UP NEXT, The reserves are back at the Stag Ground, where they welcome Stapleford Town Reserves, who make the short trip from one side of Ilkeston to the other.

After a disappointing home defeat to Ravenshead last weekend, Kimberley recovered admirably on Wednesday night as they took a trip to Keyworth United. Two more goals for in-form Lewis Deavin either side of a goal from Charlie Fox took all three points as Keyworth could only muster a single goal in response. 3-1 to Kimberley.

Stapleford’s last match was on Saturday, when they hosted East Leake Robins. With the hosts leading 2-1 at half time, a red card and five more goals came in the second half, giving Stapleford a second league win of the season

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The last time that the two sides met was in a 4-4 draw at the Stag in January. A Matt Dickinson brace was accompanied by goals from Brad Mee and Dan Walker for Kimberley. Brad Scard, Kieran Diver, Ryan Tinsley and an own goal kept the score level.

Earlier in the season, Stapleford took the points with a 5-1 thrashing of the miners. A Brad Scard hat trick and goals from Macauley Tinsley and Lewis Benjamin rounded off the win, with Robert Da La Silva Makamu scoring for Kimberley

A LITTLE ABOUT THE OPPOSITION

Over the summer we looked at our reserve team structure and realised we needed to offer more opportunities for the plethora of young players now available at the club and how we could accommodate them within the pathway. We looked at the options available and decided to bypass the NSL Dev league and play some of them in our reserves and others in the new U21 squad with some playing in multiple teams.

The reserves have had a successful couple of seasons with top 3 finishes in the league and back to back NSL Intermediate Cups they are in a good position, The plan for the squad is to prepare for possible inclusion in the first team, understanding the role you play in the structure and be ready for the call if it comes. Ideally playing with the same style and philosophy as the first team should prepare them for the challenge.

With the shift in direction came a change of the management, Ryan Alls departed and Ash Chaplin, Ethan Winfield and Owen Brown will take charge of the squad for the 24/25 season. Working closely with Tris and the first team coaches as they look to deliver on the objectives set for them.

Ryan has taken charge of Central Midlands Alliance team Graham Street Prims, we thank him for his 4 years at Stapleford and wish him well for the future.

FINALLY

Both sides will be looking for the win this weekend, and we are sure to have a very competitive match.

Admission is free.

Please come along and support the lads if you're not travelling to watch the first team