The Match Background

A crackling atmosphere is sure to greet the players this evening as the Greens first United Counties League Premier Division North derby of the campaign is set to play out under the MKM lights. The Greens will be hoping it’s a winning derby too, particularly after dropping points for the first time this season on Saturday, curtesy of a 2-0 defeat on the road at Eastwood Community. The Greens again couldn’t be faulted for effort but once again lacked the killer instinct to turn that into points. It will be another tough assignment this evening against a Highwaymen side that has started their own campaign in promising fashion – currently unbeaten in four in all competitions, including triumph in the FA Cup last weekend at the Greens Lincolnshire rivals Skegness Town. Games between the two sides are rarely quiet affairs either and there were two red cards in last seasons corresponding fixture at the MKM, so expect fireworks this evening.

Team News

Player/Manager Tom Ward could make changes after Saturday’s 2-0 reversal at Eastwood Community. Ward himself could return to the starting line-up after completing his suspension on Saturday, while Cameron Hill is also now back available after a suspension of his own. Charlie Ward has one more game to serve on his suspension but should be back in time to face Lincoln United on Saturday, while there could also be places in the team for a trio of new faces amongst which is Finlay Armond who returned to the Greens earlier in the week. The game may come slightly too soon for defender Kyle Watkins who hasn’t played since picking up an injury in pre-season, while Ward will check on the fitness of Harrison Ainslie and Ryan Flitton who both sat out Saturday’s game at Eastwood Community.

The Opposition

Visitors Newark & Sherwood United meanwhile arrive in NG34 on the back of a promising start to their campaign. Having drawn their opening two United Counties League Premier Division North contests, the Highwaymen added a handy win at home to Ashby Ivanhoe on Saturday afternoon. Progress in the FA Cup at the hands of Skeg

Another season of nomadic existence is on the cards for Newark & Sherwood United, who will hope to marry up a competitive season with laying tracks for a return to Newark in the near future. The Highwaymen will play their games this term at Dickens Road, home of Harrowby United after their agreement with Collingham FC came to end and they vacated on the back of a 12th placed finish last season.

That return was not quite what the Highwaymen had in mind at the beginning of the season, and they endured another turbulent campaign, something that has dogged them ever since their promotion to step five. Having begun the campaign with former AFC Mansfield man Jonathan D’Laryea in the dugout, the hierarchy were forced to act after a disappointing and inconsistent first half of the campaign left them floundering in significant relegation trouble. The club turned to experienced head Romaine Graham, and he negotiated an impressive ten game unbeaten run towards the end of the campaign, the first time the club had won back-to-back games all season. That record earned him a permanent deal in the summer, and he has continued to stamp his authority in the first few games of the new campaign with the Highwaymen currently unbeaten in four games.

Having drawn their opening two games at Shirebrook Town and then with landlords Harrowby United, the finally snapped up a full three points on Saturday with a handy home win over Ashby Ivanhoe. They linked that up with FA Cup progress too and they are set to face AFC Rushen & Diamonds this coming weekend at the JRL Brickwork Stadium for a place in 1st Qualifying Round. It would come as no surprise if this sort of form continued in what is an ultra-competitive Premier Division North field, particularly with the Highwaymen retaining a string of their leading lights from last season, not least in the form of pacy winger Kieran Cummings and influential midfielder Luke White. Add to that a flurry of impressive signings, most notably that of former Kimberley Miners Welfare top-scorer Kole Lambert and it’s clear to see why the Highwaymen retain high hopes for the forthcoming campaign.

Previous Meetings

The Greens and the Highwaymen have become regular opponents of each other over recent seasons and it’s been a rivalry so far that has favoured the Greens, who have won five of the eight games between the two sides, losing just one. One of those wins arrived in mid-September last year thanks to Dominic Kew’s 9th minute lob over the onrushing Ross Woolley. Both sides exchanged red cards in what was a highly charged affair in front of 164 spectators at the MKM Ground. The return fixture looked to be heading for the same result after Akeel Francis’ 35th minute opener, but the Greens were to suffer late heartbreak Jamie Williamson was on hand to slot home a 93rd minute leveller for the hosts in front of 198 supporters.

The Match Details

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. Wednesday’s match referee is Istvan Mod, and he is assisted on the day by Matthew Mantle and Anthony Sharrock. Kick-off at Eslaforde Park is scheduled for 7:45pm.

Words; Oliver Atkin