Written by Max
Ground #3
Newark FC – Lowfields
1st September 2020 – FA Cup Extra-Prelim Round
Newark FC (Step 5 Midland Prem) 4-0 Deeping Rangers (Step 5 UCL)
Attendance: 250 (estimate)
Entry: £6
Today’s game was an historic occasion. Not only was it the return of competitive football after lockdown, but also the first time the FA cup had come to Newark for almost 60 years. Newark themselves are a club on the up. Having gained promotion 2 years on the bounce before ending up 4th and well in the promotion hunt when the league was announced null and void last season. This year they have shown their ambition with some top signings for the level bringing in players such as former Forest and Mansfield forward Craig Westcarr and last seasons player of the season at Gainsborough (2 divisions higher) Nathan Stainsfield This game looked as though it could have been a stiff test for the Highwaymen, with Deeping doing well themselves at the same level last season. But Newark looked a class above, certainly in the second half as their dominance was shown with 4 good goals. The pick of the bunch being a fantastic strike from distance by another new signing Liam King. A great night for Newark getting their first win at the first attempt in the FA Cup and if they play like that all season they will certainly be there or thereabouts in the promotion mix once again.
Unfortunately for everyone involved at the club, at the end of the 2020/21 season the club were forced to move out of their Lowfields ground due to the owner wanting to build houses on the site. Petitions were made but in the end nothing could be done to stop this. This is the last thing the club needed as the fan base had been growing week on week with the Town really getting behind their local team. The Highwaymen have agreed to groundshare for the 2021/22 season 50 minutes away at Basford United and hope that this will only be a 1 year thing as they look for a new location within the Town of Newark.
Location: 3/10
The ground itself is based in nearby Balderton and therefore isn’t actually in Newark at all! If you were to get a train to Newark you would have around a 45 minute walk to the ground and there are no pubs nearby. It is though, an easy drive from Newark taking us under 5 minutes to arrive at the ground so we can’t grumble really!
Kit: 8/10
Newark play in a vibrant orange kit with black shorts. We were disappointed to see they had moved away from their shirt from last season which included a silhouette of the Newark skyline at the bottom. A possible 10/10 if they had stuck with it but seeing the new shirt in the flesh for the first time at this game, we were pleasantly surprised and the kit looks very smart. I’ve included a photo of last seasons kit on the right for comparison.
Facilities: 8/10
The clubhouse at Lowfields is fantastic. A large bar area with plenty of seating alongside a big area of benches behind the goal so you can sit in the sun if you wish. The only way we think this could be improved is a slight update in the decoration but that is being extremely picky. We always enjoy getting to games here early for a pint and to watch the early kick off on sky sports.
Look: 6/10
The ground itself has changed a lot in recent times. Obviously as the club has won back to back promotions, a lot of work has been done to get the ground up to standard. A new stand behind the goal with seating alongside the addition of hardstanding around a third side to make sure the club is at the correct standard for ground grading. In some areas you can tell that things have been put up quickly and cheaply as things are rushed to keep the ground up to the standard of the league the club is rising into. The DCR Stand has been made quickly using Timber and the new seats have just been wheeled in and therefore aren’t permanently in the stand. We look forward to seeing the future developments as the club continues to grow both on and off the pitch.
Food and drink: 8.5/10
We were glad to finally manage to get our hands on our first burger of the season, and what a way to start. The burger was fantastic. A thick juicy burger topped with cheese and grilled onions. We both agreed that it was one of the best burgers we have had at a football match. Sadly, no chips were available but that didn’t take to much away from the tasty burger. Emma also reckons that Pauline in the snack hut does the best hot chocolates in the world! I must say I agree with her they are perfect for the second half of a cold February match. Newark also get a bonus half point for selling Emma’s favourite, Dark Fruit cider, in the clubhouse!
Overall a very enjoyable night on a big occasion for Newark FC. A big win and a great atmosphere as The Highwaymen rode onto the next round. We look forward to following them on their road to Wembley and I’m sure we will both be seen at Lowfields multiple times over the coming season.
TOTAL SCORE 33.5/50
Emma’s Ground Guide 