Matt Evans made two changes following his sides 2-1 defeat to Ashby Ivanhoe last weekend, with Andy Whalen and Jake Henderson replacing Sam Greenwood and Lewis Smalley.

The game started with Sleaford on top, playing football on a good surface, creating themselves chances in doing so. Ben Robson came close to opening the scoring early on, hitting his effort narrowly wide after driving into the box. Will Hollingsworth had Sleaford’s biggest chance early on, catching the goalkeeper out, dispossessing him, and hitting one towards goal. He was unfortunate, however, hitting it narrowly wide for a goal kick. Lewis Greenfield came close to opening the scoring himself, creating space outside the box and hitting a curling effort, but it was just over for a goal kick.

Newark quickly changed the game however, opening the scoring just after half an hour. Former Green Rushen found the ball after a fortunate bounce, and slotted it past Harrison Leech with ease from short range, much to the excitement of the home fans. Sleaford fought back well, and managed to find themselves an equaliser just before half time. Whalen slotted Josh Parker through, who shot well towards goal. After a good save by Jake West, Greenfield was there to slot it in, giving the Greens a well-earned goal.

The second half continued in a similar tempo to the first, with Sleaford creating chances, but still unable to find a clinical edge. Newark soon took the lead again, with Rushen netting just five minutes into the half. The ball was tapped through into his path, and he got through the defence, chipping the ball over a diving Leech who could do very little to stop the striker. The Greens made themselves a nuisance, continuing to battle and create chances even when it looked like they were out of it. Parker was set through on goal, but his shot was well saved by the foot of West, with the defenders then clearing the danger. Whalen found his own way of coming close, creating something out of nothing. Collecting the ball at a tight angle, his quick feet set him up for a shot, which was just wide of the goal.

Rushen got his third of the match with 15 to play. The striker was found in behind from close range once again, and he slotted the ball into the corner with ease, wheeling away in celebration as he got his third of the game. Sleaford continued to throw everything they could at Newark. Despite creating more chances, including a speculative overhead kick by Hollingsworth, Newark defended well, as well as West who was called into making some good saves.

In the end, Newark walked away with the three points, and the Greens could only rue missed chances in what was a tight affair.

Next up for the Greens is a trip to Kimberley Miners Welfare on March 15, set for a 3pm kick off.

Written by Finley Smithson