Rossington Main 1–2 Bottesford Town
📍 Oxford Street
📅 Saturday
🏆 NCEL Premier Division

Bottesford Town battled through relentless rain to earn a vital three points away at Rossington Main — a performance full of grit, organisation and real determination from the entire squad.

The opening 20 minutes saw both sides adjusting to the conditions, with the heavy rain making every pass and challenge unpredictable. Both teams were cautious, trying not to make the first mistake.

The first major moment came on 32 minutes, when Alex Render produced a superb, full-blooded block inside the box, putting everything on the line to keep the scores level. Behind him, his twin brother Josh Render delivered a composed and commanding performance in goal, dealing with the conditions superbly and ensuring Rossington weren’t gifted any opportunities.

Jaxon Borland finished the first half strongly, winning important free-kicks with his tricky footwork and helping Bottesford gain control in key moments. For the hosts, Ross Hannah was their danger man, dictating play and creating openings with his quality.

Bottesford struck first in the 51st minute, when Scott Matthews found space on the left side of the area and rifled a powerful finish inside the near post to make it 1–0.

In the 64th minute, Paul Grimes was replaced by Jake Brown, and just two minutes later the Poachers doubled their lead. A push in the back at a corner resulted in a penalty, and Jack McMenemy stepped up to calmly roll the ball into the bottom corner for 2–0.

Rossington responded by throwing bodies forward, and in the 78th minute they were awarded a penalty when Hannah went down in the area. He converted to bring the hosts back into the contest.

Bottesford made further changes late on:
Steve Ridley replaced Jaxon Borland on 80 minutes
Josh Nichol replaced Jack McMenemy on 90 minutes

The final stages were tense, but the Poachers stood tall. Clay Bryant, wearing the number 10, was immense all afternoon, defending with real composure and desire as Bottesford saw out the win in difficult conditions.

Full-time: Rossington Main 1–2 Bottesford Town

A huge three points away from home — and six points from our last three games. Focus now shifts to a demanding week ahead, as the squad prepares for a long midweek trip to Eccleshill United on Wednesday before returning to Barrett Steel Stadium on Saturday for another important fixture against Horbury Town.

💙💛 Up The Poachers.