Tickets are now on sale for the Notts Senior Cup semi-final match which sees Newark and Sherwood United against Nottingham Forest Academy at Station Road

Football fans across the district are being urged to get their tickets to the upcoming clash between Newark and Sherwood United against Nottingham Forest Academy in the Notts Senior Cup semi-finals.

Hundreds of tickets have already been sold for the highly anticipated match at Station Road, Collingham on Monday 13 February.

There is no doubt that this big game will be a popular game, so potential spectators are advised to get in and buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/3wBegVR

The Highwaymen are back in contention after Basford United were removed by Nottinghamshire FA after breaching cup regulations when they fielded an ineligible player.

“Our return to competition shows that clubs need to follow FA rules both on and off the pitch,” said Steff Wright, chairman of Newark and Sherwood United.

“I’m sure it was an oversight by Basford fielding players who hadn’t been signed before the original game, but we also had a new player signed.

“We’re lucky to have had our experienced football secretary Kevin Presland who made sure manager JD knew the rules and so our signing wasn’t included in the line-up for that game.

“It’s an exciting prospect for our young, ambitious squad to take on the full-time pros from the City Ground.

“However, I’m sure JD and his management team will encourage them to ignore the Premiership shirts and see them as 11 players to play against on the field.”

Basford United of the higher division originally won 3-0 over the Highwaymen before the Nottinghamshire FA discovered the breach.

Newark and Sherwood were subsequently reinstated in the competition.

The game will be very special as Nottingham Forest has a large fan base in the area.

Jonathan D’Laryea has struggled with selection issues lately as several key players are injured.

D’Laryea is said to be making some of his players return before the Forest game and he has also been looking at other options outside the club.

Recently signed Steven Bonel has previously played for Selston and Shirebrook.

The winger will help strengthen the squad as their campaign progresses.

Meanwhile, planning for the big game continues.

“The Newark Round Table will be helping us on the day with additional volunteer support alongside our volunteers and those at Collingham FC,” Wright said.

“We will be putting up extra food vendors, inviting our game day DJ and playing the tennis ball challenge at halftime.

“We’re running a competition for anyone who wants to be a mascot and go out of the tunnel with the players.”

The game gives fans the chance to see future football stars play at Station Road.

Wright said there will be a good atmosphere for families and that the club is determined to make the most of this big occasion.

“This is the first time a competitive game against Nottingham Forest has been played at the Station Road site that we share with Collingham,” said Wright.

“It’s a fantastic reward for all the hard work we’ve put in since we moved here over the summer.

“We are maintaining our affordable prices of £6 for adults, £4 for concessions and £1 for children and as this is half term I am hoping for a large turnout from families for a fun evening of local football.

“Parking will be well signposted as people come into the village and the train is also a great option for those wanting a drink or two.

“We are selling pre-sale tickets online and encourage supporters to show up early.”

It’s been a good season for Newark and Sherwood United with a strong position in the league.

The team also plays entertaining football, with average attendances among the highest in the league.