Sleaford will want to forget last week’s FA Vase exit. A 1-1 draw in ninety minutes with Birstall was ultimately decided by a loss on penalties, where all three Town players missed from twelve yards. This week however provides an opportunity to bounce back, something that gaffer Jamie McGhee is expecting from his players against a challenging Gedling:

“I’m expecting a really big reaction to Saturdays Vase exit disappointment” he said. “We trained well on Tuesday had a thorough session on what we need to do better. So, I expect that to come through Saturday.

“Gedling always have been a difficult side regardless of where they are in the league. They have a strong work ethic and when a team find themselves already fighting to stay out of the bottom 3 of the league, they are a more dangerous opposition than teams at the top.

“Ultimately, we have to earn the right to go and win on Saturday. If we are off the pace in any way Gedling have enough to beat us so we have to give everything to win the game.”

With Sleaford already performing well at home this year, McGhee wants to ensure the team play with cohesion regardless of situation or form: “At Home or away, we set up the same way regardless of opposition or pitch. We set up to win games. It’s then onto the team to deliver that. However, we do seem to be happier at our own ground as performances and results have proved”.

There will also be new faces on the selection front, according to McGhee, who has worked to bring in new additions. “Changes have been made to what tomorrow's Squad looks like off the back of the last couple of performances. There will be 2 new faces in for tomorrow's game, on dual registration, and Alfie Sheen is possibly only a week-10 days away from getting back to training.”

Opposition Look

Gedling enter the UCL Division One season after a slice of fortune after last year. Finishing in second-to-last in the table, The Miners were relieved to receive news that they would be remaining in the league, as their relegation had been rescinded thanks to league organisations at the level, similarly to Pinchbeck United.

Looking to capitalise on the news has been a struggle so far this year for the club, as they once more find themselves near the foot of the standings. Recent form has been as bad as it gets from a Gedling perspective. The club have endured a torrid eight-match losing streak in all competitions, including some heavy defeats. The most notable results came against Southwell City and South Normanton, losing 0-5 and 7-0 respectively.