Alongside Central Midlands Premier North high-fliers, Retford United, Teversal, of the Premier South, have also put their name forward for promotion at the end of the season, and, with only one side currently being promoted from each of the two division’s, it’ll be a tough ask for Callum Harris’ side.

Presently fourth in the division, and not having played a game since the run-up to last Christmas (Floodlit Cup loss to Thorne Colliery on penalties), Teversal are chomping at the bit to get back into league action, and there’s not many harder than a trip to second place Clay Cross Town.

Their hosts, on Saturday 28 January, have also applied for promotion, one of several from the CML to do so, and, with a number of games in hand on those around, are perhaps better placed than Harris’ outfit, but that’s not deterring them from giving it a real good go.

“I was coaching the reserves side here until the summer, when Martin (Bower) was released, following relegation (from the Northern Counties East Division One),” began Callum, who’s had a lengthy association with Teversal himself.

“I’ve held the roles of coach, and assistant manager at the club, and, last season, whilst with our reserves, I helped stabilise them, so I’m thankful for that experience, and opportunity, as it’s given me the knowledge for the first team, right now.

“I also know that, with the reserves now (currently managed by Dean Stratford, who also runs the clubs’ U18s side), I can take a good 8-10 players from them, and they’ll fit into the firsts, and be ready to play.

“Last season, it was difficult for the club, and I do feel we could have stayed up, so, when we came back in the summer, it was a case of getting them enjoying the game, and believing in themselves again.

“This time, before the ‘winter break,’ it’s been phenomenal if I’m honest; employing Kurtis Bamford as captain, he’s ran with that, and re-connected us, as a team, on and off the field.

“He’s a superb player, leaders, and a good flagship for the club, and a key reason behind the positive changes we’ve had thus far.”

Alongside the league games played this season, Teversal are unbeaten in their last three outings (Linby CW 1-1, Holbrook St. Michaels 2-0, and Wirksworth Ivanhoe 1-0), there’s been cause for optimism in a few of their cup outings, despite losing on penalties in the Floodlit, and narrowly dropping in the County Cup competitions.

In the latter, against Thorne, Teversal were unfortunate due to their domination of the game, whilst the former seeing them come from three-down, to take the higher-placed West Bridgford to the wire before exiting.

“That game with Thorne, yes, we were unfortunate to lose there,” admits Harris.

“The formation we deployed, after conceding, saw us dominate the tie for a good hour, whilst West Bridgford, they’re a higher calibre than us, so, to come as close we did there – it’s a slow process though, and we’re not quite settled yet.

“That won’t happen fully until either later this season, or maybe even next.”

The league itself though, it’s a bit haphazard right now, with a number of clubs having played more than others, whilst sides like Teversal, and Clay Cross, Mickleover RBL and Cromford & Wirksworth, can still play a major part come the seasons end.

Even the Derby Sigh Brothers, down in tenth place, they’ve only played nine games thus far, and, if results go their way, could just as easily be in the mix, quickly.

Harris though, it’s Pinxton and Clay Cross that are in the driving seat, although a win against the latter, will do wonders for the Nottinghamshire club, whilst immediately after the top four clash, it’s a home game with Graham Street Prims to contend with, whilst they’ll host the leaders, Pinxton, in late February.

“Yes, we’ve done a little forward planning, but you can’t really do too much of it,” explains Harris.

“We’re just looking at the next game, and there’s no point worrying as yet, because so much can change between times; I’d probably say about seven to ten days ahead.

“The playing staff though, Danny Fletcher, unfortunately has left (seven goals in twelve games, for personal reasons), whilst Cameron Pinnick, he’s our out-and-out (thirteen goals in seventeen games).

“The door though, it’s always open for Danny, and he knows that, but I’m not worried as Bamford can both create, and score goals, and there’s Jack Parkes as well, who’s a striker but plays in centre midfield.

“So we’ve got a good, handful of attacking players, who can push beyond Cam, and he can create as well don’t forget – his game, it’s bigger than goals, and is an integral part of what we have here, they all are.”

Teversal, of the Central Midlands Premier South, return to league action with a trip to high-flying Clay Cross Town, on Saturday 28 March, keep up-to-date with all the activities via their Facebook, Twitter and website here.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @TeversalFC Tevie lining up in December ahead of their match with Wirksworth.