Sleaford Town play their first United Counties League Premier Division North fixture of the New Year on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Heanor Town to the MKM Ground – kick-off, 3:00pm.

Manager Matt Evans will be hoping the Greens can make it a winning start to 2025 too, arresting what has become an increasingly worrying 13-game streak without a win. The Greens started well in their last out on Boxing Day at Boston Town but wilted somewhat to ultimately lose 2-0 to Chris Funnell’s in-form out. Evans challenged his players to find their first half levels at Tattershall Road on a more consistent basis going into the New Year where points are becoming increasingly important as the sides around the Greens pick up important points. As 2024 gave way to 2025 – the gap to the relegation zone had reduced to just three points, highlighting just how desperately the Greens need a profitable run in the second half the season.

The Greens will hope that begins today against an opposition they have traditionally enjoyed a fine record against. Five wins in seven games against the Lions would suggest the Greens can look at today’s game as an opportunity to record a positive result. Out of that equation is though, is that Heanor are again, one of the leagues form sides and come into today’s fixture on the back of three straight wins in Premier Division North and hunting down promotion in a packed play-off race. A 3-1 victory over rivals Belper United on Boxing Day saw the Lions leapfrog their opposition into 6th position and continue breathing down the necks of AFC Mansfield in the final play-off position.

Manager Matt Evans then will be no doubt pleased to welcome back captain Finlay Armond ahead of today’s clash after he missed both Christmas games with Bourne Town and Boston Town. He’ll be joined by two new faces in the matchday squad as both Jonathan Timmins and Clayton Wilkinson jostle for a debut amongst the starting eleven. Evans will be without Ben Ashall and Jack Arbon once again though as both continue to recover from knee injuries picked up before the festive period. Evans will also be without Ollie Fields – albeit for the foreseeable future – as he takes time away to travel to Australia.

Admission to The MKM Ground (NG34 7ER) on Saturday afternoon is priced at £7 for adults and £4 for concessions, with under-sixteen’s free (alongside a paying adult). We also offer a military discount for those in the armed services, and this grants you entry at £5 upon production of a valid ID. Cash and card can be accepted at both our turnstiles and at the hot food counter which serves a variety of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Our matchday programme can be found on our website or social channels in the lead up to kick-off, but for those who prefer a printed memento, you can pick up a complimentary teamsheet at the turnstiles or in the bar. Saturday’s match referee is Craig Forbes, and he is assisted on the day by Anthony Sharrock and Rob Slater. Kick-off at Eslaforde Park is scheduled for 3:00pm.