Greens boss Matt Evans made two changes from the side that suffered the narrow defeat to Bourne midweek. Harry Gibbons and Ben Ashall replaced Joe Wilkinson and Jonathan Timmins, with the defender suffering a blow to his ankle on Tuesday night.

The Arrows, meanwhile, would have felt refreshed coming into this game, having last played a competitive fixture on Boxing Day, when they lost 3-0 to promotion chasing Bourne.

It was an even start between the two sides, each trying to get chances away to intimidate the opposition. The clubs top-scorer Ben Robson had an effort from just outside the 18-yard box which called Harrowby goalkeeper Alex Smith into action for the first time.

Harrison Leech was called to action after half an hour, making a superb save with his leg to stop former Green Issa Gaye from getting the games opener. The Arrows managed to find the lead shortly after, however. Harry Alcock collected the ball from outside the box, and his turn and finish did enough to beat Leech, as it collided with the underside of the crossbar and bounced in.

Despite fighting hard for the final 10 minutes of the half, Sleaford couldn’t get back into the game, failing to create anything clear to trouble the Harrowby defence.

The second half was much more end-to-end, with Will Hollingsworth coming agonisingly close to opening his account, only to be stopped by Smith. At the other end, a series of deflections stopped the ball from flying towards goal.

The Greens found the equaliser seven minutes after the second half whistle. Ashall found himself on the end of a Parker corner, and hit it into the net from close range, as the momentum swung Sleaford’s way.

Parker gave Sleaford the lead just four minutes after the equaliser. A drop ball led to a ball launched up the pitch and play between Harry Gibbons and Lewis Greenfield saw Parker in behind. He beat his man and whipped it into the bottom corner, much to the approval of the Greens fans.

Harrowby fought back, but the sturdy defence did enough to neutralise any chances, much to the frustration of The Arrows. A red mist descended over the Harrowby players and staff as the match started to slow down, with Sleaford seeing the remaining time out.
In the end, it was Sleaford celebrating as they left home soil having secured a very valuable three points.

Words: Finley Smithson
Photo: Ed Mayes Photography