Heanor Town to welcome trio of higher-league opponents, including Mansfield Town, this summer

Glen Clarence is delighted to have secured the Stags fixture, the most attractive money-spinner for the Lions this summer.

It’s one of three home games against higher-league opposition, but the only visit of a Football League side.

Pre-season begins with a visit to Blidworth Miners Welfare on 6th July and ends on 1st August at home to Matlock Town – with seven games in between those dates.

Heanor travel to Teversal on 13th July and Eastwood CFC two days later, before the 18th July trip to Clifton All Whites.

Mansfield are the visitors on 20th July and Heanor then travel to Holbrook Sports and Kimberley Miners Welfare on 22nd and 24th July respectively.

The Lions host Ilkeston on 27th July and are then away to South Normanton Athletic two days later in the penultimate friendly.

Boss Clarence is pleased with the games scheduled to take place at the Town Ground.

“Obviously our home friendlies are limited so I’m happy to have Mansfield coming down again,” he said.

“Matlock and Ilkeston should be tough tests with decent local crowds. “

Meanwhile Heanor have appointed a former Belper United boss as their new Under 21 manager.

Postlethwaite will be assisted by Danny Allsopp and also brings with him Dan Newton as his coach.

The Under 21s squad will compete in the new Central Midlands Under 21s League on Saturdays and also the Worksop Van Hire North Midlands Development Football League South Division in midweek.

It’s the new gaffer’s hope that he can help produce players that go on to represent the club’s first team.

“I’m glad to be a part of whats already in place,” he said.

“The club has genuine aspirations of providing a pathway from junior football into the first team and hopefully I’ll play my part in getting the lads ready for that step up.

“I’m looking forward to working with Danny and Dan and can’t wait to get started.”