Match Preview – FCV Grace Dieu vs Sleaford Town, Sat 1st November 2025

Saturday marks the first away match in a month of four for The Greens, as they will make the trip to Leicestershire to begin that run.

In The Green Corner

Sleaford will be hoping to extend their winning streak to two matches, having beaten Shirebrook Town 3-1 last time out at Eslaforde Park. Ben Ashall’s free-kick was then followed by new man Callum Brown’s first goal for the side, before Lewis Greenfield added a third just after the hour. A consolation goal from the visitors was not enough to spark a comeback, meaning that Sleaford walked away with all three points as worthy winners.

That result has left Town in thirteenth place after nineteen matches, on twenty-four points. A victory against 3rd place Grace Dieu could see them move as high as tenth, depending on the results of those above.

To do this however, Sleaford manager Matt Evans understands his side must carry on in the same way as recent to get a result. “We need to have the same intent as the last 2 games, but we must also show the quality on the ball with it being a 3G pitch” he said.

“Playing top sides is the challenge we want so as long as we learn from previous mistakes, we will find a way to remain competitive.”

⁠”Our opponents train a lot and are led by guys who know nonleague football really well. Shane [Clarke] and George [Zuerner] will want them to play an attractive brand of football and results show that they know how to do it. We won’t make it easy for them and will look for ways to use our best assets. We are looking forward to it, and I hope the fans are too!”

Ahead of a long month of travelling, Evans is thankful for the fan’s support so far this campaign, and is confident it will continue. “⁠The Green Army following have popped up at all sorts of random grounds so I'm really hopeful that they'll come and see us during these journeys. We will miss the characters and support we get but that will only make it more enjoyable during our only home game of November!”

Opposition Report

FCV Grace Dieu’s non-league team has only been in existence for two years, and has seen incredible success in both of those years. Beginning in 2023 competing in Division One of Nottinghamshire’s Senior League, they were promoted in second place in their opening season. This saw them play in the Nottinghamshire Premier Division, where they were promoted again this time as champions.

“The Academy” are joined to the FCV Academy, an international academy specialising in nurturing young talent from all over the world from as far and wide as Asia and Africa. Grace Dieu is used as a subsection of the wider academy in helping these players transition to men’s football.

Saturday’s opponents have continued to impress as their history goes on, and currently sit in an impressive third place already. Victories against the likes of Retford United have proved to the division that they are not to be taken lightly as a newly promoted team.

Key Details

Location: FCV Academy, LE67 5UG
Time: 3pm KO
Pricing: £5 Adults | £3 Concessions | Free for Children

Match preview by Olly Burton