The Red Badgers will arrive in NG34 with over 500 Football League appearances spread across their side. That total was notably boosted last week by the stunning arrival of former Lincoln City and Notts. County winger Terry Hawkridge - who joined Community for an undisclosed fee from Northern Premier League Premier Division promotion chasers Worksop Town. Departing from the notion of any fee paid, no matter how 'undisclosed' it may be, Hawkridge's capture represents a significant coup for a club intent of kick starting a rise back to the higher echelons of the non-league pyramid.

Of course, the Red Badgers were born out of the smouldering ashes of their predecessor, Eastwood Town who'd topped out at what is now National League North before their demise in 2014. A steady, yet persistent rise through the Central Midlands League and the United Counties League Division One has finally given way to sustained push for promotion back to step four, though with Bourne Town and foremostly, Lincoln United breathing down their necks, the Red Badgers can hardly afford a slip up on Saturday afternoon if they are to retain their leadership come the final weekend of November.

The Greens will try to put all the furore around Terry Hawkridge and co aside, and channel a little of the spirit and endeavour shown by Bourne Town last Saturday afternoon as they condemned the Red Badgers to just a third league defeat of the campaign. It was a timely reminder for the Greens that Community are indeed, not infallible and the Greens should take confidence in the fact that by being such overwhelming underdogs, they can just concentrate on their game and their qualities without enduring the weight of any expectations.

Full debuts for Nathan Brettoner and Harrison Leech last week are likely to morph into first home appearances for the pair after both weren't registered in time to feature against Shirebrook Town a fortnight ago. Manager Matt Evans could also feature the prominent figure of Harry Gibbons who missed last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at AFC Mansfield while forward man Josh Parker could look to force his way back into the starting eleven after dropping to the bench for Lewis Greenfield last weekend. There are injury concerns for Evans to contend with too, not least in the form of Ryan Flitton who picked up an ankle injury during training in the week that could keep him out for the foreseeable future while Jack Arbon is set to miss a fortnight while the nasty gash he received on his head at AFC Mansfield last weekend clears up. If that wasn’t enough to contend with, Evans will also be without Ollie Fields who serves a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards over recent weeks while Tyrell Shannon-Lewis - who continues to suffer from a persistent back problem – will be assessed late on in the week to determine his availability on Saturday.

His availability - and indeed pace and experience - could prove vital to the Greens if they are to undo what has grown into somewhat of a mini-hoodoo against the Red Badgers. Now winless in four meetings since a 1-0 victory over Community on the opening day of the 2022/2023 campaign (Joe Butler the scorer), the Greens were defeated 2-0 by the Red Badgers back in August at Coronation Park in this campaigns reverse fixture. On that occasion it was goals from Alex Troke - who has incidentally departed the club this week - and Craig Westcarr that saw off a vastly different looking Greens side that day. In fact, only five players who featured in that game remain at the club - a strong indication of the significant change afoot at the MKM Ground so far this season.

Admission to The MKM Ground (NG34 7ER) on Saturday afternoon is priced at £7 for adults and £4 for concessions, with under-sixteen’s free (alongside a paying adult). We also offer a military discount for those in the armed services, and this grants you entry at £5 upon production of a valid ID. Cash and card can be accepted at both our turnstiles and at the hot food counter which serves a variety of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Our matchday programme can be found on our website or social channels in the lead up to kick-off, but for those who prefer a printed memento, you can pick up a complimentary teamsheet at the turnstiles or in the bar. Saturday’s match referee is Wayne Mason, and he is assisted on the day by Jonathan Clayton and an official yet-to-be-confirmed. Kick-off at Eslaforde Park is scheduled for 3:00pm.

Words: Oliver Atkin