PR: North Ferriby vs Rainworth MW

North Ferriby welcome Rainworth Miners Welfare to the Dransfield this midweek in NCEL Division one fixture. Chris Bolder’s men come into the game without having a game at the weekend. Last time out a dramatic late goal from Louis Kirk gave Bolder’s men a big victory over play-off chasing Selby Town. It was a big goal for the Villagers as they look to keep pace and pressure on leaders Hallam. The Villagers sit three points behind their rivals but Hallam have the superior goal difference.

The Villagers travel to Sheffield to face their promotion rivals on Saturday and it’s important that they keep the pressure up before their clash. The next test, Rainworth sit in 17th place and won 2-0 at relegation-threatened Swallownest at the weekend. Last time the two sides met in December, it was the Villagers who came out on top. Bolder’s men won 4-0 in awful weather conditions. This was when the Villagers were in the midst of their unbeaten run that started the season. The current performances Bolder’s men have put in have been reminiscent of those days. The defence has been tight and has not conceded a goal in the last four games. Bolder was asked about Rainworth and what he expects, “Rainworth will be a really tough game, unbeaten in their last three and coming into the game on the back of a good win. They appear to have bodies back from injury and are now competing well with all teams”.

This game is the second of seven in March. A period that will be testing for Bolder and his side. Bolder was asked about how his squad shapes up ahead of this run, “We were in need of a rest, but we still have some squad issues with at least three players coming out of the squad from last Tuesday. Therefore we will have to assess availability nearer the time and hope we can come in to the game with as strong a squad as possible”.

Hallam, like the Villagers, didn’t play this weekend but third place Brigg Town suffered their second defeat of the week, falling 4-2 at Retford. This gives the Villagers some breathing room from the Lincolnshire side. A win this week would further cement second place.

Report kindly provided by North Ferriby