Fresh from promotion and then a lateral movement from the Northern Counties East League Division One last season, Shirebrook’s foray into NG34 this weekend will be a first ever as they continue a somewhat unconvincing acclimatisation to life at step five. Kept off the foot of the Premier Division North table by Kimberley Miners Welfare, the Blues slipped to into the relegation zone a fortnight back by virtue of Deeping Rangers’ victory over the Greens. Now sat on just one win in their previous 13 in all-competitions, the Blues will be hoping to capitalise upon yet more instability at the MKM Ground this week to record what would be just a third win of their campaign.

They’ll be the first side to encounter the Greens following the significant departure of goalkeeper Liam Flitton after two-and-a-half-years at the club. His parting gift was the Greens 96th minute equaliser at Hucknall Town last Saturday afternoon, Flitton scoring from the spot to grab the Greens a first point in four games. His loss will be one keenly felt at the MKM Ground as the Greens continue to navigate an extremely challenging transitional period.

But where there is disappointment, there’s also opportunity and Matt Evans priority this week was to scour the market for the Greens new number one. He’ll need someone who can hit the ground running, particularly with the Greens having now recorded just a single clean sheet in eight games. Lewis Smalley’s return from illness last weekend was a boon for Evans, particularly as his defensive options continue to be stretched to the limit as Jack Arbon continues his recovery from a long-standing knee issue. It could see Jake Henderson slip back into the centre-back role alongside Smalley, though with Evans speaking of the possibility of new faces last weekend, not even a betting man would be keen to predict quite how the Greens will approach Saturday’s game.

What we do know is that the Greens need to start turning promising and neat football into something more substantial. The fact the Greens haven’t scored more than once in any game since the 3-0 victory over Kimberley Miners Welfare back in mid-September tells its own story and Evans continues to urge his side to find a ruthless streak amid a tough run-in to the festive period. Three points on Saturday would go a long way to easing the hurt felt around the MKM Ground at the moment and might just be the shot of confidence the Greens need to push on back into the security of mid-table.

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). The club will be paying its respects for Remembrance Day prior to kick-off on Saturday and, as such, members of the Armed Forces are being granted free entry to the fixture – just show valid ID on the turnstile to take advantage of this offer. 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 Toga Yildiztepe, and he is assisted on the day by Edward Tarr and Chris Giles. Kick-off at Eslaforde Park is scheduled for 3:00pm.

Words: Oliver Atkin