Flat Greens Fall To Derby Defeat

Sleaford Town’s United Counties League Premier Division North inconsistencies were compounded by a 2-0 defeat to Boston Town on Saturday afternoon.

The Greens had arrived at Tattershall Road full of confidence after a 1-0 victory over title-chasing Lincoln United last weekend, but failed to hit the heights they did at Ashby Avenue and were outfought and outbattled by a determined Poachers side on Saturday afternoon.

The Greens once again went unchanged from the side that defeated Lincoln United 1-0 last weekend at Ashby Avenue, though there were a spate of changes on the bench. Most notably, Charlie Ward returned from a two-game suspension to feature amongst the substitutes while there was also a return for midfielder Danny Horton, who took his place in the dugout alongside new loan-signing Jake Henderson who arrived from National League North side Boston United in midweek. Hosts Boston Town meanwhile were looking for a response to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Heanor Town last week and they made two changes to try and make that happen. Former Green Joe Smith dropped out after his red card against the Lions last weekend, while the other change saw Zane Miller drop to the substitutes bench – they were replaced in the starting eleven by striker Harry Limb and experienced defender Richard Ford.

The Greens did actually start well at Tattershall Road and they could have led had Richard Ford not made an excellent block to deny Akeel Francis inside the box. The hosts soon found a foothold though and Harry Limb fired a warning shot when his effort just evaded Liam Flitton’s crossbar before brother Ryan Flitton was in action to block Lee Beeson’s powerful effort a few minutes later.

The hosts continued to push on and Jordan Nuttell blasted well over from Beeson’s cross, before Liam Flitton was required to be behind Harry Limb’s drive from range. In a summary of first half profligacy, the closest any side really came to an opener saw Fraser Bayliss scoop an effort over the crossbar when well-placed as the first half played out with very little other goalmouth action.

The Greens did improve early in the second half and at least began with more zip and zest, possibly aided by the introduction of Charlie Ward at the break. Seb Robbemond was the first to try his luck from distance before Gregg Smith had probably the Greens clearest chance of the game when he forced home keeper Travis Portas to tip an effort onto the top of the net.

The Greens continued to push on, Robbemond again striking wide from distance before Charlie Ward headed Ryan Flitton’s corner just over the crossbar. A further warning shot was fired when the ball was in the Sleaford net, but was ruled out after a foul on Liam Flitton just beyond the hour and sure enough, within 10-minutes, the hosts did find a legal advantage. It was fine work from the industrious Harry Limb the generated the chance as he worked space and delivered a delicious cross for Jordan Nuttell to head home at the far post.

This initiated a strong spell from the hosts and they could have doubled their advantage were it not for a fantastic save from Liam Flitton to deny Lucas Dakin at close range before Harry Limb swept Jordan Nuttell’s cross just wide of the far post. The hosts lead was doubled though shortly after when a fine through-ball from Layton Maddison was latched upon by Dakin and he coolly rounded Liam Flitton to stroke home into an empty net and all but secure the Poachers three-point haul.

The Greens, even at 2-0 down, rarely threatened to eat into the Poachers lead, their best opportunity seeing Ryan Lennon nearly break through the lines only for him to find Jordan Tate in fine form to prevent any further progress as the hosts saw out the game with relative ease.

The Greens make a welcome return to the MKM Stadium next weekend as Hucknall Town visit in United Counties League Premier Division North action. Kick-off at Eslaforde Park is set for 3PM.

Words: Oliver Atkin