Sleaford will look to build on the encouraging signs from Tuesday night's performance against Coalville Town, where the team performed well despite being defeated. First up on the agenda will be FCV Grace Dieu at home, a youthful team pushing for the playoffs. Next after that, it will be the derby between landlords and tenants, as Sleaford will play 'away' against Pinchbeck on Easter Monday at the PSZ Direct Stadium once more.

In The Green Corner

It will be a tough few days for the players, as they will only have one day to recover on Easter Sunday. Manager Jamie McGhee believes as tough as the challenge is, it will be a crucial one for the future of the club's campaign.

"⁠Its a tough ask for sure, it doesn't matter how fit you are, it's a lot. Three games in less than a week is a lot of football. But this weekend for us as a club is pivotal to the rest of our season.
⁠I think both games are just as tough as the other for different reasons; however, probably the Pinchbeck game holds more weight.

"With Grace Dieu having playoff hopes they will be all out to win the game. But Pinchbeck are right behind us, they share the ground so it's all about bragging rights, but ultimately is a six-pointer for both teams".

The gaffer has opted to step into the action in recent weeks, lining up in green against both Rainworth and Coalville. McGhee explains that he believes his experience is vital for the team, as it has been lacking for large parts of the season. "My thoughts behind me playing is solely due to the experience I have as a player" he said.

"I think we have looked nervous and some young lads have had to shoulder a lot of responsibility that they are not used to. With myself and Phil [McCann] through the spine, I think it's helped some of the lads just play their own game and not have to worry about organising others on the pitch. If my legs allow, then I will do what I can to help the team, whether that's 10 minutes or 60minutes for the remainder of the season."

And finally, McGhee provides a selection update for the fixtures. "⁠Nothing has really changed from Tuesday to be honest, although Harvey Gothard who had a good game Tuesday picked up an injury that may see him miss all weekend. But we have James Twigg back. I've got a good selection headache for this weekend for sure".

Opposition Focus

FCV Grace Dieu

Firstly starting with Saturday's opponent's Grace Dieu, who's non-league team has only been playing officially since 2023. It has seen incredible success in both of those years, however. They started out competing in Division One of Nottinghamshire’s Senior League, and they were promoted in second place in their opening season. This saw them play in the Nottinghamshire Premier Division, where they were promoted again this time as champions.

“The Academy” are joined to the FCV Academy, an international academy that specialises in developing talent from all over the world from as far and wide as Asia and Africa. FCV Grace Dieu is used to assist these players' transition to men’s football.

In the last meeting between the two, it was a thrilling 4-4 draw, where Town were 3-0 up early on, but eventually fought back to secure a point from 4-3 down thanks to Taylor Gray late on. The team now sit just two points outside of the playoff positions, on seventy-seven points.

Pinchbeck United FC

It has been a polar opposite season for Monday's opponents Pinchbeck, who remain firmly in the relegation dogfight with Sleaford and others. In the last meeting, The Nights made Sleaford feel the pinch in a 3-0 victory over Christmas.

It is the club's second season in the UCL Division One, as they were relegated from the Premier Division after being in that league since 2018. Times have been tough this season however for United, as they have been on a torrid run of form themselves since the turn of the new year. Since beating Sleaford, they have not won, collecting several draws amongst many losses.

Key Details

Location: Eslaforde Park, NG34 9GH
Time: 3:00pm Kickoff
Pricing: Adults £7 | Military £5 | 65+ £4 | U16 Free

vs Pinchbeck, please note that season tickets will not be valid, as the match will be treated like any normal away fixture.