Team - Campbell D, Lambert, McWilliams, Hassan, Hanson(c), Burgess, Freeman(Ingram 84), Beadle, Leeson, Robinson(Escritt 21), Scott. Sub not used: Lyth.
Report - Whitby's disappointing run continued alongwith their run of injuries to strikers. Fans hero Graham Robinson became the latest to fall victim to the forward jinx which has already claimed Town's top four hotshots after 20 minutes of Tuesday night's defeat. The South African hobbled off and the Seasiders' travelling support were treated to goalkeeper Ben Escritt leading the line alongside teenage rookie Brad Freeman and full-back Andy Leeson.
The battle-weary Blues started brightly as 15-goal Jimmy Beadle curled a 25 yard free-kick over the top following a Michael Simpkins handball. Beadle, looking Town's only threat in front of goal, then cleared the crossbar with an off-balance effort from the edge of the area. It took the fifth-placed Badgers half an hour to find their feet and find the lead when Darryl Thomas poked home from close range following a scramble in the visitors' area
Within three minutes, the lead was doubled. Neil Harvey intercepted a poor Ibby Hassan backpass and slotted past a helpless Dave Campbell. Thomas then effectively wrapped up the result with Retford's third goal before half-time, a clinical angled drive across Campbell and into the bottom-right corner of the net.
Thomas' first-time shot from the fringes of the penalty area flew narrowly wide, with Harvey then heading over from point blank range as the Notts side threatened to run riot.
Early in the second half, Colin Marrison brought a good low save from Campbell, but it was only seconds before the rout continued. Chris Bettney had all the time in the world after arriving at the far post well ahead of his marker to sidefoot into the net.
Moments later, Bettney headed against the crossbar and Simpkins was perfectly placed to slot home the loose ball. Beadle drilled two more half chances well over the crossbar, as Town's leading goalscorer, suspended for the last four matches of the season, signed off with a blank sheet.
Late on, Retford could've made it six when Nicky Ellis lifted the ball up and over from inside the Blues' six yard box. Freeman gave way to Denny Ingram late on, and it was good to see Ashley Lyth back and training, if not on the field as the Town defender recovers from a horrific foot injury sustained at Marine.
