Founded in 1922, Rainworth’s biggest moment since their inception was reaching the FA Vase final in 1982 at Wembley, where they were ultimately defeated 3-0 by future EFL League One club Forest Green Rovers. The opponents have been members of the UCL Division 1 since 2022 and have struggled for success since then in truth. Finishing 13th at best over the last 3 years, The Wrens’ poor fortune seems to be continuing into this campaign, as opening day saw them defeated 7-0 away at Gedling MW, leaving them at the foot of the division. Placed 15th out of 19 sides last season, it looks as if it will be another tough year already for Rainworth.

Town will head to Kirklington Road hopeful of an improvement from Saturday, where a poor start for Sleaford cost them a chance of points against Swallownest. A positive reaction from the Greens could be perfect to kickstart their season.

Speaking after the game on Saturday, manager Matt Evans insisted that Town need to bounce back; “There’s no time for sulking, we’ve got to get on with it” he said, “We’re not going to win the next 44 games, we've got to be realistic about that so we get on to the next one and the next one and we just keep moving forward that's all we can do.”

In terms of squad shaping, Evans revealed that there is some good news; “There’s 3 or 4 lads were not here today and some of them are back for this Tuesday and then next Saturday so it'll freshen the squad up again” he stated, “but everyone's going to be in this position for the next four or five weeks where holidays and all that kicks in, we've just got to do the best we can with what is available.”

The match will kick off at 19:45, Kirklington Road, Rainworth Mansfield, Notts NG21 0JY

Written by Oliver Burton