Market Rasen top of table clash ends in draw with Appleby Frodingham
A valuable point was earned on Saturday as Market Rasen Town and Appleby Frodingham Development shared the spoils 1-1 in an eagerly anticipated top-of-the-table Lincolnshire League Division One clash at Rase Park.
With Frodingham two points clear of Rasen and having lost just once in their opening seven games, the visitors provided a stern test for the Rasen side.
Midfielder Lucas Sparrow reflected: “We struggled to get going in the first half and didn’t play to our strengths.
“We regrouped at half-time and got off to a brilliant start with Theo’s brilliant finish.
“Our tails were then up and we started to play some nice bits of football. Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalise on that momentum.”
Frodingham made the brighter start, enjoying the greater share of possession, and took the lead on 15 minutes.
A dangerous cross from the left caused problems in the Rasen area, with a glancing touch from the onrushing striker and a further deflection off debutant Josh Skipworth leaving Chris Laming with no chance.
Rasen struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with the visitors’ defence dealing comfortably with the occasional threat from Theo Williams, Finn Drakes and Archie Parry.
However, Rasen couldn’t have asked for a better response after the break.
Captain Charlie Scales showed great strength to hold off two opponents before slipping Theo Williams through.
With the defence retreating, Williams unleashed an absolute thunderbolt from around 25 yards, flying into the top corner and sending the Rasen faithful into raptures.
The game remained closely contested, with both sides pushing forward but struggling to find a decisive breakthrough.
Williams went close again, only to be denied by the goalkeeper’s legs, before another fine Rasen move involving Archie Parry saw Williams head home, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
At the other end, Laming produced an excellent save to keep Rasen in the game, with Frodingham narrowly missing the follow-up.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair reflection of a competitive encounter, although both sides may feel there was an opportunity to take all three points in their promotion push.
But it was a point against strong opposition and offers plenty to build on as the season continues.
Rasen return to Rase Park this weekend as Nettleham Reserves visit for a 2pm kick-off, with the side looking to get back to winning ways. Nettleham sit fourth in the table, three points adrift of Rasen but having played a game more.