct. Off the back of last week’s deserved home win, Market Rasen Town travelled to Lincoln Claytons for a tricky Lincs Junior cup tie against the Lincoln League high fliers. With Andy Belt and Nathan Smith joining Adam Brumpton on the injury list Andy Brumpton was once again forced to make changes. Will Bradford returned between the sticks, Guy Smith made another start at right back and Jake Wade took his customary position at left back pushing Kyle Paul into a wide left midfield role joining a five man midfield. Jason Hall took no time in placing the home defence on the back foot with a couple of early forays into the attacking third of the pitch. The first enabled Guy Smith to find Matt Rutherford with a pin point cross which went the wrong side of the upright The second allowed Kyle Paul to compose himself at the far post to square to Williams whose shot forced the keeper to parry the ball to the on rushing Matt Rutherford for a well deserved lead. The home side rallied and equalised when capitalising on defensive uncertainty in the Rasen rearguard. This was a minor blip as Rasen controlled the remaining play in the first period, restricting the home side to shots from distance that rarely troubled keeper Bradford. Rasen started to dominate the second half from the kick off and that man Hall who had switched intermittently with Kyle Paul on the flanks put in a near perfect cross for Paul to power a header home on the hour mark. Drew Norburn and Aaron Greenbeck were looking solid at the back and home attacks were few and far between. Ian Williams looked certain to score with the keeper to beat midway through the half after being fed by Osbourne, but somehow pushed the ball wide of the post Rasen finished the job in hand with ten minutes remaining when James Bennett ran through the middle of the Claytons defence to stoke the ball past the keeper for his second goal of the season. This rounded off a good all round display on a difficult surface on what was potentially a difficult tie prior to kick off. With games coming thick and fast in the coming weeks Rasen will be looking to start a unbeaten run. Which starts on Tuesday when they travel to Lincoln Moorlands for a 7.45 Kick off. Next Saturday they return to Rase Park where they welcome Heckington Utd for a 3pm start.
Sleaford Town Reserves 0 Market Rasen Town 3 Weds August 24th - Market Rasen Town 3-3 CGB Humberthern The following Wednesday Rasen entertained former champions CGB Humbertherm at Rase Park. In a pulsating game played on a perfect surface, the large crowd were treated to a game that had everything, Three times Rasen came from behind as they came to terms with Humbertherms fast counter attacking play. Rasen had to thank Will Bradford for only going at half time 2-1, with a string of fine saves to keep the home side in the game and a sublime left foot strike from Ian Williams on 20 minutes. After showing the visitors a little too much respect Rasen upped their game in the second half. Midfield duo of James Bennett and Joe Osbourne started to break up play and control the midfield. Striker Nathan Smith equalised on 55 minutes with classy finish, only for the visitors to increase the lead when Danny Carter fired home after a goal mouth scramble. Rasen deservedly levelled 3 minutes from time when Joe Osbournes overhead kick from a long Aaron Greenbeck throw. Rasen will be disappointed conceding 3 goals at home, but both sides would agree that a point each was a fair result.
Sat 27th Aug Grimsby Borough 3-0 Market Rasen Town A lacklustre first half performance which saw the home side score 3 goals in a 10 minute spell before half time effectively killed off the game. A marginally improved performance in the second half still could not break through the Boro rearguard. Manager Andy Brumpton will need to use all his experience to lift the squad which now has to endure a couple of suspensions for the upcoming games which resume this Wednesday when Lincoln Moorlands visit Rase Park with a 630pm kick off, and their first visit to the seaside next Saturday for a 3pm Kick Off against Skegness Town.
Market Rasen 0-3 Skegness Town Skegness Town came to the picturesque Rase Park looking to do the first double of the season over the Lincs League newcomers Market Rasen. With Rasen welcoming back Jake Wade to the back four and Drew Norburn back to the bench after illness, the home side went into the game with high hopes.
Unfortunately for the home side a lack of concentration enabled the wily Orrey to open the scoring on the 5 minute mark. Rasen then settled down and provided most of the attacking action getting back to the slick passing and movement that had been lacking from the previous weeks. James Bennett back in his familiar role in midfield with Joe Osbourne dominated the midfield breaking up the oppositions attacks to feed the marauding Jason Hall and Matt Rutherford down the right flanks. A succession of corners troubled the Skegness keeper, providing a smart save from a well directed Bennett header. Further Rasen pressure saw the home striker Nathan Smith strike the post midway through the half. Smith will also be disappointed not to have hit the target with two other efforts before rare attack from the visitors increased their league when Orrey grabbed his second goal after breaking the Rasen offside trap. Although two goals behind at the break Rasen were still n the game and Manager Andy Brumpton would have fancied his side to get something from the second half. Much like the first half Rasen continued to dominate and that man Smith again struck the post from the angle of the area after a slide rule ball from the impressive Andy Belt. With 20 minutes remaining an tangle between Wade and Orrey resulted in Orrey retaliating with what looked like a head butt and possibly worse. Referee Lamb surprisingly booked both Orrey and the allegedly innocent Wade before awarding a free kick to the away side to the dismay of the home crowd. From the resulting kick Orrey grabbed his hat trick heading in at the far post, when really he should have been enjoying an early bath. In an attempt to get a consolation goal Manager Brumpton threw on Guy Smith to left back, pushing Kyle Paul up to join Nathan Smith.
The game ended with further cautions to both sides as the officials struggled to keep control.
Whilst the home sides performance was much improved, Rasen boss Andy Brumpton will look to address the increasing goals conceded column. This may come in the form of new recruits in the coming weeks.
Next week Rasen host League strugglers Lincoln United Reserves to Rase Park with a 3pm kick off
Sat 1st Oct 2011
Market Rasen Town 3-1 Lincoln United Reserves An accomplished all round performance from Market Rasen brought a much needed 3 points from their latest Lincolnshire League fixture at a picturesque Rase Park on Saturday. The Lincoln United second string rarely worried the home defence which welcomed back James Brothwell and Drew Norburn into the starting line up and Dale Christie continuing between the posts for his second start of the campaign. Rasen started brightly in the sunshine and enjoyed long periods of possession on a perfect surface for football. Manager Andy Brumpton was forced to make an early change when leading goalscorer Nathan Smith was forced off with an injury after 15 minutes. This brought the workmanlike Jason Hall into the fray with Andy Belt moving up front to partner veteran Ian Williams. The changes did not seem to stop a regular flow of Rasen attacks with the deadlock being broken after 20 minutes when the strong running James Bennett lobbed the United keeper from fully 30 yards. From a Rutherford corner, Drew Norburn powered in a header to make it 2-0 on the half hour mark. Jason Hall and Andy Belt effectively ended the contest before the break when the duo combined when Hall ran purposely at his full back to square to Belt who turned neatly in the penalty area to fire home the third goal from 10 yards out. Manager Brumpton would have been particularly pleased with a clean sheet at the interval, with Norburn and Brothwell s calming influence assisting the dominant Aaron Greenback and the ever improving Kyle Paul at the back. Guy Smith and Kal Mattu were introduced in the second period providing fresh legs on an energy sapping afternoon. The second half brought a consolation goal for the visitors when Shipley headed home from close range. James Bennett will feel he should have added to his goal tally when he fired over as the game drew to a close. It was a much deserved win for Rasen as they sit in a creditable mid table position with seven games played. With the return from injury of striker Adam Brumpton and possible new signings on the horizon Andy Brumpton will be looking for his men to climb the league over the next few weeks. Next week Rasen travel to Lincoln Claytons for a cup clash at Lee Road Kick Off 2.00pm.
Market Raen Town began their new season in the Lincolnshire League with an away trip to Sleaford Town and came away with a thoroughly deserved victory. On a dry, bobbly pitch Town settled quickly, and as early as the second minute began asking questions of their opponents when Nathan Smith, a recent summer signing, forced a decent save from the home keeper. it was in the fifth minute that Town found themselves in front. Ian Williams recieved the ball on the halfway line, and with his back to goal, quickly laid the ball off to Rutherford who in turn released Nathan Smith down the right hand side, after beating the full-back Smith pulled the ball back across the goalmouth and Andy Belt was on hand to side foot home from twelve yards.
Another chance fell to Andy Belt soon after but his first time shot from 25 yards flew just over the bar.
By this time Town were dominating possession and creating chances almost at will, Joe Osbourne found enough time and space on the edge of the area to curl a shot towards goal which the keeper did well to save. Nathan Smith saw his strike narrowly miss the target from an acute angle. James Bennett wriggled his way into the area before pulling the ball back across the six yard box but no one was on hand to turn the ball home.
Town's task was then made easier when the home striker decided to aim a head-butt at Aaron Greenbeck and was given a red card for his conduct.
With the home side down to ten men Rasen further set about increasing their lead. Jake Wade found Williams with a flighted pass and his flick-on released Nathan Smith down the left-hand side. A quick one-two on the edge of the area with Osbourne and a first time shot saw the ball nestle in the back of the net and the lead doubled.
The second half saw Sleaford start brightly but the back four of James Brothwell, Jake Wade, Aaron Greenbeck and Drew Norburn snuffed out any real danger before they could even attempt to trouble the now almost redundant Will Bradford in Town's goal.
Town made a change on sixty minutes, Jason Hall replaced Joe Osbourne and when he out stripped the full-back for pace, everybody expected a cross into the box, instead he pulled the ball back to the edge of the area to Rutherford who's first time cross was met at the far post by Williams, who powered home his header to make the game safe.
Kyle Paul then replaced Williams and he released Andy Belt with a perfectly weighted pass, with only the keeper to beat, Belt steadied himself but saw his shot roll agonisingly wide of the far post. Nathan Smith then saw his vicious strike from fully 30 yards beat the keeper, only to come back off the far post.
Town then had a goal ruled out, the referee deciding Nathan Smith's boot was too high when he prodded the ball home from a yard, whilst the defender was trying to clear with his head.
Kyle Paul, Jake Wade, James Brothwell and James Bennett all had chances to increase the scoreline before the final whistle sounded.
An impressive performance from Town on their first outing will have to be repeated this Wednesday when they take on CGB Humbertherm at Rase Park. Kick off 6.30 p.m.
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