Newark Town face back-to-back fixtures against Retford United and Clay Cross Town that could decide the title

Newark Town are gearing up for the biggest period of the club's recent history as they push for promotion with back-to-back games against their title rivals.

The Blues, managed by former pro Nathan Arnold, are on the brink of promotion after moving top of the Central Midlands Football League Premier Division North following Saturday's 3-1 win over Dearne & District.

The win coincided with unsuccessful results for Thorne Colliery and Retford United, who both dropped points and allowed Town to return to the top.

Now, ten months after the appointment of Arnold, the Blues face their biggest week of the season with fixtures against Retford United (on Wednesday) and Dinnington Town (on Saturday).

Arnold, who has also guided his team to the Notts Senior Trophy final, issued a rally cry ahead of the fixtures.

He said: "We are four wins away from becoming league champions and a cup final away from lifting the Notts Senior Trophy.

"The excellent support I have had from the volunteers at Newark Town has enabled me and my staff to focus on the development of this ambitious group of players.

"It is at times like this that we need supporters to be the 12th man and help us over the line.

"Whether you are a Newark FC supporter, a Lincoln or Forest fan or a Manchester United supporter, I urge you to get behind local football and give this team the support it deserves as we strive for promotion."

Steff Wright, whose Gusto Group company underpinned the appointment of Arnold, said he was really pleased with the way the season has progressed.

"Nathan has brought together an ambitious group of staff and a great bunch of players who have developed quickly and are proving themselves in a very competitive league," he said.

Away from the Blues, Mr Wright also revealed that talks had been on-going regarding Newark FC's return to the town.

"It is an exciting time for football in Newark with talks between Newark Town FC, Newark FC, the YMCA and the council set to result in the two senior Saturday football teams ground sharing at the YMCA from the start of next season," he said.

"It has been great to see supporters from all the Newark clubs getting behind Newark Town FC.

"Promotion will mean that local supporters will, for the first time, be able to watch step five and step six football on alternative Saturdays in Newark."

The Town versus Retford Utd game kicks off at 7.45pm at the YMCA.

The Blues then travel to Mill Lane on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.