Denton celebrates loan extension with treble as Tigers sink Marine

The league leaders, previously unbeaten, were the latest side to fall foul of Tigers’ excellent away form, in front of a bumper ‘Non League Day’ crowd of 607. And it was 6ft 5ins striker Denton, in the last game of his month-long loan, who bagged the headlines and the match ball, taking his tally to six goals in five outings. The day got even better for Worksop fans after the game, when it was confirmed that Alfreton player Denton will remain with Tigers for another two months. There was just one enforced change for Worksop with Chris Wood ill, Owain Warlow coming in at left-back. Denton showed his intent on five minutes as a header from an Ashley Burbeary corner on the left went just inches wide of the far post. Both sides were showing attacking flair early on but a shocking tackle by Jonathan Goulding on Warlow meant a lengthy stoppage for treatment on the full-back and Goulding was lucky to receive just a yellow card. Following good efforts from Leon Mettam and Ryan Clarke, Tigers almost took the lead on 19 minutes. A 25-yard free-kick from Burbeary was blocked by Ryan McMahon, and when the ball dropped Denton saw his header tipped over the bar by the keeper. Slightly against the run of the play the home side went ahead. A back pass from Kern Miller was under hit and despite Paul Bastock making the clearance, the ball hit Marcus Carver and fell to Nick Rogan who put the ball into an empty net. Tigers roared back and Burbeary had a shot blocked, Mettam saw his effort cleared and Denton’s left foot strike hit a defender. At the other end Carver set up Rogan but great defending stopped him in a rare attack for the home side. Tigers were looking for an equaliser and Burbeary shot just wide, Steve Towers screwed a great chance wide, then Burbeary cut in from the left, his curling right foot shot hitting the post. On the stroke of half time the equaliser came. A slip from defender Danny Grannon saw Mettam delay his pass perfectly before playing it inside the full-back for Craig King to run onto and cross for Denton to tap in at the back post. Three minutes into the second half Tigers were in front. A superb move down the right involving Clarke and Mettam set up King to cross inch perfect to the back post for Denton and the big man headed home. Marine were the ones now chasing the game and Rogan volleyed over, Grannon had an effort blocked before Bastock made a good save from Carver. On the hour mark the home side made three substitutions and they so nearly made an early impact as Liam Dawson saw his cross put wide by Michael Ordish from three yards, although the assistant’s flag was raised for offside. The good football continued from Tigers as a flowing move down the left ended with Warlow in space just ten yards from goal, unfortunately his shot cannoned off the post and away to safety. Denton completed his hat-trick on 67 minutes. Another attack saw Matt Young, King and Burbeary win a corner on the right, Burbeary put it into the box where Denton rose above everyone to head powerfully past McMahon to the delight of the large Tigers following behind the goal. Within two minutes the home side reduced the arrears as Dawson headed home a free-kick from the left. Tigers continued to press forward, King and Mettam both saw shots deflected and the latter then shot straight at McMahon Despite the home side searching for a late equaliser, the Worksop defence stood firm and any chances were long range efforts that did not trouble Bastock. Marine: McMahon, Dowling, Shaw, Brown, Grannon, Lawton (Ordish 60), Fowler, Goulding, Carver, Rogan (Dawson 60), Lundon (Burton 60). Subs not used: Moore, Noon. Worksop: Bastock 8, Clarke 9, Warlow 8, Young 8, Ludlam 9, Miller 9, King 9 (Telling 90), Towers 9, DENTON 10, Mettam 8 (Menga 85), Burbeary 8 (Beeson 72). Subs not used: Hawes, Jepson. Referee: Mr S. Swallow. Assistants. Mr P. Stubbs and Mr K. Buckley. Attendance: 607. Yellows: Goulding 13 mins, Shaw 35; Warlow 44, Denton 75, Ludlam 78, Young 90.