What has now been referred to in recent years as the IKEA derby, will be attempted to take place for the third time this Saturday after falling foul to the weather and cup matches twice already this season.

Almost all the players that got Kimberley promoted two seasons ago have now left the club, meaning the club knew this season was always going to be a challenge. After a tough few months Kimberley seem to have turned the corner and have had a real up turn in form, that has seen them win three of their last four matches with all three victories coming at the Stag Ground.

At the time of writing this the Red Badgers are top of the league on goal difference after a dominant 5-0 win over Deeping Rangers last Saturday. The win made it seven wins from the last eight with the impressive reds winning five of their last six in all competitions on their travels and in the league away from home it is just one defeat since August.

Player Watch: Former academy graduate Dan Tuck returned to Kimberley this summer with the midfielder being part of all but four games for Welfare this season. The clubs longest servant Ryan Wheatley has missed just two matches this season and has been a key part of a defence that has kept three clean sheets in their last seven matches in all competitions.

Previous Meetings: In the reverse fixture back in August the Red Badgers ran out comfortable winners with goals from Tyler Blake, Craig Westcarr and a double from Alex Troke. Despite playing Kimberley four times last season you have to go back to August 2023 for the last match between the two sides at the Stag Ground where a 94th minute winner from Kyle Tomlin earned Eastwood a 1-0 victory. The Red Badgers have won the last five meetings, with Kimberley failing to score in the last four.

Squad Update: Lavell White and Jermain Hollis could both return to the squad, whilst new signing William Robinson is also in contention to be included. Finnley Commons, Alfie Flynn and Toby Woodward all start their loan spells at Dunkirk this weekend where they face 4th place Blackstones.

FIXTURE UPDATE: Due to Bourne Town’s progression in the FA Vase our league fixture has been moved from the 1st March to the 22nd March, allowing the away fixture with Wisbech Town to be brought forward to the 1st March and the away game with Newark & Sherwood United rescheduled for Saturday 5th April. For the full set of fixtures click on the link: Fixture List

Regardless what happens Saturday we wish Kimberley all the best for the season and hope they can avoid the drop.

Saturday 8th February 2025
United Counties Football League Premier North
Kimberley Miners Welfare vs Eastwood CCFC
3pm Kick Off
The Stag Ground, Nottingham Road, Kimberley, NG16 2NB

#RedBadgers