A hattrick from Flynn Slater was enough to seal the victory for the Knights, with two goals in the first half meeting a third late on in the second.

Greens boss Matt Evans made two changes to the side that beat Clipstone the week prior, with Ben Coleman and Lewis Greenfield exiting the starting 11, replaced by Silas Stewart-Caws and Boston Town loanee Harvey Graves.

The Knights started the game on top, with Sleaford being caught out at the back. One example of this came 10 minutes in, when Clayton Wilkinson was dispossessed just outside his own box, leaving the attacker through on goal. Goalkeeper Teddy Jefcoate was equal to the strike, making himself big and blocking the ball away for a corner.

Sleaford reacted well after a shaky start, but were caught out at the back with half an hour gone, leading to the first goal. Slater turned his man and found himself through on goal, only needing to slip it past Jefcoate to give Pinchbeck the lead.

A second came for the visitors just minutes later. A lofted ball found Slater in behind the Greens’ defence, chipping the ball over Jefcoate into the back of the net, giving the Knights some comfort in their lead.

Sleaford came back fighting for a consolation after this, but the attack of Graves, Lewis Smith and Taylor Gray couldn’t create anything clear cut between them, as Sleaford went into the break with a lot to do.

As the second half started, substitutes came on to make a positive impact on the match, and they did just that. Benji Zalewski came on and drew a foul 35-yards out, which, after an original clearance, led to a cross from Graves into a dangerous area. The ball met captain Jonathan Timmins, but the defenders touch and finish ended up being hit too well, rifling over the bar.

As the pressure continued from Sleaford, they still couldn't quite do enough to get a goal back. A cross from the edge of the box towards the back post was met by substitute Greenfield, whose shot was well saved by Knights goalkeeper Ben Martin, before the ball was turned behind for a Sleaford corner.

With Sleaford pushed so high up, it led to counter-attacking opportunities for Pinchbeck. They successfully managed one as the clock struck 90, sealing the three points. Slater was played through again, slipping it underneath Jefcoate and confirming his hattrick, as well as a win for The Knights on Boxing Day.

Sleaford had no time to respond, either, as the referee blew for full time, ending a disappointing day for the Greens in front of a bumper crowd.

The Greens will now turn their attention to their trip to promotion-chasing Retford United next Saturday, as they hope to pick up valuable points on the road.