7.7.3 Retreat of unit engaged on its side

Since I am new to Impetus I have a question with this rule. I understand how a side engagement starts. The charging unit was not totally behind the frontage line so it is treated as a frontal attack, not a flank attack. So unit A charges into the side of Unit B. Unit B loses the melee and rolls on the retreat table. Let say it rolls a 1 and since it is a foot unit it moves 1H in retreat. If this had been a frontal attack B would move (retreat) 1H directly back. But 7.7.3 says the retreat is "sliding across the face of the unit. How does that work? B would not move directly back, but back in an oblique direction? That seems that would keep B in contact with A. (I tried to load a picture but didn't work, sorry)

Also 7.7.3 says, If the retreat is not sufficient to completely disengage the enemy then another melee phase is fought. Does that mean right now, or when either unit is activated next?

/Jeff

Assume Unit A is attacking on the left and Unit B defends on the right. In picture 1 A attacks B but doesn't get a true flank attack. In picture 2 B loses and slides down the front of A but still touches A at the end of the retreat. Another melee occurs immediately.

IMG_20190126_1959108[1] by Eusebeia2002, on Flickr

IMG_20190126_1959175[1] by Eusebeia2002, on Flickr

OK. That is what I thought. But what happens if Unit A had contacted unit B at an angle, say 30 degrees. Since you don't align the units how would unit B move in that example? A backwards oblique movement?

B goes straight back and A could pursue.

Thanks. That makes more sense. /Jeff