The Greens were semi-finalists in this competition last season, knocked out at that stage – as fate would have it – by Lincoln United. A 5-0 defeat on the night was representative of the general progression of the evening, with the Greens light on experience and missing a host of first team names including goalkeeper Liam Flitton. The Whites would ultimately go on to win the competition at the hands of Boston Town a month or so later while the Greens would resuscitate a stuttering campaign to ultimately finish one point short of the coveted play-off positions in United Counties League Premier Division North.

That clash is one of four competitive meetings between the two sides, all of which have come in the last twelve months since the Whites relegation from the Northern Premier League Division One East at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. In that time, the Greens have recorded a fantastic 1-0 victory at Ashby Avenue – through Ryan Lennon’s solitary goal – whilst, in contrast, shipping 17 goals in three games at the MKM. The most recent of those was a 5-2 defeat back in mid-August as a Tom Ward-led Greens were taken apart by their title-chasing rivals finding themselves 4-0 down before Joe Smith responded from the spot midway through the second half.

Much changed now, the Greens will hope to channel some of the grit and determination that took them to a first victory of the Matt Evans era on Saturday afternoon. The Greens were organised and determined at Coronation Park as Josh Parker’s solitary strike saw off play-off chasing Belper United, a goal that the Greens thoroughly merited on the back of an industrious and brave showing. It allowed Matt Evans a moment of real satisfaction and the scenes in the dressing room at full-time were indicative of a side who came of age over the weekend and they’ll, as a result, head into Wednesday’s encounter full of confidence and with very little to lose.

Visitors Lincoln United then, come to the MKM with the weight of expectation on their shoulders as they look to once again juggle a title charge with fighting on other fronts. Holders of this very competition, the Whites have a reputation to uphold but would be understood maybe for making changes with a view to a sustained promotion push in the league. They’ll certainly not want to repeat their ending to last season where a shattered squad tailed off badly when it really mattered as FA Vase semi-finals, United Counties League Knockout Cup quarter-finals and Premier Division North play-offs all slipped away in quick succession.

A summer change of management saw the successful former Winterton Rangers manager Scott Hellewell take the reins at Ashby Avenue from club stalwart Chris Funnell, Hellewell having masterminded Rangers rise from Northern Counties East League Division One side to Northern Premier League Division One East competitors. That experience of getting things over the line at step five may well come in handy with the Whites embroiled in a heated title race with Eastwood Community and, increasingly, Bourne Town. A 1-0 defeat to Eastwood Community is one of the few blots on the Whites copy book so far this season, the other a 2-1 defeat to Newark Town on matchday two this campaign – that showing the sizeable task ahead of the Greens this Wednesday.

Evans then, could be expected to run with a very similar side to the one that defeated Belper United at the weekend. Tom Waumsley’s fitness will be checked upon following an injection in his knee over the weekend while Sam Greenwood will remain the Greens only definite absentee as he recovers from a broken hand sustained against Newark Town last time out at home.

Admission to The MKM Ground (NG34 7ER) on Wednesday evening is priced at £7 for adults and £4 for concessions, with under-sixteen’s free (alongside a paying adult). We also offer a military discount for those in the armed services, and this grants you entry at £5 upon production of a valid ID. Cash and card can be accepted at both our turnstiles and at the hot food counter which serves a variety of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Our matchday programme can be found on our website or social channels in the lead up to kick-off, but for those who prefer a printed memento, you can pick up a complimentary teamsheet at the turnstiles or in the bar. Kick-off at Eslaforde Park is scheduled for 7:45pm.

Words: Oliver Atkin