Now two games into his tenure in the MKM Ground hotseat, Evans remains without his inaugural points as manager. He’s made no secret of the ‘tough few weeks’ that await the Greens but was naturally eager to take the positives from what was, in the main, a spirited showing against Newark Town last weekend. The Greens kept their play-off chasing opponents at bay for 75 minutes in all before Josh Randell struck through Liam Flitton to edge the Blues ahead. A further two goals, both from former Green Ryan Rushen, in stoppage time added somewhat of an unfair gloss to the scoreline, with the Greens able to take far more from the encounter than a 3-0 scoreline would suggest.

One of the true high notes was the impressive cameo of new signing Lewis Greenfield who impressed with his ability to get forward and take on his man, not least evident when he shirked the attentions of no less than four Newark men to cross for Jack Arbon to head wide. Arbon himself was another plus for Evans to take forward into the weekend, making a long awaited return from a long-standing knee injury, his return certainly not ahead of time given the limited centre-back options that Evans enjoys currently. Evans will also enjoy the return of Harrison Ainslie after his absence last weekend – though there are two glum notes, particularly in the form of Sam Greenwood (Wrist) and Tom Waumsley (Knee) who are both set to miss this weekends game.

Midfielder Finlay Armond though is set for a welcome return having missed Saturday’s game through suspension – he is one of the increasingly dwindling numbers of Greens who made the trip to Coronation Park back in August, with as many as seven players from that side having now departed the club. Evans and his new backroom staff will certainly hope that change breeds different fortunes for the Greens who haven’t won at Coronation Park – neither against landlords Eastwood Community nor tenants Belper United – since 2021. Defeated twice there last season, the Greens were hit for two in NG16 back in August as goals from Alex Troke and Craig Westcarr sent Eastwood Community on their way to three points – though different opponents on Saturday is unlikely to bring much respite.

Now into their third season at step five, Belper United’s intentions this season are to break from being also-rans into fully fledged challengers. They looked as though they might have cracked it earlier this campaign going five unbeaten at the start of the season before a 3-1 home defeat to Skegness Town in late August. That triggered a run of four defeats in seven games which has hampered early season hope in Nottinghamshire. Still firmly in the play-off mix though – the Greens are one of three sides locked on 22 points – and welcome the leagues other ‘Greens’ to Coronation Park on the back of three straight wins in all competitions – a run that has seen them make progress in the FA Vase and the United Counties League Knockout Cup in recent weeks.

Admission to Coronation Park (NG16 3GL) is priced at £7 for adults and £5 for concessions, with under-16’s free of charge. The clubs matchday programme will be available, priced at £2.00 per copy. Saturday’s match referee is James Green, and he is assisted on the day by Barry Polkey and Mick Newton. Kick-off in Nottinghamshire is set for 3:00pm.

Words: Oliver Atkin