Newark & Sherwood manager Romaine Graham says play-off ambitions mean there’s plenty at stake against Newark Town on Boxing Day

Romaine Graham says there are more than bragging rights at stake when his Newark & Sherwood side face Newark Town on Boxing Day.

The teams meet for the first time as United Counties League Premier Division North rivals in what is a big day for supporters of the town’s two football clubs.

The match, which kicks off at 12.30pm, will be played at Harrowby FC, where the Highwaymen are groundsharing. There’s plenty to play for with the sides battling it out for play-off places.

Visitors Newark Town are fourth after a flying start to their first season as a Step 5 side, while the Highwaymen sit 10th, six points outside the play-offs, with a game in hand.

“It’s the first time we’ve met at this level, so it’s been long-anticipated,” said Newark & Sherwood boss Graham, who anticipates a crowd of up to 300 turning out for the derby.

“But it’s not just about bragging rights, you’ve got two teams that are looking to be in the play-off places at the end of the season.

“Fair play to Newark Town, they’ve done their bit in making this more than just about who’s the best team in Newark.

“If you win a few games some might say it’s luck but after half a season they’re in the play-offs and doing well, and they did well in the FA Vase as well.

“I’ve watched them a few times and they are a good, well-organised side, so it should be a closely-fought game.

“I think it will be cagey, more like a cup final, as no one will want to lose the game.

“If it was more about who’s the best team in Newark it probably would be more open.”

Newark & Sherwood have several local lads in their ranks, in Liam Moran, Toby White, Luke White and Ryley Thompson.

Moran, last season’s top scorer, recently rejoined the Highwaymen on dual-registration with an eye on derby day.

“They’re all Newark lads, so they’ll be looking forward to the game,” said Graham.

“Especially Liam, coming back, I know this was a game he was really looking forward to being involved in.”

Skipper Jamie Goddard (hamstring) won’t be fit to start but could play some part as Newark & Sherwood bid to give their supporters a day to remember.

They go into the match on the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Wisbech on Saturday.

The Highwaymen were the better side but didn’t take their chances.

“It was a disappointing result,” said Graham. “We dominated the game.

“They scored from a free-kick and we just weren’t able to break through unfortunately. It was one of those frustrating afternoons.

“It wasn’t for the want of trying but at the moment we’re just struggling to overcome that final hurdle and become real killers.

“We’re not smelling blood at the minute when we are far superior to the opposition.

“We just didn’t take our chances. KC (Kieran Cummings) had a couple early on and if he scores them, it’s a comfortable afternoon.”