Match Preview - Sleaford Town vs Stapleford Town, Saturday 30th August 2025

The Green Army return to Eslaforde Park this Saturday to face Stapleford Town, as they look to build on the point secured in midweek.

The visitors have a short but sweet history, with the senior section of the club having only being founded in 2017. In the years that have followed, The Saxons have had a lot of success. They were crowned winners of the Nottinghamshire Senior League on three occasions – in 18/19, 22/23 and 23/24 – before they were promoted into the UCL D1 in 24/25, where they are now. In their first campaign at step six, they finished eleventh out of nineteen teams, a respectable first season at the level.

As for this year, Stapleford have made a solid start. Having only played six matches, the least in the league, Saturday’s opposition have secured three wins, two draws and one loss. The highlight of their season so far is perhaps their 6-0 away trouncing at bottom club Rainworth Miners Welfare. They are placed thirteenth, whilst Sleaford are fourteenth.

Town fans will be hoping for Sleaford to get back to winning ways, as two defeats and a draw in the last three has seen a drop off in form. They will certainly be looking to use home advantage to come away victors against a Stapleford side who are on the same points as Sleaford, but have played two games less.

As the summer period is coming to a close, Sleaford manager Matt Evans is hoping that his side can kick on with a full squad; “The building process is ongoing” he says, “Saturday marks the first time in 10 games that we've got all players available (except Dobbo who will be a long term absence). With such a fluctuating squad, its proved difficult to have much consistency but I’m hopeful that will now change. The players that have stepped up from the Development Team will have learnt and hopefully feel closer to the firsts, building the pathway throughout the club”.

After a series of disappointing starts to games for the Greens, the boss is hopeful of rectifying the issue; “We've analysed where we think we've gone wrong, including conceding early goals, and believe it to be a mindset issue” he believes, “We've got a few too many lads that are desperate to impress and in trying to get forward quickly have left us exposed. We continue to work on our shape behind the ball and without the ball”.

Ahead of the game in question, Evans shared his thoughts on Sleaford’s preparations for the game; “80% of this league are having inconsistent results” he comments, “It’s really difficult to see strong patterns. Stapleford are in a similar league position to us and will want to pinch points. Their shape and playing style will give us things to consider and also some opportunities. I’m hoping for a good game of football”.

All the appropriate details for the fixture are available on Sleaford Town FC’s relevant social media pages.

Written by Oliver Burton