Newark Town and Newark & Sherwood United footballers heading for FA Cup
On Saturday, Newark Town will travel to Barton Town to take part in the FA Cup for the first time in nearly 100 years.
Newark & Sherwood United are also on their travels, heading to Skegness Town, who also play in the United Counties League Premier Division North, on Saturday.
Coaches have been put on to take fans to the games.
Mitch Griffiths, Newark Town’s assistant coach, said: “Everyone is absolutely buzzing to be involved in the FA Cup this weekend!
“Obviously, the prize money is a massive boost for the club, and also it's a great occasion for all players, staff, and fans.”
Town have played ten seasons in the FA Cup, the first of which was on September 20, 1924, when the club lost 2-0 to Grantham Town.
The 1930-31 season saw the club’s best achievement, where they made it through qualifying to reach the second round after beating Rotherham United 2-1 on November 29, 1930, in the first round in front of a
home crowd of 2,700.
Town were drawn to play at home in the second round, but switched the fixture with FA permission due to limited crowd capacity at the Muskham Road ground, and so played at Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium in front of 15,500 supporters, losing 6-0.
The last time Town played in the FA Cup was in 1937, losing to Boston United.
Newark historian Francis Towndrow has described Saturday’s game versus Barton Town as “history in the making” and that travelling support would be much appreciated.
Newark and Sherwood have a more recent cup pedigree. In the 2021 FA Cup competition, as Newark Flowserve, they reached the second qualifying round.
Manager Romaine Graham said: “For the club, the rewards increase with every game and the club’s stature grows as people start to know more about your team the further you go and every game the crowds increase, so it’s a great thing to be a part of.”
To give their loyal fans a good day out at the seaside as well as cup action, the Highwaymen are putting a coach on for the game on Saturday.
There will be a pick-up from Riverside Arena Car Park, Castle Gate, Newark at 11am, then Gusto House, Collingham at 11.15am, with a drop off at Skegness sea front at 1pm.
The return journey will set off for home at 5.45pm. For more information, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/newarksherwoodutd/1327896
Graham added that he is sure the supporters who go along on the coach trip will enjoy the experience - but hopes his players won’t be joining the fans in indulging in fish and chips before the match!
Club chairman Steff Wright said: “The FA Cups are always the most exciting competition, even at our level as we can all dream about playing bigger clubs as we progress.
"We are looking forward to our trip to Skegness, and hopefully make it to the next round."