Fresh from his appointment as the Greens new first team manager on Tuesday evening, Evans and his charges make one of their longest trips of the campaign full of renewed optimism and confidence. Evans was present – though not in the dugout – on Wednesday evening as the Greens upset the odds to inflict a first defeat of the league season upon high-flying Melton Town. Horrid conditions certainly played a part in what was a challenging and battling contest at the MKM Ground and the Greens displayed significant resolve throughout the contest – taking victory through Joe Smith’s 20th minute strike after he’d been set up by Tyrell Shannon-Lewis on his first start for the Greens. It was a much needed three-point haul for the Greens after what had been a turbulent fortnight in NG34 and also bought to a close Graham Watkins interim spell in charge which saw a pair of victories alongside defeats at Wisbech Town and at home to Kirby Muxloe.

Smith’s winning goal turned out to be the perfect swansong contribution from the influential Greens midfielder as he announced his departure from the MKM Ground on Thursday morning. He was not the only one either with young attacker Billy Gillies also moving on in search of football closer to his Nottingham base. It means that Evans will make changes for Saturday’s meeting with the Lions, though whether that entails a new face or two or not remains to be seen. Tyrell Shannon-Lewis could lead the line again after impressing with his determination, pace and pressing on what was his first Greens start after joining in the summer. That could be alongside Josh Parker, a man familiar to Evans from his days as Lincoln United days while the new gaffer could stick with Lewis Smalley in the heart of defence after an immense showing against Melton Town on Wednesday evening.

The Town Ground has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for the Greens who are now unbeaten in three games against the Lions in Derbyshire. The Greens were 3-1 victors there last season despite being 1-0 down as late as the 88th minute – goals from Jacob Fenton and a brace from Ryan Lennon turning the tide in epic fashion for the Greens as they made it three straight victories in all-competitions. In fact, the Greens record over their Derbyshire rivals has been good overall, winning five and losing just one of the six games between the two sides – that defeat coming at Eslaforde Park back in November 2021.

It's another tough task that faces Evans and his men on Saturday though with the Lions on a three-game winning streak in all competitions. 3-0 winners over struggling Shirebrook Town in midweek, the Lions are finding their feet again after a small, four game wobble without a win in league action. They had won their opening two contests prior to that and were as high as 2nd in the table at one stage before they were defeated by Boston Town in early August. They won through two rounds of the FA Cup before falling in the 1st Qualifying Round to Ilkeston Town while the weekends 4-0 victory over Dunkirk FC has set up an all-Premier Division North tie in the FA Vase with Hucknall Town next month.

Admission to the Town Ground on Saturday is priced at £6 for adults with concessions set at £4, with under 16’s free of charge. Saturday’s match referee is Callum Timperley, and he is assisted on the day by Mark Watkins and Ryan Handbury. Kick-off at the Town Ground (DE75 7EN) is scheduled for 3:00pm.

Words: Oliver Atkin