Match Preview – Lincoln United vs Sleaford Town, 15th February 2025

After a disappointing afternoon against Skegness a fortnight ago, The Greens will look to get back on track away at Ashby Avenue, facing a high-flying Lincoln United side.

Unbeaten since mid-December in all competitions and over a stretch of 8 matches, The Whites have been on a good run of form as of late putting together a string of impressive performances, most notably against promotion rivals Bourne Town beating them 2-1. In the last 5 league games alone United have picked up 11 points from a possible 15 – including victory against Deeping Rangers and Gresley Rovers as well as Bourne - suggesting Saturday’s tussle will be a tough test for Matt Evans’s side.

Lincoln possesses a talented squad for this level, indicated by their lofty position in the table. Boasting the likes of on-loan Lincoln City duo Kelly Fombad and Gbolahan Okewoye as well as former Sleaford man Tristan Drummond, as United look to mix a blend of youth and experience to propel themselves up the table. Goalkeeper Jack Steggles is another key player for the opposition; being the penalty shootout hero on numerous occasions in last season’s run to the FA Vase semi-final, bowing out to eventual winners Romford on spot kicks.

Scott Hellewell’s side have managed to make Ashby Avenue somewhat of a fortress this campaign having only lost 3 times in the league at home this season, the joint second best in the division.

Greens boss Matt Evans admits that the visit will be challenging – “Ashby Avenue is a fantastic, historic football ground” he states, “It’s never easy to go to any club in the top end of the division so we will be challenged in many ways as they try to use their experience and history to get themselves back to where they want to be: step 4.”

With no fixture last Saturday, Evans hopes to use the break to Town’s advantage – “The week off came at a good time as we had knocks and injuries that needed more time.” Evans adds, “We've been able to get extra information in by having additional training sessions and whilst some of it isn't specific to Lincoln, it’s all good for the next few weeks”. Evans also utilised the break to boost team morale - “It also gave us a chance to spend some social time together.”

On the Injury front there is a mixed bag of fortune for Sleaford– “Harry (Gibbons) will have a late fitness test” Evans says, “Josh (Parker) managed to avoid stitches so should be ok having rested it and taken extra care. Physio George has worked hard with him and also to prepare Jack Arbon who might be able to return after two games on loan with our friends at Appleby Froddingham.” Evans also hinted - “Harrison Ainslie is also very close to a return having also worked hard with George’s plan.”

Finally, the boss has suggested that his squad is in a strong position despite the setbacks - “There will be a lot of competition for places going into the remaining 9 games and this will help our development as we look to secure step 5 for 2025/26.”

Words by Oliver Burton - STFC Media Assistant