Match Preview

PREVIEW | WIRKSWORTH IVANHOE (h)

SEASON OPENER AT THE LEGION FOR THE FIRSTS

RBL take to the field at the legion for the first time in the new season after giving the rest of the division a head start. After a long summer break, the team will be looking to pick up where they left off after a strong finish to the 2021-22 season saw a third place league finish and cup runners up. The team will be hoping to go one or two steps further in their second season together after such a promising start.

First up, RBL welcome Wirksworth Ivanhoe to Poppyfields Drive in what will be a difficult start, with the opposition having already gotten themselves up and running this season, with two matches already being played. With Teversal sitting in top spot with seven points from nine, an opening victory is essential for the Lions.

RBL’s last match saw them round off the 2021-22 season in style with a stunning 5-1 away victory over Holbrook St Michaels. Goals from Joe Conckleton, Lee Hillier, Branon Meehan and a brace from Matt Green wrapped up the season in a third big win on the trot and secured third spot in the league.

Wirksworth Ivanhoe visit the legion having already played twice this season, taking four points from six in their opening fixtures. With their first four matches being away from home, an opening day draw against last seasons’ cup winners, Linby Colliery was followed up with a stunning 6-0 victory over Nottingham FC, which sees them sitting in fifth spot at this early stage.

With both teams in need of a win, a feisty encounter may be expected for the match on Saturday.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The two sides have only previously met in the league last season. Firstly, was in early August as RBL had a midweek away trip. On a cowfield of a pitch, with grass in desperate need of a cut, an end to end match was played out with a lot of huffing and puffing and very little in the way of quality. The one moment of quality in the match saw Jordan Lee grab his fourth goal of the season to seal the points.

The second fixture was in November at the legion. A hard fought battle saw RBL take the points with a 2-1 victory. Goals from Jordan Lee and Liam Oliver sealed the win for the Lions

A LITTLE ABOUT THE VISITORS

Wirksworth Ivanhoe F.C. were formed prior to the start of the season 1921 -1922, they had a very successful first year winning the Derbyshire Cup in 1922. The early years were spent playing in various different leagues including those centred on Matlock and Derby. It may seem that travelling to Derby in those days before private cars were popular would have been to say the least arduous, but it must be remembered that in that period up to 1947 there was a direct rail link between Wirksworth and Derby.
Wirksworth Ivanhoe have for many years thought of themselves as the community club of Wirksworth, there are a number of current players and committee members who can point to 4th generation of involvement with the club. We like to think ourselves to be the natural home for players graduating from the Wirksworth Colts Junior teams.

Although there have been long periods of not winning things and changing leagues, the club still remains strong and active. Over the past six years since getting promoted from the Midland Regional Alliance division 2 there has been a continuous improvement in on-field achievements. During this first season in the Central Midlands League on the field efforts have been generally steady, with some of the best performances being reserved for cup competitions

Kick off will be at 15:00 at the legion and the bar will be open

See you then