Play-off chasing AFC Mansfield pose the next test of Matt Evans young Greens this weekend, less than a month since the two sides met at the MKM Ground. Tyrell Shannon-Lewis’ penalty miss proved the crucial turning point on that occasion, swaying the momentum back towards the Bulls who ultimately overturned the Greens 1-0 lead to depart the MKM with a 2-1 victory.

That result forms part of a wider run that has seen the Greens go six without victory, but two consecutive draws in recent weeks has given rise to a fresh bill of confidence around the MKM Ground. It has been the Greens battling qualities and ability to never give in that has impressed the most – traits evident as the Greens picked up another handy point against Shirebrook Town last Saturday. The Greens were solid as a rock throughout against the Blues – led ably by the impressive Lewis Smalley at centre-back, and that organisation was no doubt the most pleasing aspect of the contest for manager Matt Evans.

Evans has made little secret of the fact he’d like his side to be more clinical at the top end of the field, but no less keen to note that his side are now two-games unbeaten as the light continues to flush out the end of the tunnel. He’ll gun for glory this weekend though once again without the services of his leading striker Tyrell Shannon Lewis as he continues fighting a persistent back issue that also saw him miss the Greens stalemate with Shirebrook Town on Saturday. Aside from his and Sam Greenwood’s continued absences, Evans has no new injury concerns to worry about and is also set to welcome reinforcements into the side on Saturday. Harrison Leech finally received his EFL clearance this week which will allow the young goalkeeper to make his debut for the Greens on an initial months loan from Mansfield Town while Nathan Brettoner – who actually appeared fleetingly for Tom Ward's Greens last season – makes his permanent return to the MKM Ground after a spell at Pinchbeck United.

The Greens will likely need that endeavour and talent on Saturday as they face up to an increasingly improving AFC Mansfield side. They have continued to defy pre-season odds so far this season and currently sit right in the thick of play-off race in a congested Premier Division North table. That crusade has, in no small part, come down to the goalscoring exploits of attacker Ryan Ingram who currently breaths down the neck of the league’s top goal-scorer, Zacorie Allen. His 21 goals so far this season have been instrumental to profitable position in which the Bulls find themselves. Such success has made for a change for those around the club after three years of persistent struggle since dropping back out of the Northern Premier League Division One East after Covid.

Their current tally of 10 wins has already eclipsed their season totals for the previous two campaign and, with a total of just 14 wins in those two campaigns, it’s likely the Bulls will smash through that barrier too. If they have any grumbles, its likely their inconsistency that has prevented them really pushing at the very top of Premier Division North. Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Gresley Rovers was their first since they defeated the Greens 2-1 last month. Two consecutive defeats in the interim has been somewhat indicative of the clubs campaign so far, often enough bookending a run of good victories with a sudden and frustrating jolt. There is, nevertheless though, a quiet confidence around the Forest Town Arena that this AFC Mansfield side could achieve great things together whether that be this season or next.

Admission to the Forest Town Arena on Saturday afternoon is priced at £7 for adults and £5 for concessions with u-16’s going free of charge. Copies of the clubs matchday programme will be on sale for £2.00 per copy also. Saturday’s match referee is Lee Farthing, and he is assisted on the day by Stephen Sears and Amelia Kyriakides. Kick-off in Nottinghamshire is set for 3:00pm.

Words: Oliver Atkin