UP NEXT, after a doing things the hard way in the FA Vase last weekend, the miners set up a tie in the next round against this weekend’s opponents, Newark Town, who come to Basford occupying third spot in the league.

With both sides boasting almost identical records, Kimberley will know that this match could represent their toughest test at home so far this season. With five wins and a draw from their last six matches, Kimberley’s form is great and will hopefully carry them into the match this weekend at Greenwich Avenue.

Newark Town come to Basford on the back of four wins from their last six matches in all competitions. Newark currently occupy second spot in the league behind Kimberley, with both sides having beaten Heanor Town in their last league outings respectively.

Last weekend, the miners made the short trip to face Pinxton in the FA Vase. Despite the fact that Pinxton are in the division below, the lads expected a tough match as they have struggled in recent weeks against teams at step six. A goalless first half emphasised the expected tough match as a stubborn Pinxton side refused to buckle under the pressure applied by the visitors. It took until the hour mark for “Man or the moment” Josh Timson to finish off a slick move to make it 1-0 to the team in white and green. A victory that the miners were made to work for by a very stubborn Pinxton side.
Final Score - Pinxton 0-1 Kimberley Miners Welfare

Newark Town’s last match was a trip to Ilkeston Town’s New Manor Ground on Saturday to face Heanor Town. Harvey Grice opened the scoring on the stroke of half time for Newark. Bradley Andrews-McGregor doubled the lead with six minutes of normal time remaining. Jamie Sleigh grabbed a consolation for Heanor in the sixth minute of added time.
Final Score - Heanor Town 1-2 Newark Town

LAST TIME AROUND

The last meeting between the two sides was in January as .Kimberley travelled to the YMCA at Newark. After two wins in a row, the lads were in good form. This was apparent as early as the twenty fourth minute as Finn Ryder latched onto a great pass from Zak Sandhu to bend a shot beyond the despairing Newark goalkeeper to put the miners in the lead. Despite heavy pressure from Newark, and a great first half between the sticks from goalkeeper Tom Smith, Kimberley went into half time a goal up. As expected, Newark began the second half all guns blazing. Kimberley, though, extended their lead just before the hour mark as a Michael Pearson free kick was missed by everyone and went into the net for 2-0. The lead was cut back to 2-1 just seven minutes later as Newark's heavy pressure paid off. Kimberley fought like lions for the rest of the half, with Tom Smith in particular outstanding in goal. Somehow, the referee managed to find seven minutes of added time, although the signal of five minutes added came in the ninety second minute. Deep into Fergie time, Newark found an equaliser in what felt like time being added on until they scored. A stunning away performance from Kimberley, which deserved, and should have taken all three points. 2-2

The two sides met in early August 2024 at The Stag Ground as last season was just getting underway. A Lewis Weaver goal for Kimberley was not enough as Matt Clarke, Ryan Rushen, Ryan Smith and Lucus Cotterill warped up a 4-1 for Newark Town

A LITTLE ABOUT THE OPPOSITION

The original Newark Town FC was formed in 1868 and was a member of the Midland Counties League where they enjoyed some success.

The club disbanded in the mid-1930s as their ground was subject to a compulsory purchase order to form part of the new cattle market site. Unfortunately, a suitable replacement site was not easily accessible at that time.

In the 1970s a small group led by Keith Bee reformed Newark Town FC whereby they started playing at Devon Park and entered into one of the Nottingham leagues. This venture was short lived sadly and the name of Newark Town FC again passed into history.
Fortunately, under the leadership of Paul Baggaley, the club was reformed again in 1991 and its first venture was to enter a team in the Notts Imperial Youth League (under 16s).

From 1991 to 1994 a Junior Section became established playing in the Young Elizabethan and Notts Imperial Leagues.
In 1994 the club took the step into Senior Football by entering teams in the Midland Regional Alliance and Grantham & District Leagues.
In 1997 the club was admitted into the Notts Football Alliance which was, at the time, the senior league within the county. During 1998 the club was instrumental in establishing the New Newark Youth Football League.
The hard work and dedication put in by the Club over the years led to being awarded FA Community Club status in 2018 which resulted in grant aid being available to allow a joint venture with Newark and Sherwood District Council to enhance the facilities at Devon Park as a base for the Junior Section.

The Club manages the Tom Mann Pavilion on the site, not just for football activities, but for a number of other third party events throughout the year.
Today, the Club now runs teams from under 7s to under 18s in the Junior Section, Development team, Sunday Team and First Team in the Senior Section.

FINALLY

After being overtaken by Boston Town in midweek, both sides find themselves second and third on goal difference only, although Boston still have a game in hand at the top. Victory will be essential for both sides in this massive game.

We expect a very exciting match.

There’s plenty of parking and the bar will be open.

Admission is £7 for adults, £4 for concessions, under 16’s are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. GOLD MINERS - FREE ENTRY

Kick off is at 15:00

This weekend's match has been very kindly sponsored by ROY LINES. Thank you for your support.

See you there