Rainworth Miners Welfare have received a boost in their bid for promotion to the KoolSport NCEL Premier Division.

Influential defender Matt Draper has been cleared of any misconduct following an appeal against his sending off in the league match against Bottesford Town on 21st March.

Draper was shown the red card by referee Colin Barraclough for an alleged push on the match official during a melee which was sparked by a challenge on keeper Mark Hales, who had just saved a penalty.

But, after the match Bottesford captain Daniel Hope leaped to Draper's defence and said that he had accidentally pushed the defender into the referee during the fracas.

The Wrens defender requested a personal hearing which took place last night and his case was supported by letters of evidence from Hope and also Poachers manager Ralph Clayton.

Draper, who has been forced to sit out the last five games, will now be available for Saturday's massive clash with promotion rivals Staveley Miners Welfare.