Fitness factor could be the decider as Newark Town and Collingham join Central Midland Football League’s Chairman’s Cup

It could be a battle of the fittest as football returns, according to Newark Town manager Luke Parsons.

The Blues are joined by Collingham, Retford United and SJ Rockware of Worksop in Group Three of the Central Midland Football League’s Chairman’s Cup.

The World Cup-styled tournament begins on April 13 and Parsons said it would be a challenge for his squad.

“We are taking it as friendlies as there’s no promotion riding on it,” he said.

“We have had positive feedback from the lads and the majority just wanted to get playing.

“Obviously, we want to go into this and win it because that is my mentality, but it is also just about getting out and playing.

“A couple of the lads are missing through work, some are playing it by the week because of family commitments. People haven’t seen their families in a year. Everybody wants to get playing but you can understand there are going to be bigger priorities than football.

“The main thing for some though is we are playing again and the league has added that competitive side to it, so for us we can’t wait to get that buzz again and a bit of normality back.”

Parsons said fitness would be a huge aspect in the early matches.