New trophy is true test

Rainworth Miners Welfare say anyone lucky enough to have seen England’s Ashes victory down the road at Trent Bridge can look forward to another fiercely contested when the Wrens take on Mansfield Town in their inaugural ‘Challenge Trophy’, writes Paul Fryer.

The First Division South Wrens' Chairman Mark Hawkins is a lifelong school friend of his Stags counterpart John Radford and he reckons they’re both looking forward to a full on competitive cup clash next Tuesday night in the new annual summer fixture between the local rivals.

Hawkins said: "I am a lifelong Mansfield fan and during the season, after Rainworth, they will be the first result I’ll look for, but on the 23rd I’ll have my Rainworth hat on.

"I know John has instructed his manager Paul Cox to bring a strong team on the night and he wants to win. I’m also aware that our pre-season is about getting things right for the start of the league campaign.

"However, I’ve instructed our manager Kevin Gee to field the strongest available team because I want to win this one!"

Next week’s Challenge Trophy clash kicks off at 7.30pm with tickets now on sale at both the League 2 side's One Call Stadium and Kirklington Road.

Fans purchasing in advance via their websites can save £1 on the price of tickets at the turnstiles with online prices set at £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for juniors.

The Wrens entertain Conference North Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday [20 July]. KO 3pm. To view hundreds of other friendlies involving NPL clubs visit the fixtures page under the ‘Match Info’ tab on the website's home page.