Newark Flowserve will face their biggest match in the clubs 85 year history this weekend as they travel to Lancashire to face Longridge Town in the FA Vase.
The Midland League leaders have come a long way in recent years to one struggling near the foot of the table in the Nottinghamshire Senior League to one impressing in action today following back to back promotions and are now heading a step nine league after investment in the team and infrastructure which includes the clubs ground on the edge of town at Hawton Lane.
Newark top a competitive Midland League table by just a point as the clubs next ambition is to gain promotion into the step 8 Northern Premier League second tier but a welcome distraction this season has been their terrific form in the FA Vase a competition in which they are still involved in, now just four ties away from a Wembley final.
In the last round Newark beat local rivals AFC Mansfield at the Forest Town Arena 3-1 to set up a huge tie against North West Counties Premier League side Longridge who are currently fourth in their division. Managed by former West Brom and Wigan Athletic striker Lee Ashcroft the Ribble Valley outfit will be confident of a home win but with the Highwaymen’s travelling army Newark will be backed by fans in numbers as they hope to see their side reach the last sixteen for the first time.
Newark have added quality from back to front this season backed by Chairman Gary Clarke with Steve Kirkham and Craig Roche in joint charge. Recent signing Massiah McDonald has played international football in World Cup qualifiers for Montserrat and former Celtic striker Ben Hutchinson, top scorer with 14 goals and still only 32 has played in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Former Nottingham Forest Defender Lawrence Gorman has played for England at U16,17 & 18’s levels and midfielder Kyle Dixon who has 11 goals this season started his career at Notts County so the club is well equipped to progress not just in the FA Vase but in their aim for promotion too.
Confident that the club can give a good account of themselves this weekend everyone at the Nottingham Sport would like to wish all at Flowserve the best of luck as they hope to go beyond round four and into the next stage of the famous competition that no Nottinghamshire side has ever won and a step nearer to the dream of a Wembley final.
For those that are hoping to make the trip up to Preston to see Newark play you will by happy to know that prices on the door are just £6 with £4 concessions and under 16’s free.
Kick Off on Saturday is 3pm at the Mike Riding Ground, PR3 2NA.
2019/20 Buildbase FA Vase progress so far…
31.08.19 County Hall 1-3 Newark Flowserve (First Qualifying Round)
14.09.19 Newark Flowserve 5-1 Skegness Town (Second Qualifying Round)
12.10.19 Newark Flowserve 2-1 Heather St Johns (Round One)
02.11.19 Newark Flowserve 3-0 Rugby Town (Round Two)
03.12.19 AFC Mansfield 1-3 Newark Flowserve (Round Three)
*Main image @MickBradley9012 Newark celebrating their earlier round win against Heather St Johns.
