Clipstone FC vs Sleaford Town, Saturday 23rd August 2025

The Green Army have been struck by FA Vase fever ahead of this weekend, as they head to the Lido Ground to face Clipstone in the first qualifying round.

Sleaford will be looking to put Tuesday night’s events firmly in the past, as a win in the Vase could reignite the feel-good factor into the club. They will face fellow UCL D1 opponents Clipstone for a place in the second qualifying round.

It will be an enormous journey ahead for The Greens if they want to prevail in the competition, as they will have to better nearly 600 teams from the country across 9 stages to reach the final at Wembley Stadium on 17th May 2026. The Greens will aim to better their best ever performance, that being the fourth round in 2015/16

Opponents and hosts Clipstone have not started the campaign brightly, finding themselves 21st after a single win and seven losses. They will be hoping that league form will not carry over into this competition. The Cobras’ best ever FA Vase performance since their 1928 inception is the third round, managing to reach that stage once in the 1992/93 season.

There has been some good news on the transfer front, as The Greens have acted quickly to secure the services of new signing Joe Nicholson from Harrowby United. Nicholson is an experienced player in the non-leagues, having had Step 5 experience in his career at Harrowby. The new man is also versatile, capable of playing as a full-back and in midfield. Familiar to the coaching staff, Nicholson will be reunited with Matt Evans and Isaac Wilinsky, having been a part of Lincoln United’s development squad.

Town manager Matt Evans knows all about this competition from his days at Lincoln United and understands the opportunity it can provide to a club like ours; “I love the Vase” he says, “It’s got the magic of the FA Cup with the hope that you might get to Wembley. Being one penalty kick away from that dream scars and motivates in equal measures.”

However, he understands the challenge ahead for Sleaford; “There are many more experienced teams than us so I’m not under any illusion, but for brief moments the kid in me dreams of stepping out at Wembley next May” Evans comments, “The buzz and the excitement of cup football is soon levelled back out when you see the injury and holiday commitments list, so let’s savour this moment of wonder and enjoy it for as long as possible”.

Following one of the club’s most difficult moments since his arrival, Evans lauds the response from the community to Ewan Dobson; “We are all moved by the love shown towards Dobbo following his leg break against Retford” he praises, “It is very special to be a part of something where a person can be so valued by their community and his absence will be felt by all of us.”

The boss, on the other hand, is determined to not let this unfortunate event set Sleaford back; “However, as I have said previously, one man's absence is another person's opportunity, so with all the enforced changes I’m looking forward to welcoming new signing Joe Nicholson into the squad. Isaac and I have worked with Nicho before, as have some of the boys, so we know he has the character and temperament we need” he says, “Once up to speed, I'm sure he will be a success in green!”

All the appropriate details for the fixture are available on Sleaford Town FC’s relevant social media pages.

Words by Olly Burton