It was a tough start for the Greens, as they conceded a penalty within the first ten minutes. In a threatening attacking move for the Saints, Ben Coleman was caught the wrong side of his man, making contact with the attacker, and giving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Harry Goddard was the man to take the spot-kick, and he converted well from 18-yards out, finding the top corner with his effort.

This goal seemed to bring Sleaford to life, tightening up at the back and starting to create chances of their own. This led to the equaliser, when Kyle Onyon was found through on goal. He couldn't quite get past goalkeeper Beau Watson at first, but the shot-stopper's spill gave Onyon a second opportunity to find the net. He did so too, hitting it low and hard with Watson unable to get back up to stop it.

The equaliser only gave Sleaford more confidence to find another, with winger Benji Zalewski and Onyon both having attempts at goal. Zalewski's was hit just wide of the target, whilst Onyon's forced a punch away by Watson.

Midway through the first half, goalkeeper Ryan Kamm was forced into making a strong double save, before eventually keeping the ball in his arms, stopping what was a serious opportunity for the visitors to find themselves ahead again.

As half time approached, Sleaford found themselves ahead for the first time in the match. A corner was whipped in by Kyle Reek, and Coleman was there to get the last touch on it, helping it into the net to give Sleaford a well-deserved lead.

The second half went on with Sleaford prepared to manage the game. If any threat came from Sandiacre's attackers, the defence was strong enough to deny it and keep a strong shape, before then trying to build into attack.

Striker Andy Whalen thought he had Sleaford's third, when he had a shot from a tight angle which slipped just past the far post before being cleared of further danger, with home fans wondering how their side weren't further ahead.

As the match drew into added time, Sleaford found a third through Zalewski. He got the better of his man, and hit one low and hard past Watson, hitting the side netting and giving Sleaford comfort within their lead.

Sandiacre didn't have a chance to respond, with the referee blowing for full time as Sleaford got a well-deserved three points against play-off hopefuls.

The Greens will want to use this win as they push on now, travelling to Nottingham next Saturday, as they face Gedling Miners Welfare in more UCL Division One action.

(Picture: Ed Mayes Photography)