At the end of the 1996–97 season, the club was relegated due to the 3-year flood light installation rule not being met; funds set aside to complete this project had been spent in establishing new changing rooms.

The team started strongly with 10 victories and 2 draws from the first twelve games, before a winter of weather postponements brought an abrupt end to the form.

Victories became harder to come by in the New Year, and a run of one win in eight threatened to derail the promotion dream.

This was enough to guarantee a promotion to Step 6 East Midlands Counties League for the first time since the club's re-formation.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.