Finally returning to home at The MKM Ground at Eslaforde Park after over a month and a half away, Sleaford will look to end a run of five consecutive defeats at the hands of 9th placed Ashby Ivanhoe.

Experiencing another solid season on the back of an 11th placed finish last term, The Knights will be looking to remain in the top half with a strong end to the season. The team from Leicestershire will be in a state of confidence on their adventure to Lincolnshire, suggesting that Sleaford’s run in does not get any easier. Belief will be strong for Andy Gray’s side, especially after coming off the back of two 1-0 victories at home to Melton Town as well as Newark & Sherwood in the last two fixtures.

Saturday’s visitors will be fresh in the mind of the Greens, with Sleaford only having played their opponents last month being beaten 2-0 at the NFU Sports Ground, thanks to goals from Sam Grouse and William Robson. Top-scorer Grouse in particular is likely to be a threat once more for Town’s backline, having registered a highly impressive 29 goals in 33 appearances – putting him third in the race for the United Counties Premier Division North golden boot.

Town manager Matt Evans is delighted to be back at Eslaforde Park, “It’s really exciting to be back at home” he proclaims, “We've been through some difficult moments recently and getting back to the Sleaford family feels like a refreshing opportunity.”

Having played the opposition so recently, Evans is looking to use that to the advantage of the Greens, “We learnt a lot from our visit to Ashby and we hope to cash-in some of that learning.” The boss is also aware that improvements have to be made, “However, we are rediscovering what we are good at and trying to ensure our own strengths are our focus.”

New signing Ollie Skinner, who joined Sleaford ahead of last Saturday’s fixture at Kimberley, has endured a slight setback, hints Evans, “Ollie banged his knee only seconds into his debut, it’s meant he’s not been able to attend every training session and we’ve had to manage it.” Despite this however, Matt believes Skinner has a role to play in the remainder of the season, “He’s ready and keen” Evans suggests, “We expect him to make an impact, Ollie wants to be the man that makes a difference, and that attitude is exactly what we need!”

Written by Oliver Burton