South Normanton Athletic vs Worksop Town

Worksop controlled the opening period. Chae Whitman-Brown, named Media Man of the Match, whipped in a cross in the 13th minute that a trialist forward guided into the bottom-left corner. The winger turned provider again in the 26th minute, latching onto a loose ball and surging forward before sliding in Liam Waldock, who finished calmly to make it 2-0.

The same trialist thought he had added a third when he slotted home from inside the box, but the offside flag cut the celebration short.

South Normanton emerged sharper after the break. George Morris pulled one back in the 51st minute, but Worksop restored the two-goal cushion within five minutes — a trialist cut inside from the flank and drilled into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the box.

Worksop's trialist goalkeeper made a crucial save on the hour mark, denying a point-blank effort from a Shiners player. But the home side found a second wind. Alex Seale scored in the 71st minute, then converted a penalty three minutes later to level the scores at 3-3 with 16 minutes remaining.

The winner arrived in the 89th minute. Sam Wedgbury's free-kick was brought down inside the box by a trialist, who finished into the back of the net to spark celebrations among the travelling Tigers supporters.

South Normanton had all the momentum after Seale's penalty made it 3-3. A draw would have been a creditable result against a side two divisions above them. But Wedgbury's set-piece delivery and the trialist's composure in the box swung the game back Worksop's way in the dying minutes — a reminder that quality from restarts can decide friendly fixtures as much as league encounters.

Chae Whitman-Brown (Worksop) — The winger created two of the first three goals with his deliveries from wide and was a constant threat. Rightly awarded Media Man of the Match.

Alex Seale (South Normanton) — Scored twice in three minutes to haul his side level, first from open play and then from the penalty spot. The Shiners' most dangerous player in the second half.

Liam Waldock (Worksop) — Took his goal well in the first half and provided midfield energy throughout, an important run-out for a player who will be key to Worksop's league campaign.

Sam Wedgbury (Worksop) — Introduced after the break, the experienced midfielder's free-kick created the late winner, demonstrating his value from set-piece situations.

The 4-3 scoreline tells the story of a game that swung in waves. Worksop's 2-0 half-time lead reflected their superior first-half control, with Whitman-Brown's service from wide causing consistent problems. South Normanton's three second-half goals — the first from open play, then a quick brace from Seale — showed a side that grew in confidence after the interval. The seven goals in a pre-season friendly suggest both defences are still building match sharpness, a common theme at this stage of July.

Worksop Town extend their perfect pre-season record to four wins from four under manager Craig Parry, with a difficult test to come on Sunday (19 July, 1PM kick-off) when League One side Barnsley visit the KC Sofas Stadium. For South Normanton Athletic, the performance against a side two divisions higher will be encouraging as they prepare for their United Counties League Premier Division campaign.

The match was a useful workout for both sides: Worksop fielded a completely different outfield XI in the second half, giving minutes to trialists and squad players, while South Normanton competed well throughout against a higher-tier opponent.

A thoroughly entertaining pre-season friendly that provided what these fixtures are meant for: minutes, goals, and evidence of where both squads stand. Worksop's attacking width — particularly through Whitman-Brown — looks a genuine weapon, though the defensive lapses that allowed a 2-0 lead to become 3-3 will need tightening before Barnsley's visit. South Normanton can take genuine heart from their fightback.