Match Preview – Sleaford Town vs Clipstone, Saturday 4th October 2025

Town are back at Eslaforde Park, to open their October with a fixture against Clipstone FC in the United Counties League Division One.

Sleaford will be searching for improvement after a disappointing visit to South Normanton the week prior, losing 2-0 thanks to late goals in either half. They face a Clipstone side battling for survival in twenty-first place.

Saturday’s visitors have been regulars in the UCL D1 since 2022 now, performing well in the 3 seasons prior to this one. They have finished seventh, second and fifth since transferral from the Northern Counties East League. All associated with Clipstone will be hoping that the start to this season will be a mere blip, and a return to the status quo of playoff contenders is on the horizon. But before that becomes feasible, an improvement to away form must be made, as they have lost all 6 games on the road so far.

The Greens have of course met Clipstone before this campaign, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat in the FA Vase back in August. Since that fixture, Clipstone have picked up slightly in the league, winning two games amongst three losses. A slight improvement in form as of recent suggests to Sleaford that despite league position, facing The Cobras will not be easy.

Reflecting on the last outing against Clipstone, Sleaford manager Matt Evans is expecting a different game this time around: “When we played in the Vase, we had 7 players missing and gave opportunities to several of our development team lads” he says, “We weren't good enough that day and got what we deserved. A lot has changed since then so it would be wrong to compare either team with those that played in the cup”.

Despite a loss in the last league fixture, Evans feels like there was a lot learned: “I was pleased with how well we did against South Normanton in most areas” he comments, “I was disappointed with the sin bin as it was the third time a sub has come on and ended up in trouble”.

“I think it shows how desperate the lads are to impress and be in the 11 but it’s unacceptable so needs fixing quickly. We need to remember that we are role models to the junior fans and should behave appropriately”.

In terms of team news, Matt has provided updates: “Selection is impacted by the red card, an injury and a planned absence” he states, “There will be changes again but we can work through most of them at training. We also have a couple of lads returning to us so that could freshen up the group too”.

All appropriate details for the game are available on STFC’s relevant social media pages and website.