The Match Background

For the second time this week, Premier Division North’s bottom-markers will arrive at the MKM Ground looking to get themselves off the mark, with the league’s latest stragglers, Deeping Rangers the visitors. It follows hot-on-the-heels of the Greens 1-1 draw with Wisbech Town on Wednesday evening, a result that took the Fenmen off the bottom of the table at Deeping’s expense. It was a first point of the campaign for the Fenmen, and they’ll feel they could have had more, with the Greens lacking quality throughout the evening. Player/Manager Tom Ward cut a deeply frustrated figure at full-time as he searched for answers to the Greens increasingly disappointing start to the campaign. Ward talked of needing some grit and experience in his side, and he moved to sign just that on Friday morning, with Kegan Everington arriving from a short spell at Skegness Town. Ward won’t see immediate effects though, with Everington currently seeing out a suspension that will see him miss Saturday’s game with Deeping, but Ward will hope just his presence around the squad will help the Greens return to the winning trail.

Team News

As noted, Kegan Everington will not be in contention for his Greens debut as he serves out a suspension from his days at Skegness Town, while Liam Flitton will also be absent for the final time as he sits out the last of his three-match suspension after being sent off against Lincoln United. Gaffer Tom Ward hinted at changes in his post-match interview on Wednesday after going unchanged from the FA Vase victory at Gedling Miners Welfare last week and one likely adjustment will see captain Charlie Ward return to action after missing the last two games. He could be joined by Kyle Watkins who continues to step up his recovery following a long-standing hamstring problem he picked up during pre-season, the centre-back having been involved in training over recent weeks.

The Opposition

Opponents Deeping Rangers meanwhile arrive at the MKM Ground this afternoon in desperate need of a spark to get their campaign up and running. Wisbech Town’s point, earned at the expense of the Greens on Wednesday evening, left Rangers propping up the Premier Division North table and the only side pointless going into the final weekend of August. Four defeats from four in league action so far saw frustrations reach boiling point at the Haydon Whitham Stadium this week and manager Johnny Alflatt was the most prominent casualty of that, his services dispensed of as the club looked to turn the early tide.

It means Rangers pitch up in NG34 this afternoon without a manager and quite who will lead the side remains to be seen, but the Greens will need to wary of a bounce no matter what, particularly after falling foul to similar against Wisbech Town on Wednesday evening. Rangers haven’t necessarily struggled so much scoring goals as opposed to keeping them out and it’s the goals against column that will make particularly hurtful reading for Rangers going into the weekend. 17 goals conceded in just four games certainly makes grim reading, and Rangers have lost by three or more goals on four occasions already this season. That started with a 6-1 hammering at the hands of Kimberley Miners Welfare on the opening day of the campaign and has since taken in a 4-0 defeat at Harrowby United and 3-0 defeat in Bank Holiday Monday’s derby clash with Boston Town.

There’s also been a 4-0 defeat in Emirates FA Cup action, that one at the hands of Loughborough Students, though Rangers did take that tie to a replay – certainly, a strange anomaly in an otherwise poor run of form. Progress in the Isuzu FA Vase was earned at the expense of Clifton All Whites, albeit on penalties, with a trip to Belper United in the offing in the 2nd Qualifying Round next month. With a new face potentially in place in time for Rangers trip to Coventry United in the Knockout Cup next week, Rangers will take heart from Wisbech Town’s midweek result here and aim to stop the rot.

Previous Meetings

The Greens record against Rangers has, traditionally, not been the best, losing as many as 30 of the 45 overall meetings between the two sides. The Greens were 1-0 victors at the Haydon Whitham Stadium back in March in what was a closely fought encounter – now Rangers man Ryan Lennon the man on target for the Greens in front of 195 spectators. Previous to that, 184 fans witnessed a narrow 2-1 victory for the visitors at the MKM Ground in mid-October. Dominic Kew had cancelled out Elliot Foster’s early opener for the Clarets, but the visitors returned to the front in the 49th minute through Dan Dougill, and despite much pressure from the Greens, there was no second leveller forthcoming.

Overall, the Greens record against Deeping reads as follows: P45 W8 D7 L30 GF39 GA107.

The Match Details

Admission to The MKM Ground (NG34 7ER) on Saturday afternoon 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. Saturday’s match referee is Jack Hennell, and he is assisted on the day by Phil Hayes and Tim Edwards. Kick-off at Eslaforde Park is scheduled for 3:00pm.

Words; Oliver Atkin