As sides prepare to venture into the world-famous FA Cup competition this competition, there was a small smattering of non-league in Nottinghamshire during midweek, with a dozen sides taking field in the United Counties League Division One.

The standout result came in Clifton on Wednesday night, fans witnessing a seven-goal thriller between the hosting Clifton All Whites, and visitors West Bridgford Colts, the latter emerging victorious thanks to a brace from Elliot King.

In a see-saw game, the Colts took an early lead via Josiah Puleston, Connor Deakin equalising after just eleven minutes; Lemar Carlin put the visitors ahead for a second time, before an own-goal saw the sides go in level at the break, twos apiece.

The two sides carried on the goalscoring extravaganza in the second half as well, Elliot King restoring the Colts’ lead, Ruben Wiggins-Thomas equalising for a third time, and just fifty-three minutes on the clock.

The hosts would then miss a penalty from Riece Bertram following a foul on Joel Stevens, Colts ‘keeper, Jake Frestle, saving well, but, as the game headed into its closing stages, King and the Colts would have the last laugh, he notching the games’ decisive, seventh goal.

There was also two, five-goal games on Tuesday, Radford and Southwell City both winning on the road at Stapleford Town and Cotgrave respectively; the former’s coming courtesy of a brace from Kieran Knight, who netted late in the first, and midway through the second halves.

Also on Tuesday night, Dunkirk won 2-1 away to Sandiacre Town, and Shirebrook Town edged visiting South Normanton Athletic 1-0, whilst Wednesday’s other games would see Clipstone win 2-0 at home to Maltby Main as Drew Allwood and Thomas Bramall netted late in each half, and Selston shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Staveley Miners Welfare.

The remaining game would see Gelding Miners Welfare slip to a second defeat in three, going down 2-0 at a Pinxton side who registered their first win of the season; at this early stage, Southwell City and Clipstone lead the way with maximum points from three played, whilst Shirebrook Town are two points behind in third.

Looking ahead to this weekend and the county’s higher, non-league clubs kick off their respective, league campaigns; Worksop Town travel to the north-east, and Darlington, in the National League North, a game scheduled for live, television coverage on DAZN.

Meanwhile, Carlton Town and Basford United begin another assault on the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands; having finished in the top five last time around, they’ll both look to go one better this time as Carlton begin away to Shepshed Dynamo, and Basford host Belper Town.

As for the FA Cup, that kicks off this coming Saturday with a number of games involving Nottinghamshire clubs taking place, they are as follows (Notts clubs in CAPITALS)…

AFC MANSFIELD vs. RETFORD UNITED, Desborough Town vs, HUCKNALL TOWN, KIMBERLEY MINERS WELFARE vs. AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Loughborough Students vs. EASTWOOD, NEWARK TOWN vs, Wellington Town, SHERWOOD COLLIERY vs. Moulton, Skegness Town vs. RETFORD

Included in those games are a history making tie for Retford, they entering the competition for the first time when they make the trip to Skegness Town, and for neighbours Retford United, making their first appearance since the replay defeat to Quorn shy of a decade ago (2017) – the Badgers reached the fourth qualifying round in 2008/09.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @JimBethel action between Clifton & West Bridgford.