ILKESTON FC boss Kevin Wilson would love his side to take another step towards creating more club history when they take on Gresley tomorrow.

The re-born Robins, formerly Ilkeston Town, are in their second season after re-forming.

In their first campaign, they won promotion into the Evo-Stik Premier via the play-offs and this season is their first back in the FA Cup.

Under their old guise, in their final season before folding, they reached the first round proper, when they lost to Cambridge United.

Now, they face a third round qualifying tie at home to Gresley, after victory against Belper Town in the previous round.

It puts them two wins away from the first round proper and Wilson said: "You look at it and the last time the club was in this competition, as Ilkeston Town, we made the first round so it would be some achievement, as Ilkeston FC, to reach that stage in our first season back in the competition.

"That is what we aim to achieve. It would be very nice to create some history.

"But we have a tough game against Gresley and hopefully we will get a strong turnout.

"The disappointing thing is that we are not going into this match in a better league position. We are in the bottom five and that is not where we want to be.

"It would be nicer to be sat in mid-table but we have got enough quality around the place to soon be moving up the league and to make progress in the cup."

The Robins beat Stourbridge 1-0 on Saturday in the FA Trophy, to set up an away trip to Whitby Town in the next round later in the month.

They hope for more cup success tomorrow, although they are still without the experienced duo of Gary Ricketts and Russell Cooke, who are both injured.

Ryan Wilson could be back in contention but the manager was pleased with how they finished the game against Stourbridge, to progress to the second qualifying round.

Wilson said: "It was a great result for us in the Trophy. I was delighted. I felt we played in straight lines too much in the first half but in the second, we played so well, got through them, went side to side and it was a great result.

"Next is Whitby and they have had a little bit of a resurgence with some decent results in the cup, which will have given them a lift.

"But we are well aware of the old saying that 'if you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail', so we will prepare right and we will be ready."

Meanwhile Ricketts is disappointed injury means he will not be available to lead Ilkeston FC into FA Cup battle – but is targeting a return by the end of October.

The veteran striker, 37, has been absent from the side since he damaged ankle ligaments in the 1-0 first qualifying round cup win over Coalville.

He has no chance of figuring against the Moatmen at the New Manor Ground tomorrow, but will be cheering on fervently from the sidelines as they look to secure the £7,500 prize money for booking a fourth qualifying round place.

And with steady progress being made in terms of rehabilitation, Ricketts is determined to be back in the fray sooner rather than later.

"It has been pretty frustrating because I was looking forward to the start of the season and sinking my teeth into it, but I've been unfortunate with the injuries," he said.

"But I've had my rest period and now I'm starting to exercise and strengthen up the ankle ligaments in the hope that I can soon start running and getting back into training.

"I've been told the end of October, although I'm hoping sooner, but at the same time there is no point in rushing back too soon and it not being right."

ALFRETON Town manager Nicky Law is hopeful of boosting his injury-hit squad with at least one loan signing ahead of two big Blue Square Bet Premier Division games for the Reds in four days.

Law will be looking for his side to extend their unbeaten league run to six games when they head to relegated Macclesfield Town tomorrow, before hosting Grimsby Town next Tuesday.

Law's squad is currently slightly thin ahead of the first of those games with injuries to midfield man Anton Brown, central defender Adam Quinn and striker Paul Clayton.

It is hoped defender Josh Law will have recovered from a thigh injury.

The latest, and possibly biggest blow of all this season, is the injury to ultra-consistent central midfield man Brown, who exited last Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Braintree Town after just eight minutes after feeling his calf pop.

The injury is likely to keep him out for a minimum of three weeks.

"The loss of Anton was a huge blow," said Law. "With the amount of injuries we have, we are now working hard trying to bring in at least one reinforcement."

Alfreton's postponed game at Hyde has been rearranged for Tuesday, October 30.

RAINWORTH MW manager Kevin Gee remains upbeat about the start the club has made to the season, despite the disappointing FA Trophy exit to Romulus.

The Wrens have dropped to fourth from bottom in the Evo-Stik NPL Division One South table.

And Gee is looking to the side to bounce back in their next two home matches, against Kidsgrove Athletic tomorrow and basement club Lincoln United on Tuesday.

"When you go into a new campaign you always benchmark the first ten league games as an indication of your realistic league position," said Gee. "As for the cup competitions, you can never put any forecasts into your budgets, but when we sat down at the start of season we targeted £5,000 which has been achieved, so that is a big plus.

"On reflection it could and should have been a lot more.

"To win games you have to create chances, which we are doing consistently, but unfortunately not taking them.

"I'm sure this will come, but at the same time we have been shooting ourselves in the foot at the other end."

Gee would like to increase his back-room staff.

"Ideally, I'd bring in an assistant-manager, a first-team coach and a chief scout as I cannot be in two places at once," he added.

Anyone interested in the position should contact 07983 991424.

NOTTS County will come out fighting against League One leaders Tranmere Rovers after pressing the self-destruct button against Stevenage, says skipper Neal Bishop.

The Magpies threw away a vital three points against their promotion rivals Boro at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night, conceding two late goals to lose 2-1.

Winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce fired Notts 1-0 ahead from the penalty spot midway through the second half, but it all went wrong for them in the closing minutes.

Left-back Alan Sheehan was sent off on 83 minutes for making a save Gordon Banks would have been proud of and Lucas Akins levelled from the penalty spot.

Stevenage sub Robin Shroot then scored in the second minute of injury time to inflict a cruel defeat on Notts and leave boss Keith Curle, his players and fans all shell-shocked.

It is only the Magpies' second league loss this season and they are still in the promotion hunt in fourth place after ten games. But Bishop was still not happy – and insists they must bounce back quickly by beating Tranmere, who are unbeaten and four points clear at the top.

"It was the ultimate kick in the teeth," said Bishop.

"Stevenage only had a couple of long-range efforts in the first half and Bart (Bartosz Bialkowski) made a couple of good saves.

"We controlled the game from the first minute until the last apart from that so to lose it the way we did is hard to take.

"The dressing room was really dejected, but we have got to bounce back quickly because we have got a lot more big games coming up.

"We've got a massive game tomorrow.

"I wish it was sooner to be honest so we could try and put it right."

The Magpies were on a great run before coming unstuck against Stevenage.

They were unbeaten in six league games since losing 1-0 to Walsall on home soil on August 25, claiming three wins against Bury, newly-promoted Shrewsbury Town and Portsmouth and three draws, against Oldham and bigs guns MK Dons and Sheffield United.

Bishop says losing to Stevenage was a worse feeling than the defeat to Walsall because the Magpies had put themselves into such a good position to win for the sixth time this season.

"It feels worse than when we lost to Walsall because we got ourselves into a strong position by taking the lead and we gave away two really poor goals to lose," he said.

"It was not just one player that made a mistake either, but a few, and we can't give away goals like that if we want to be at the right end of the league, challenging for promotion and honours, this season.

"We can't afford to concede two goals like that again – it's as simple as that.

"I'm not pointing fingers at anyone, we win and lose as a team and as a team we have got to defend better than that.

"We have got to put it right straightaway.

"You might get away with it a few times, but most of the time teams will punish us if we defend like that.

"You have to give credit to Stevenage because it was the ultimate away performance from their point of view.

"They sat back for 85 minutes and nicked it.

"It was the ultimate smash and grab.

"Usually when we get in front we hold on and win.

"I think we played good football again and the supporters are starting to see we're a team that is trying to play the right way.

"But that doesn't matter if we don't get the basics right.

"Hard work and defending is as much a part of the game as fancy football."

Notts will certainly have to work hard and defend well to beat Tranmere, who have surprised everyone at the start of this season by winning seven and drawing three of their first ten games to set the pace at the top of the table.

The Magpies are only six points behind them though and Bishop believes they can claw three back tomorrow.

"It's a big game," he said.

"Tranmere are the surprise team and it will be a hard game because they are flying at the top, but we will come out fighting."

RADCLIFFE Olympic are once again at the Recreation Ground tomorrow when they entertain East Midlands Counties League new-boys Lutterworth Athletic.

Radcliffe were left frustrated last Saturday after dropping two points against Radford.

They will now be looking to rebuild some momentum against a Lutterworth side that has had a relatively slow start to the season, despite recently playing themselves into form.

Radcliffe also know that they need to find some form because the following Tuesday they entertain NCEL side Teversal in the first round of the Notts Senior Cup.

Olympic know that this is a tough fixture having already played against, and lost to, Jamie Hudson's Teversal in the FA Vase this season.

Radcliffe: Elliott, Gamble, Hartshorn, Lawrence, Miles, Pashley, Price, Royes, Simpson (GK), J Smith, R Smith, S Smith, Spiers, Thomas, Waddley, Walton, Whitely.

Gedling Miners Welfare travel down the A46 tomorrow to take on the league leaders, Barrow Town.

It will be a tough ask but manager Andy Muldoon is in confident mood.

He believes his team will do themselves proud after last weekend's win against Holbrook, which is never an easy fixture for any side.

However, he will be without Greg Marzano, Sam Sims and Gerald Alonzo from his squad through injuries, which limits his options.

Gedling: Walker, Corrigan, Price, Bradley, Hore, Armstrong, Gee, Hall, Whitt, Watson, Cox, Bonnick, Pass, Stanley, Muldoon, Labatte and Freestone.

NOTTS County skipper Neal Bishop says League One leaders Tranmere Rovers will face the backlash of all backlashes at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies are still hurting after they threw away victory against promotion rivals Stevenage at home on Tuesday.

They led 1-0 until defender Alan Sheehan was sent off for handball inside the box on 83 minutes.

Boro equalised from the spot and then inflicted a cruel defeat on Notts in injury time.

The Magpies now face unbeaten leaders Tranmere tomorrow and Bishop is determined to lead them to a big victory.

"We're all gutted we lost, but we haven't got time to sulk or feel sorry for ourselves because we've got another big game to focus on," he said.

"It's hard, but we have to remember it's still only the second game we've lost this season.

"We're still in a good position, which is where we all want to be, so we have to take it on the chin and try to put it right against Tranmere."

Rovers have roared four points clear at the top with seven wins and three draws in their first ten games, scoring 25 goals, while Notts have slipped from second to fourth after losing to Stevenage.

Bishop is relishing the challenge and he added: "They're the surprise team this season and they're absolutely flying.

"It's a big game so hopefully there will be a big crowd to spur us on and we can get back on track."

Notts boss Keith Curle is confident his players will come out fighting and get back to their best against the table-toppers.

"What you don't do after a defeat is get off the bus," he said. "You learn from it and move on.

"We are happy with where we're going. We've come unstuck, but our planning and preparation was spot on."

CARLTON Town and Ilkeston FC are gearing for a huge weekend of FA Cup action.

Both clubs are at home in the world's most famous football club competition and just two wins away from the first round proper.

Carlton play host to Bradford Park Avenue at Stoke Lane tomorrow having reached the third qualifying round for the first time in their history.

There is also £7,500 prize money at stake for the winner of the tie, another huge incentive for non-league clubs.

Ilkeston FC are back in the competition for the first time since reforming as a club and Kevin Wilson's side entertain Gresley.

Ahead of the big weekend, Carlton boss Les McJannet said: "The FA Cup is a brilliant competition with so much history and it would be nice if we could make a bit more history by taking the club even further."

Robins manager Wilson added: "The last time the club was in this competition, as Ilkeston Town, we made the first round so it would be some achievement, as Ilkeston FC, to reach that stage in our first season back in the competition.

"That is what we aim to achieve that, it would be very nice to create some history."

NOTTS County are hard to stop because they have so many match-winners, says winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

The Magpies have scored 17 goals in their first ten games in League One this season and eight different players have found the back of the net.

New-signings Yoann Arquin and Francois Zoko have both hit three league goals and so has fans' favourite Lee Hughes to fire Notts up to fourth place in the table.

Campbell-Ryce, Alan Judge and captain Neal Bishop have all scored twice and Jeff Hughes, last season's 17-goal leading scorer, and Joss Labadie have also got off the mark with one goal each.

The Magpies are aiming for a sixth league win of the season against leaders Tranmere Rovers at Meadow Lane tomorrow.

And Campbell-Ryce, who scored from the spot in their midweek home defeat against Stevenage, said: "We are spreading the goals between us, they are going all around the team very nicely.

"Every side going for promotion would like to have a 20-goal striker.

"But sometimes you can't just rely on your strikers.

"With the way we play, everyone can chip in, it's not just down to the front men.

"You don't want to be one-dimensional. You want to show that you have a good mix of options going forward and we have that. The team looks really positive. We look strong."

A DISABLED widow was attacked and left to die by a neighbour, a court has heard.

Peter Smith, 48, is alleged to have murdered Hilda Owen in a bid to claim money from her will to solve his financial troubles.

Nottingham Crown Court heard he had debts of more than £35,000.

Prosecutor Peter Joyce QC told the jury Mrs Owen, 71, who had lived alone since her husband died in August, 2005, was attacked as she sat in a chair in her home in West Hill, Skegby.

Her body was found lying on the floor in the rear living room on March 1, 2007.

Her injuries were consistent with the use of a claw hammer and a screwdriver.

Also found were injuries to her neck, both externally and internally, with a fracture to the hyoid bone in the neck, indicating she had been strangled.

Mr Joyce told the jury yesterday: "Injuries to her hands indicated she had tried to defend herself.

"Blows to her head caused injuries to her brain that led to her death, but the pattern of injury showed she had stayed, after the attack with the hammer and screwdriver, alive for 15 to 24 hours.

"Either she had been attacked and partly strangled at the same time and left to die, or she had been attacked, left, and then later strangled."

Mr Joyce said analysis of the scene indicated that she had been attacked from behind while she was sitting in a chair, then she had moved or been moved on to her back on the floor and further attacked there, causing blood to spatter on the walls, door and ceiling.

Smith is charged with murdering Mrs Owen between February 26 and March 1, 2007.

He later gave police a copy of Mrs Owen's will, leaving everything to him.

The document was allegedly written by Smith and had been bought from retailer WH Smith on February 19, 2007, but was backdated to January 22, 2007.

Mr Joyce said: "It was backdated to about a month before it was purchased and Hilda's signature was purportedly witnessed by two people."

The prosecution claim Mrs Owen had made it plain on a number of occasions she did not want to make a will.

Mr Joyce said: "The prosecution case is that this defenceless, elderly, disabled woman was killed by him, Mr Smith, and she was killed for her money and her possessions."

Mr Joyce said Smith's former partner Adam Dixon used to help Mrs Owen and her late husband, John, but Smith did not get involved because he "didn't like the smell and state of the house". He later described having to visit Mrs Owen as "a bit of a nuisance", the court heard.

However, Smith had helped Mrs Owen apply for a community care grant in 2006, and also for attendance allowance in his name as the carer, worth £65.25 a week.

He later admitted lying on the claim form for attendance allowance as Mrs Owen's carer, admitting he claimed she was more disabled than she was and he was her carer.

Mr Joyce said: "He knew how frugally Hilda Owen lived and what finance she was receiving and had."

In November 2006, he was said to have contacted a firm of solicitors inquiring about the transfer of her home into her name, the court heard.

He denies murder. The case continues.

IF last season felt difficult at times, the start to this campaign must have left Mansfield Town's Shane Redmond feeling totally isolated.

Manager Paul Cox's decision to go with no goalkeeper on the bench meant Saturdays were just not the same for the Irish stopper, watching from the stands.

After playing just one match last season – the final game of the campaign at Kidderminster – the chances of getting a second outing seem a distant dream.

But a freak shoulder injury to number one Alan Marriott in training has created an opportunity.

And 23-year-old Redmond is desperate to seize it.

Cox brought in Liam Mitchell on loan from Notts County for a month, but it was Redmond who got the nod in the 1-1 draw against Hereford and he was delighted.

Following the final whistle, his smile beamed from ear to ear, after suddenly being catapulted into the limelight.

Now, as Mansfield head to Cambridge United tomorrow, Redmond is ready to make the spot his own with Marriott ruled out for at least two months.

The first aim is to win the battle with Mitchell, but Redmond is confident about his chances.

"I am disappointed for Alan because it is a bad injury, but delighted to get the chance. It is a chance for me and I have to try and take it," he said.

"I hope I will get a few more games and it is something I am looking forward to.

"I have a chance to show what I can do.

"Last season I did not get a chance and it was a shock to the system in the first game of this season, knowing no goalkeeper would be on the bench.

"I know Mazza is going to play if he is fit so it has been difficult to motivate myself on a Saturday but now I can play games. My opportunity has arrived now.

"We do not know how long he will be out so it is a chance for me. I have to play well and stay in the team."

Redmond was a virtual spectator last week as Hereford hardly threatened and he will be much busier tomorrow afternoon at Abbey Stadium.

"I was disappointed with the goal and I did not have much else to do to be honest," he said.

"My kicking was good and my decision making I was happy with.

"I mean, Kidderminster was the last competitive game I played and it is different to reserve games because you have the crowd, which makes a big difference.

"But the performance is something to build on."

After five wins and four draws, Stags have drawn their last two matches at AFC Telford and then against Hereford.

Star striker Matt Green returns from his three-match ban to boost the Stags and George Pilkington, John Thompson and Nick Wright – brought in from the wilderness last weekend – could all start again after impressing against the Bulls.

"We are still not hitting our stride but we are picking up points," said Redmond.

"Something is just not clicking and we should be winning more games.

"The manager is focused on getting it sorted.

"Greeny coming back is like a new player and I thought Nick Wright was excellent last week.

"The lads who came in have taken their chance. That is good because we play the reserve games and they have done well. We will build on it at Cambridge."

CARLTON Town manager Les McJannet will tell his players to give it their best shot when they take on Bradford Park Avenue in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup tomorrow.

It is the furthest the 'Millers' have ever progressed in the competition and McJannet knows his team will be underdogs against opposition from the Blue Square North.

McJannet said: "The FA Cup is a brilliant competition with so much history and it would be nice if we could make a bit more history by taking the club even further.

"But we are aware of Bradford's history and pedigree and the fact they are a Blue Square Conference club so it will be difficult.

"But we will give it our best shot and although we are underdogs, it is one game and anything can happen. We will enjoy the occasion, work hard and try and get a good result.

"It would be nice if the Nottingham public came out and gave us their support and would be much appreciated given I understand it's the furthest the club has ever got in the competition."

Carlton have already seen off Oadby Town, Rainworth MW via a replay and New Mills to reach this stage of the world's most famous football competition.

And McJannet remembers his own experience playing for Burton Albion in 1985 when they were non-league and reached the third round before losing 6-1 to Leicester City.

The match was subsequently replayed after the Leicester fans were found guilty by the FA of throwing missiles at the Burton keeper.

They lost the replay ordered by the FA 1-0 behind closed doors at Coventry City.

McJannet will be hoping for better luck today.

Tomorrow

Barclays Premier League: Chelsea v Norwich, Man City v Sunderland, Swansea v Reading, West Brom v QPR, West Ham v Arsenal, Wigan v Everton.

npower Championship: Birmingham v Huddersfield, Blackburn v Wolverhampton, Blackpool v Charlton, Crystal Palace v Burnley, Derby v Brighton, Ipswich v Cardiff, Leeds v Barnsley, Leicester v Bristol City, Millwall v Bolton, Peterborough v Nottm Forest, Sheff Wed v Hull, Watford v Middlesbrough.

npower League 1: Brentford v Crawley Town, Bury v Swindon, Coventry v Bournemouth, Crewe v Hartlepool, Doncaster v Shrewsbury, Leyton Orient v Sheff Utd, Milton Keynes Dons v Portsmouth, Notts County v Tranmere, Oldham v Preston, Stevenage v Scunthorpe, Walsall v Carlisle, Yeovil v Colchester.

npower League 2: Accrington Stanley v Rochdale, Aldershot v Chesterfield, Bristol Rovers v Northampton, Cheltenham v Fleetwood Town, Dag & Red v Bradford, Exeter v Port Vale, Morecambe v Burton Albion, Oxford Utd v Gillingham, Plymouth v AFC Wimbledon, Southend v Barnet, Wycombe v Torquay, York v Rotherham.

Blue Square Bet Premier: AFC Telford v Woking, Braintree Town v Barrow, Cambridge Utd v Mansfield, Ebbsfleet United v Kidderminster, Grimsby v Dartford, Hereford v Stockport, Hyde v Gateshead, Lincoln City v Luton, Macclesfield v Alfreton Town, Southport v Nuneaton, Tamworth v Newport County, Wrexham v Forest Green.

FA Cup third qualifying rd: Carlton Town v Bradford Park Avenue, Ilkeston FC v Gresley FC.

Evo-Stik Division One South: Brigg Town v Stamford, Halesowen Town v Sheffield FC, Hucknall Town v Chasetown, Kings Lynn Town v Romulus, Loughborough Dynamo v Belper Town, Mickleover Sports v Market Drayton Town, Newcastle Town v Lincoln United, Rainworth Miners Welfare v Kidsgrove Athletic, Sutton Coldfield Town v Coalville Town.

NCEL

Premier Division: Bridlington Town v Maltby Main, Brighouse Town v Staveley Miners Welfare, Glasshoughton Welfare v Arnold Town, Heanor Town v Barton Town Old Boys, Long Eaton United v Worksop Parramore, Nostell Miners Welfare v Liversedge, Parkgate v Thackley, Pickering Town v Scarborough Athletic, Retford United v Armthorpe Welfare, Winterton Rangers v Lincoln Moorlands Railway.

Division One: Appleby Frodingham v Hemsworth Miners Welfare, Dinnington Town v Selby Town, Eccleshill United v Pontefract Collieries, Grimsby Borough v Askern Villa, Hallam v Shirebrook Town, Knaresborough Town v Albion Sports, Rossington Main v AFC Emley, Teversal v Athersley Recreation, Worsbrough Bridge Athletic v Louth Town, Yorkshire Amateur v Cleethorpes Town.

Midland Alliance Division One: Bridgnorth Town v Continental Star, Coleshill Town v Highgate United, Dunkirk v Westfields, Gornal Athletic v Coventry Sphinx, Heath Hayes v Tividale, Heather St. John's v Boldmere St. Michaels, Rocester v Alvechurch, Stourport Swifts v Kirby Muxloe, Stratford Town v Ellesmere Rangers, Studley v Causeway United, Tipton Town v Loughborough University.

East Mids Counties Premier Division: Anstey Nomads v Bardon Hill, Barrow Town v Gedling Miners Welfare, Blaby & Whetstone Athletic v St Andrews, Ellistown v Graham Street Prims, Holbrook Sports v Aylestone Park, Ibstock United v Borrowash Victoria, Radcliffe Olympic v Lutterworth Athletic, Thurnby Nirvana v Greenwood Meadows.

Central Midlands League

Black Dragon Division - North: AFC Mansfield v Glapwell, Brodsworth Welfare v Easington United, Dronfield Town v Yorkshire Main, Kiveton Park v Thorne Colliery, Phoenix Sports & Social v Harworth C I.

Black Dragon Division - South: Clifton All Whites v Real United, Newark Town v Blackwell, Nottingham United v Holbrook St Michaels.

Res Supreme Division: Belper Town Res v Eastwood Town Res, Dronfield Town Res v Borrowash Victoria Res, Matlock Town Res v Heanor Town Res, South Normanton Athletic Res v Dinnington Town Res, Staveley MW Res v Holbrook Sports Res.

CU Phosco Lighting Res Premier Division: Belper United Res v Mickleover Royals Res, Harworth C I Res v Blidworth Welfare Res, Real United Res v Sherwood Colliery Res.

Precision NSL

Senior Division: Burton Joyce v Cotgrave.

Division One: Arnold Town Res v Hucknall Rolls Leisure Res, Awsworth Villa Res v Radcliffe Olympic Res, Beeston AFC v Wollaton Res, Magdala Amateurs Res v Gedling Southbank.

Division Two: FC05 v Bingham Town, Nottinghamshire Res v West Bridgford Res.

Notts Senior Cup first round: Selston v Sutton Town A.F.C, Blidworth Welfare v Ollerton Town, Linby Colliery Welfare v Radford, Ruddington Village v Clipstone Welfare, Keyworth United v Magdala Amateurs, Bilborough Pelican v F.C. Cavaliers, Hucknall Rolls Leisure v Kimberley Miners Welfare, Wollaton v Calverton Miners Welfare, Bulwell v Basford United, Attenborough v Thoresby Colliery Welfare.

Notts Intermediate Cup first round: Southwell City (Res) v Kimberley Miners Welfare (Res), Bilborough Pelican (Res) v Bulwell Town, Netherfield Albion v Kirton Brickworks, Sherwood Colliery v Awsworth Villa, Wollaton (Res) v Hucknall Rolls Leisure (Res), Underwood Villa v Selston (Res), Thoresby Colliery Welfare (Res) v Kashmir, Rainworth Miners Welfare (Res) v Sandhurst, A.F.C. Bridgford v Bilborough United, Newark Town (Res) v Dunkirk, Radford (Res) v Ruddington Village, Calverton Miners Welfare v Teversal, Magdala Amateurs (Res) v Clipstone Welfare, Clifton v Bulwell, West Bridgford v Hucknall Town A.F.C, Bawtry Town F.C. (Res) v Santos, Nottinghamshire FC v DFS Welbeck Welfare, Boots Athletic v Keyworth United, FC Samba v Bilborough Town.

Notts FA Minor Cup: Woodbeck Diagonals v Sutton Travellers, Kimberley Miners Welfare B v Magdala Amateurs A, Premium v Bilborough Town (Academy), Nottingham United A v Globo Gym, Mansfield Hosiery Mills v Mapperley, Southwell St. Mary's II v East Drayton, B.A.F.C. Vine v Samba (Res), Gedling Town v Crusader (Res), Wollaton IV v Skegby United, Ravenshead v FC Trinity, Gedling Southbank Colts v Bulwell Town II, Calverton Miners Welfare U21 v Nottingham Albion, Ashfield Black v Hyson Green Cavaliers.

Notts FA Junior Cup: Southwell St. Mary's v Eaton Hall College, Moorgreen v Durham Ox Wellow, Bawtry Town (Res) v A.F.C. Bridgford (Res), Arnold Celtic v Clifton (Res), Kimberley Miners Welfare A v Greyhounders, Retford Town v Basford United (Res), Hyson Green Cavaliers A v Beeston AFC II, Beeston Rovers v Coronation, Rushcliffe Dynamo v Bassingfield, Rainworth Rangers v Ashfield Athletic, Old Elizabethans II v Nuthall, Underwood Villa (Res) v Calverton Athletic, Gedling Southbank v Sandhurst (Res), Trent Vineyard v Sherwood, Radcliffe Olympic III v Wollaton III, Cotgrave (Res) v Sherwood Colliery II, Netherfield Albion F.C. (Res) v FC Geordie.

Midlands Amateur Alliance

Premier Division: Old Elizabethans v Beeston Old Boys Association, Trent Vineyard v Steelers, Woodborough United v Ilkeston Rutland.

Division One: Broadmeadows v NRU FC, FC Sutton Foresters v New Houghton Villa.

Division Two: Rainworth Rangers II v Town Mill, Alvaston United v Old Bemrosians, Ilkeston Rutland II v Derbyshire Amateurs.

Notts Amateur Alliance

Premier: FC Dynamo v Fox & Crown, Nott'm Sikh Lions v Netherfield Town.

Division One: Bold Forester v Strelley Rose, Nottingham United 'A' v Crusader, Vernon Villa v Aspley.

Division Two: Beeston Rylands v Trent Bridge, Crown Inn Selston v Boots Athletic Res, West 8 v Ali Islam.

Division Three: AFC Bridgford 'A' v Red Lion United, ASC Ilkeston v Robin Hood Colts, Highbury v Bingham Town Res, Netherfield Town Pumas v Jiberah.

Sunday

Barclays Premier League: Liverpool v Stoke, Newcastle v Man Utd, Southampton v Fulham, Tottenham v Aston Villa.

Notts Sunday

Premier Premier: Green Dragon v Clumber, Nuthall v Old Colonial, T8's FC v SPS Training, Trentside v Plough Barflys, Trowsers v Gedling Inn.

Premier One: L.A. FC v Station Hotel, Loft in Space v Robin Hood, Nottm Rangers v Nottingham United A.

Premier Two: Burton Joyce A v East Leake Bantams, Premium v Wolds AFC, Rempstone v Edwalton.

Premier KO Cup round one: The Arrow v Empire Villa, Stratford Haven v Portland Arms HH.

Senior One: ABP FC v Tricolore, FC Digica v Lenton Villa, Kirkby Town v Beeston.Biz, Nottingham Maintenance v Birchover Park, Nottingham Pirates v Real Nottingham.

Senior Two: Eastwood & Kimberley v Carlton Top Spot Res, Edwalton Res v Premium Res, Sporting CBJ v Bridgford Taverners, The Empire Hucknall v Burton Joyce B.

Senior Three: Ark Athletic v Eastwood and Kimberley Res, East Bridgford v Trent Bridgford Tigers, East Bridgford Rangers v Beeston Biz Res, Ryedale v Heath Hill, The Castle Inn v Crusader.

Keith Roberts Trophy round one: Dovecrest FC v Stratford Haven Res, FC Sparta v Medina FC, Bilborough Rangers v Nottingham Breakdown Ltd, Top Valley United v Top Valley FC.

Notts Sunday Combination

Division One: Vernon Villa vs Blacks Head.

Division Two: Gremio vs Notts United, N.C.H vs Southglade Park, Nuthall County vs Kimberley M.W, Pure vs Sherwood Chestnut Tree, Redhill vs Broad Oak, Southbank vs LA Toque.

Division Three: D.H Simpson vs Medz, Real United vs Aspley United, Scorpion Exhausts vs AC Nottingham, The Vale vs Rose and Crown, Whitemoor vs Arnold Victory.

Edwin Varney Senior Cup round One: AFC Nottingham vs South Notts Spartans, AFC Rolls Royce vs Optima, Athletico T8 vs Cema, Bear FC vs Sporting Wheelbarrow, Clifton Athletico vs Hilltop Castle, Earl Howe vs Woodhouse Colts.

EMPAL

Division One: FC Olympico v RDNG United, Freeman & Mitchell v Cropwell United, Nottingham Medics A v Crown Inn (Beeston), Nottingham United v Plumtree.

Division Two: Clifton Dynamo v Boots Wednesday, Cotgrave (Sunday) v Arnold Old Boys, Fanzines United v Notts Athletic, Fat Cat v Nottingham Law School, Inn The Bank v Priory Celtic.

Division Three: Butler Benfica v Bestwood Park, FC Eastwood v AFC Southside, Manvers Arms v AC Calverton, Nottingham Medics B v New Inn Eastwood, Queen's City v Warren FC.

Long Eaton

Premier Division: Athletica v Charlton Arms, Cat & Fiddle v Attenbo' Cavs, Corner Pin v Soldiers & Sailors, Eventure v Chilwell, Spanish Bar v Ilson Athletic.

Division One: Brennans v Riverside, Mapperley v Copsey Croft, Ockbrook v AFC Kirk Hallam, Sawley Athletic v FC Wilmot, Stanton Ilkeston v Awsworth Villa.

Division Two: Beeston Town v Independiente, Beeston Victory Club v Eventure Res, Bulls Head v West Park, Long Eaton GBM v Stanton Ilkeston Res, Shardlow St James v FC Stumble, Toton Town v Lovell.

Division Three: AFC Kimberley v Bull & Bush, Bass House v Long Eaton Magpies, Erewash 2012 v Shardlow St James Res, Grange Park v Needlemakers Arms, Long Eaton SI v Bulls Head Res, Stenson v Inham Celtic.

Newark Alliance

Willie Hall Memorial Cup round one: Wheatsheaf United Res v Newark Flowserve Res, Collingham v Collingham Res, Newark Flowserve v Farnsfield Villa, RHP Social Res v Holy Trinity Res, Knowhow United v Fiskerton.

Alfreton Sunday League

Division One: Amber Athletic v AFC South Normanton, Coronation Club v Hayloft, Marlpool White Lion v Jacksdale MW.

Division Two: Duffield Dynamos v Blackwell MW, Railway (Pinxton) v Swanwick, Heanor Staff v Ripley White Lion, Out Of Town v Gallows.

Division Three: Boundary Athletic v Selston Bull and Butcher, Marlpool United v Gladiators, Alliance Healthcare v Heanor Staff Res, Jacksdale Social Club v Alfreton Miners Arms, Bulls Head v Hilcote MW.

DCFA Sunday Cup: Bolsover Town Social v Holly Bush, Brampton Brewery v Holmewood MW, Codnor Miners v Tibshelf Town, Crib v Wingerworth Barley Mow, Double Top v Shirland MW, Old Glossop Bulls v Rainbow International.

SPONDON couple Lyndsey Ward and Leigh Warren tied the knot with a Dirty Dancing-themed wedding.

The couple got married at St Werbergh's Church, in Spondon, before heading to their reception at Eastwood Hall in a 1950s VW Beetle, while their wedding party travelled in VW camper vans.

Lyndsey, who is a field sales adviser for the Nottingham Post, said: "I decided on the cars before anything else, as I love Beetles and the theme came from there.

"I was thinking about the 1950s and then realised Dirty Dancing was set in the 50s, so it all just went from there."

Finishing touches inspired by the film included watermelon bellinis on arrival at the venue and a watermelon-shaped postbox for all their cards – in a reference to a line from the movie.

Entertainment was provided by a band who played all the hits from the film as well as teaching people some of the dances.

Lyndsey, 30, had seven adult bridesmaids and three younger ones. The older ones all wore 1950s-inspired dresses.

Leigh, 41, a carpet fitter, had two best men – his best friends Ian Peake and Gerhard Freudenreich.

They had about 100 day guests and around a further 100 people attended the evening party.

For their honeymoon the couple – who have an 18-month-old son, Charlie – spent a week in Aruba, in the Caribbean.

WHEN I look at the music in the Top 40 charts I am always met with the same artists singing the same songs.

Flo Rida, Chris Brown or Nicki Minaj singing about alcohol, partying or the high life; it's boring and repetitive.

They sound the same as well, many using "auto tune" and sung with a computer not a guitar and, with lyrics such as "If you a G, you a G,G,G' ()" chart music doesn't even make much sense.

Obviously I am in the minority as these songs are successful through the masses buying them and this scares me; are the charts going to change any time soon?

I know a lot of people that share my views, yet on a more extreme scale.

It is seen as "indie" to hate all "mainstream" music and every song in the charts.

I think that this is ridiculous. If a good song enters the charts it may be a rarity, but it doesn't make it worse.

The sad truth is that 20 years ago "Rhythm is a Dancer" was number one, while ten years ago it was the infamous "Ketchup Song". These are songs many grew up with and I fear that the next few years will not produce much memorable music. Of course, not all music is in the top 40 and there are some good songs out there; I have just had to look around much more than I used to.

The music industry seems a lot more about bragging, fashion and status than it was when I was younger. Artists like Lady Gaga seem more interested about what they are wearing than the music they are producing. Modern music has adapted to the modern world with singers and groups having Twitter pages and the iTunes chart possessing more power than music stores.

I feel that popular music nowadays is not necessarily about the song but who is singing it, not about giving a message but showing off and, in my opinion, the sooner this changes the better the charts, and music in general, will become.

WHEN I first got my hands on the wheel of a car, I was a fair distance from the stereotype of the spotty teenager eager to unleash the power of thousands of horses on the mean streets of Wilford.

For one, I wasn't that spotty.

But, more importantly, I spent 30 minutes with a clammy grip on the wheel, travelling at a harrowing 5mph along Wilford Industrial Estate.

I think if I'd hit a child who had run on to the road, the only injuries that would have needed tending to would have been a serious case of split sides.

I'm pretty sure my first driving experience is repeated across the country as thousands of teenagers take their tentative first steps behind the wheel.

So, how do they go from timid and tense to reckless and renegade as soon as they have a shiny pink driving licence? No idea.

Road safety is, obviously, a pretty important issue and the statistics that an 18-year-old driver is three times more likely than someone 30 years their senior to meet their end on the roads shows that something ought to be done.

I often find it strange that learner drivers are banned from driving on the motorways until they have ditched the L-plates.

I'd rather have had my first experience of careering down the M1 with an instructor at my side than an anxious family member who was clutching the door handle and hastily drafting a will.

But if the rules on motorway driving seem a bit perplexing, the fact that youngsters get carte blanche on the roads, as soon as they leave the driving test centre, to drive day or night is a bit frightening.

You would have thought insurers would rub their hands with glee when a teenager with a new motor needs covering, but it's actually the industry that's proposing a pretty workable solution.

The system would work by placing restrictions on new drivers for the first 12 months after they had passed their test – a sort of car-based probationary period.

During this time, new drivers would not be able to use the roads between 11pm and 4am and the blood alcohol limit would be lower than it is for more experienced drivers.

The Association of British Insurers says cars are "potentially lethal weapons" and improving the safety of young drivers will also lead to lower insurance costs.

Critics of the policy may argue that the testing should be more rigorous and that as soon as you are certified as being good enough to drive, you should be good enough day or night.

But you shouldn't try to run before you can walk, so why try to drive hours cross country in the middle of the night when you've only tackled the A453 during rush hour?

Any death on the roads is a tragedy and you only need to leaf through the papers over the course of a week to see the human cost of bad driving.

Rather than shake our heads and mutter condolences under our breath, it's good to see measures being suggested that could tackle the problem.

If we are going to be serious about road safety, it's time to do, rather than say.

A MAN has been handed a suspended custodial sentence after admitting killing a goose with an iron bar.

Rhys Maunders, 19, of Nuneaton, was working at a factory in Stoke Bardolph when he threw the bar at the animal on May 17.

Nottingham magistrates heard that Maunders first threw a rock at the domestic goose and then an iron bar.

The iron bar struck the goose and Maunders then hit it again after seeing it had been injured severely.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks' custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to do 40 hours' unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £977.25 costs after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Prosecuting, Maria Moore said the goose had started to hang around at the poultry processing plant of Chettles Ltd, in Stoke Lane, Stoke Bardolph.

She added: "A vet's report into the incident said that the goose would have unnecessarily suffered if the blow from the iron bar had not killed it instantly."

In mitigation, Ran Johal said the defendant regretted his actions and had not been in court before.

He said: "He did not go out with the intention of killing the goose and his guilty plea is on this basis. But he accepts he struck the goose with the metal bar, which led to its death. It was a reckless action.

"However, he is the only witness in this case. If he had not admitted what he did, there would not be a prosecution, in all likelihood.

"He was taking part in a trainee apprenticeship as an electrician when this happened but he lost his job over this."

Presiding magistrate Mrs P. L. White told Maunders: "This was a serious act of cruelty to an animal and it is clear that you killed the goose.

"You have previous good character and we are aware this is the first time you have been in a situation like this, but it was a cruel act."

After the hearing, RSPCA inspector Chris Shaw said it was an awful case to deal with.

He said: "I'm glad the court has dealt with this offence with the seriousness it deserves.

"It was a terrible attack and the goose suffered before it died. The RSPCA has a duty to prevent cruelty like this happening to animals and we will pursue this matters through the courts, as this case shows."

A CARLTON man has pleaded guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit. Selvin Ramsey was found driving a Ford Galaxy car in St Bartholomews Road, St Ann's, on September 7 with 90mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – exceeding the 35mcg limit. Ramsey, 44, of Honeywood Drive, Carlton, also admitted charges of driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, and possession of a quantity of cocaine and cannabis. Sentencing was adjourned until October 11 to allow for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Ramsey was bailed and handed an interim disqualification from driving until the hearing.

RYAN Lancaster, 18, of no fixed address, admitted the theft of a mobility scooter in Broxtowe on August 31. He was given an 18-month conditional discharge.

DANIEL Smith, 33, of Chartwell Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a window at the Half Moon pub, in Baker Street, Hucknall, on September 8. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation to the pub, and handed an 18-month conditional discharge.

AN ILKESTON man has been banned from driving for 22 months for drink-driving. Ashley White was found driving in Woodhouse Way, Nuthall, on September 9 with 90mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. White, 28, of Dallimore Road, was also fined £110 and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

KARL Davidson, 25, of Appleton Gate, Newark, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the wall of a cell at Newark police station on September 8. He was fined £215, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Davidson also admitted drunk and disorderly behaviour in St Mark's Place, Newark, on September 8. He faced no separate penalty.

JOHN Dobson, 40, of Hoten Road, Sneinton, admitted drunk and disorderly behaviour in Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham city centre, on August 15. He was fined £50, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge. Dobson also pleaded guilty to having failed to surrender to custody at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on August 30 having been released on bail. He was fined £50.

NICKY Rawson, 25, of Carlton Road, Newark, admitted driving in Tolney Lane, Newark, on September 8 with 62mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months, fined £240, and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

A MYSTERY illness which has killed dogs taken for walks in Notts woodland has struck for the fourth year in a row.

Seasonal canine illness has led to the deaths of several dogs being walked at Sherwood Forest or Clumber Park every autumn since 2009.

An exact cause of the illness has never been found.

This week, one Notts owner spoke of how the condition nearly killed her one-year-old pet after a walk this week.

And an animal health group is warning it has detected new cases in both Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park in recent weeks.

Kath Roberts said her shitzu cross Sophie rapidly succumbed to illness two days after walking in Clumber Park last Friday. By Sunday the dog had started vomiting a yellow and brown substance and by Monday was gravely ill.

Mrs Roberts, 56, of West Bridgford, said: "She was on her last legs and having trouble with her breathing and still vomiting. We rushed her in to the vets and she was on a drip all day on Monday."

After painkilling injections and antibiotics at Gamston Vets4Pets, Sophie began to recover and was at home and eating again by Wednesday.

"It was very frightening. Sophie was so poorly on Monday I didn't expect her to pull through. I think there should be warning signs up in the park but we didn't see any, unless we missed them."

The Animal Health Trust has been running an investigation into the mystery illness since September 2010.

The charity said yesterday it was aware of seven suspected cases at Clumber Park and nine at Sherwood Forest since the end of August.

However, no fatal cases have been reported so far this year.

At least one dog died of the illness in Notts last year and at least two were killed in 2010 while eight died in 2009, all after being walked in Sherwood Forest or Clumber Park.

Charlotte Robin, who is coordinating research into the illness for the trust, said: "There could, of course, be more cases that are occurring that have not been reported to us."

A year ago the trust ruled out plants as the cause of the illness and more studies are still being carried out. Other theories have included natural toxins from fungi and algae blooms.

Trevor Pressley, visitor experience manager at Clumber Park, said: "We've had posters on seasonal canine illness at Clumber over the last three years and will be putting up more posters as a result of this most recent outbreak."

"Covering a 3,800 acre site is difficult, and we welcome thoughts from dog walkers in the area as to how we can continue to get the message out to other dog owners."

Dog owners are advised to look out for vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy which usually appears within 24 to 72 hours of dogs having walked in woodland in autumn.

HE was an underworld gang leader who ran a multi-million-pound empire based on drugs, extortion and violent crime.

Born and bred on the Bestwood estate, Colin Gunn, with the help of brother David, built up a powerful crime network that resulted in some of the most high-profile crimes in Nottingham's history.

But from the confines of a top-security prison, his latest concern has been the cost of sending letters.

Gunn, serving 35 years for ordering the killing of Joan and John Stirland, wrote to prisoners' newspaper Inside Time about post room rules at HMP Belmarsh.

"I would like to inform all prisoners at Belmarsh that they have been overcharged by post-room staff when sending out A4-size mail and above, using a cash disbursement form," said Gunn, 45.

"A large letter which includes A4 and above has four different weights starting at 0-100gm for 90p and ending at 501-700gm for £2.30.

"Belmarsh have totally ignored these guidelines and have charged any A4 envelope as a 'packet' with a starting price of £2.70.

"When I raised this I was told I was wrong and an A4 letter is a packet! Unbelievable!

"They now concede I was in fact correct but what is worrying is how long this practice has been going on. Belmarsh were oblivious of their mistake. I suggest anyone with concerns should submit a Comp 1 (complaints form)."

Gunn even included a table showing fellow inmates exactly how much they should be paying for stamps, it was revealed.

His latest battle against prison staff follows claims in December that he could put the safety of officers at risk after winning the right to know what staff were writing about him in jail.

He urged other inmates to apply for their wing history sheet and other information held on them after a decision by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman to uphold his complaint.

After Gunn's latest complaint, Glyn Travis, assistant secretary of the Prison Officers' Association, accused him of "trying to make himself infamous".

"Mr Gunn is residing where he should be – that's in prison," said Mr Travis.

"While he's been making lots of complaints he is entitled to do that and they then will be investigated thoroughly and lessons will be learned if mistakes have been made.

"One thing he will learn is that prison life can last a long time."

In 2010, Gunn wrote to Inside Time revealing he had won the right to be called "Mr" by prison officers.

He said he had complained to the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman about staff at HMP Whitemoor not using the formal title.

His complaint was upheld in December 2009.

Gunn, from Rise Park, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 35 years in 2006.

Last June, the Post reported how Gunn was believed to be hatching a daring escape bid.

Officials were so worried that they moved him from HMP Long Lartin, in Worcestershire, to Belmarsh, in London.

Belmarsh holds up to 910 prisoners, including "Category A" prisoners – those whose escape, according to the Government, "would be highly dangerous to the public, police or the security of the state and the aim is to make escape impossible".

A MUM of twins who have a rare genetic disease is urging people across Notts to support Jeans for Genes Day today.

Louie and Freddie Dawkins are only seven years old but mum Sarah says they are unlikely to live beyond the age of 14.

Both boys appeared healthy when they were born and Sarah and husband Andrew, of Hucknall, only noticed something was amiss when they were not talking by about 18 months.

About a year later, they were diagnosed with autism but then their vision started to go.

"We noticed they were tripping over things and that started the ball rolling with looking into more serious things," said Sarah.

"It was horrible, they had been born with eyesight. You can see from the baby photos their vision was fine.

"Then one eye was flicking one way, wobbling from side to side."

Just before their fourth birthdays, the twins were registered blind.

And shortly after that, it was confirmed they had Batten disease, a rare, terminal genetic condition.

They cannot speak, they get very agitated when they cannot get across what they want to communicate and they wake up several times in the night. They are likely to develop epilepsy and lose their motor abilities as the condition worsens.

"It's horrible to see your children go downhill," said Sarah, who, alongside her husband, is a full-time carer for the boys.

"You want to make their lives as enjoyable as possible while they're here.

"Anything that helps improve their life makes a massive difference."

Today, hundreds of people across Notts will make donations to wear jeans to work for Jeans for Genes Day, to help people like Sarah and her family. The event supports research aiming to prevent all genetic conditions. The Batten Disease Support and Research Association, the specialist charity which funds research and supports families, is supported by Jeans for Genes.

Sarah and Andrew recently visited London for an international conference with the charity and they got to speak to scientists from around the world and meet other parents.

Only 200 children in the UK have the condition.

Their accommodation in London was paid for by Jeans for Genes and Sarah says it would not have been possible to attend without that support.

To support Jeans for Genes, or for more information, go to www.jeansforgenesday.org