Wrens bid to return to winning ways against new boys Bedworth

The defeat at Mickleover was the first time Rainworth have lost league points under the charge of new manager Scott Rickards, who is keen to put together another winning run.

Bedworth were relegated from the Southern Premier League last season and switched north by the Football Association, but they have continued to struggle at the lower level.

However, Rickards has cautioned that nothing can be taken for granted, and says it will be a tough game.

Reflecting on his first league defeat as manager, Rickards said: “We came into the game confident after our current league form, but unfortunately some of the key ingredients that played a part in our recent results were missing for large periods of the game.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game as our research on them told us they would be strong.

“Mickleover caused us problems for the first 20 minutes, however, once we got a foothold in the game we created three clear cut chances which could have seen us go into the break one or possibly two up.

“The second period was evenly matched with both teams creating good chances. The first goal came from a wide free kick which, by our standards, we didn’t defend properly and handed them the advantage.

“Mickleover then started to dominate with good periods of possession, and scored their second from a Rainworth attacking free kick deep in Mickleover’s half, which was cleared well resulting in a counter attack leaving our defence left open.

“Substitute Keiran Walker managed to salvage some pride back with a fantastic strike 25 yards out, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

“We now have to re-group and go again Saturday with another tough game at home to Bedworth. If we can secure a win it will leave us in a positive situation taking 12 points from a possible 15.”

Rainworth will lack the influence of Mansfield Town loanee Adam Murray, who has completed his suspension, but whose loan has expired and he is now back at the One Call Stadium, while new striker Ashley Longstaff suffered a nasty knee injury at Mickleover and looks a doubtful starter.

The Bedworth game will be only the second ever meeting between the two clubs - the only previous one was in the FA Cup four years ago at The Oval when Bedworth gained a controversial victory with the day’s match official underplaying added time by more than five minutes following a lengthy stoppage.

Meanwhile, Rainworth’s young reserve side hit the top of the Central Midlands Reserve Supreme Division on Tuesday night when they recorded a 4-2 home win over Holbrook Sports.