Last time out against Pinchbeck United, Sleaford were not up to standards, losing 3-0 to their fellow ground sharers. A response this Saturday will be even tougher however, as opponents Retford United have only lost two games all season in their title challenge with cross-town rivals Retford FC.

Sleaford manager Matt Evans shares the disappointment of the loss against Pinchbeck with the fans and is determined to try and turn performances around in the next one. “⁠We are all frustrated with the level of performance in our last game” he said. “We are embarrassed that we didn’t hit the levels of desire our opponent showed and that we let our club down. We have to find a way out of this mood, quickly”.

“Saturday will be a tough game but what we've learnt so far is that anything can happen in this league. We are looking forward to seeing Bash and how his new team play. We will be keen to learn again and show the progress we've made since 21st October”.

Once again in the festive period, Evans reveals the flux in team selection. “The squad is having significant changes this weekend as ski trips, family holidays and romantic new year's weekends away take lads out. However, it gives other players an opportunity to get in the side and stake a claim for a shirt”

Opposition Report

This season at Cannon Park, performances have more or less continued in the same fashion as the last campaign. The Badgers finished third in the division last season, suffering playoff heartbreak to Blackstones in the semi-finals.

United’s form in the last five games has been outstanding, collecting thirteen points from a possible fifteen. Their latest victory was their most impressive of all, beating Retford FC to put the pressure on at the top of the division.

The fixture also marks the reuniting of Sleaford and Ben Ashall, who won Retford United’s player of the month award in December. The left back was Town’s top goalscorer in the league before his departure to the hosts at the back end of last year.

Key Details

Location: Cannon Park, DN22 6QF
Time: 3pm Kickoff