Clipstone make their FA Cup debut

They have taken positive steps forward in the last 12 months, the ground being totally transformed from a run down stadia with a poor playing surface to the newly refurbished ground with a playing surface of the quality of yesteryears.

Chairman Brett Marshall explained there has been a lot of very hard work going into the football club over the last year, culminating in this momentous achievement.

“This is the first time the football club has had the opportunity to play in this amazing competition,” he said.

“We have a home tie versus Chromasport United Counties League Premier Division side Harrowby United to be played on Saturday, 16th August. Harrowby United will be competing at Step Five this season after winning promotion last season from Division One.

“Also we have be drawn against Grimsby Borough from our division in the FA Vase with tie to be played on Saturday, 6th September away at Grimsby.

“With being at the football club for around 16 months I am a very proud man at where we are as a local village football club and would like to thank all the committee, the players and all the sponsors for their support and constant hard work over this period.”

He added: “I would like to say a huge personal thank you to Des Riley, owner of Riley & Co (Mansfield) Ltd, whose help has been phenomenal and he will be the main club sponsor once again this term.”

Along with this opening objective for this season being achieved, new manager Chris Millington will be managing his opening pre-season fixture tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm) away at Southwell City, quickly followed on Saturday (12th, 3pm) by the visit of a Mansfield Town XI, who will be sending along a strong squad including trialists to the WVH Stadium at Clipstone.

Being their opening home fixture, Clipstone have set entry on Saturday to just £4 adults and £2 concessions.

This is followed up by Scarborough Athletic visiting the WVH Stadium on Tuesday, 15th (7.45pm) and Heanor Town on Saturday, 19th August (3pm).