They changed their name to Blidworth Welfare in 1982 and for season 1982/1983 they became founders of the newly formed Northern Counties East League. They joined Division One South of this league when it was reorganised for the 1984/1985 season, and twelve months later when there was further reorganisation they became founder members of the new Division Three.
In season 1986/1987 they left to join the Central Midlands League and started life in the Premier Division, eventually winning promotion to the Supreme Division in 1990. They were promoted back to the Northern Counties East League for season 1994/1995 and competed in Division One but were relegated back to the Central Midlands League Supreme Division after finishing bottom of Division One at the end of season 1997/1998.
Former Southwell City and Kirkby Town Manager Brett Marshall was appointed First Team Manager for season 2010-2011. The season was a great success with Marshall leading the first team into runners up spot. This season after Marshall’s departure to Retford United the club had to work hard to rebuild from scratch bringing in a whole new squad.
The game was moved to Kimberley Town's ground due to damage caused to the changing rooms at the Blidworth Welfare ground. A short bus trip on the Rainbow 1 took me to the Stag Inn, kimberley, close to the ground. Scott Ward the Blidworth Treasurer was on the gate and nearby were a pack of friendly groundhoppers. I positioned myself behind the goal at the changing room end of the ground. Blidworth had won the toss and were attacking in this direction.
The Blidworth team were wearing their Red & Black half shirts and their first chance came on five minutes when a shot flashed across the face of the goal. On ten minutes the Blidworth right back beat the offside, but he hit a weak shot into the Kimberley keepers arms. The Blidworth keeper didn't touch the ball in the first half hour as the game was played entirely in the Kimberley half. Blidworth eventually took the lead when Liam Pride thundered a header past the helpless keeper.
Kimberley had one attack in the first half and it was their ginger haired forward who had a shot that flew over the crossbar from twenty yards out. It was 2-0 to Blidworth just before half time when a Kimberley defender was adjudged to have handled in his area. Joseph Meehan duly blasted the spot kick into the net although Driver the Kimberley keeper got both hands to the ball.
Kimberley were awarded a penalty for handball themselves early in the second half, but it was hit straight at the keeper and saved. Although Blidworth were still creating many chances they were not being finished. They almost came unstuck when the Kimberley substitute Shaki Minors hit a low shot that hit the foot of the post. Moments later Blidworth were on the attack and the move ended with a shot hitting the crossbar and going out for a goalkick.
Midway into the second half Kimberley surprised Blidworth with a move which saw Shaki Minors cross for a team mate to score. The goal dented Blidworth's pride and they came forward with more purpose but again Kimberley hit them on the break. The ball was played into the Blidworth area and from twelve yards out they equalised. Despite being on the end of what seemed endless Blidworth attacks the battling Kimberley team held on for only their seventh point of the season.
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