Rickards rules out excuses in advance

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Rainworth Miners' Welfare are hoping to put three weeks of inactivity behind them on Saturday when they take on First Division South promotion-chasers Coalville Town at Kirklington Road, writes Gordon Foster.

They'd better make the most of their chances as Wrens manager Scott Rickards is also warning that ring-rustiness will not be accepted as an excuse for a below-par performance or a negative result.

While the Ravens have been able to play on both Saturdays the Wrens have been left to kick their heels with only an in-house game against the club's reserves possible.

The match did at least give Rickards and his assistant Matty Clarke the opportunity to run the rule over some of the young reserves, currently leading of the Central Midlands League Reserve Supreme Division. According to Rickards, it was an eye-opener.

He said: "I was extremely impressed by the youngsters' performance. They have some very good players, and Matty and I have identified a couple who we think could be ready to step up to the senior side. So playing this game was worthwhile, because some of these lads could have passed under the radar."

Looking forward to the Coalville game, Rickards said: "We are looking forward to playing a competitive match again, weather permitting. We know how hard it is going to be, Coalville have a very good away record, but although they beat us 4-1 there earlier in the season there have been a number of changes to our personnel since then.

"But I will not accept any talk of ring rustiness as an excuse if we fail to perform. Players at our level are expected to keep themselves fit during periods of inactivity, and if they have failed to do that they will be found out."

Despite a play-off place now looking a long shot, Rickards still remains optimistic about putting some silverware on the shelf this season in the form of the Notts Senior Cup. Last season a threadbare Wrens side bowed out at the semi-final stage at Sutton Town and they are in semi-final action again next Tuesday at NCEL outfit Retford United.

Rickards wants to see a repeat of their quarter-final performance when they won 5-1 at Midland Alliance Dunkirk. He insists the players will have no doubt on how important the competition is to the club and added: "I'm not too knowledgeable about the history of matches between the clubs, but I recognise the importance for those who have been around longer at the club, and that importance will be filtered through to the players to make sure that, come 10pm on Tuesday, we will be in a cup final."