Wrens target first league double

Rainworth Miners Welfare will hope to turn the tables at Sheffield on Saturday after a controversial stoppage time goal gave Newcastle Town a 2-1 win and an Evo-Stik League Division One South double over the Wrens last weekend, writes Gordon Foster.

Having conceded their second First Division South league double of the season, Wrens manager Scott Rickards is hoping his side can turn the tables and achieve their first at Sheffield.

Rickards said: "We've beaten Sheffield at home this season but that doesn't mean anything. We conceded a double to Newcastle, we don't like that, but having had it done to us we now want to do it to Sheffield, pick up three points to keep the pressure on the teams above us, and avoid falling away to mid-table."

After Sam Purcicoe’s exit to Grantham this week and with skipper Callum Lloyd serving a one-match ban for an accumulation of cautions, Rickards is hoping the injury picked up by leading scorer Ashley Longstaff will not stop him lining up against Sheffield, one of his former clubs.

Longstaff's injury, however, did mean exciting youngster Liam Theakstone, who has been scoring goals for fun in the reserves, getting a chance. As Rickards acknowledged, it was a huge step up in level from the reserves to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's but he believes the young forward can only get better.

"Liam has the quality to grow into it," said Rickards. "He has a lot to look forward to and will make a good player at this level, given a bit more experience."

The Wrens manager was also full of praise for the quality of football on offer from both sides last weekend while admitting his side still had work to do.

He added: "Newcastle were the best team we've played football wise, and it was refreshing to come up against a team that wanted to play football as opposed to relying on the physical side. We matched them in that too, and it was fantastic to be able to get such a great game on after the rain, so full credit also to everyone who worked to make it possible.

"The timings of their goals were a disappointment, and showed again that we can't afford to switch off as half or full time approaches. We gave the ball away in their half and a quick counter attack gave them the lead right on half time, and it was another break away which led to the incident and the winning goal in extra time. It's something to be addressed, but I can't knock any of the players for their overall performance."