Sleaford Town go in search of an elusive United Counties League Premier Division North victory on Saturday afternoon as they make the long journey to Gresley Rovers - kick-off, 3:00pm.

A winless streak of eight games in league action would suggest sustained struggle at the MKM Ground over the past couple of months, but things certainly aren't as cut and dried as that.

That was most evident as the Greens fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of league leaders Eastwood Community last weekend. Likely deserving more than they got, the Greens shape, organisation and application of the high press were the obvious plus points for Matt Evans in what was, in a strange way, one of the most complete performances under his stewardship despite defeat

The league leaders could best describe themselves as 'rattled' at half time as Ben Robson's crashing drive gave the Greens a first half lead in howling conditions at the MKM. Quality, and a fair slice of good fortune ultimately told though as Evans was left to rue the fine margins once again. The Red Badgers second half crusade was led by the impressive Terry Hawkridge who scored two of the visitors three goals - the pick a wonderfully crafted freekick in stoppage time that in truth, added unfair gloss to the scoreline from a Greens point of view.

Evans then will hope that confidence breeds from that performance, and he'll likely change very little as the Greens embark on one of their longest trips of the campaign. Ryan Flitton will continue his absence after picking up an ankle injury in training last week while Jack Arbon is also a week or so away from recovering from the nasty gash he suffered on his head against AFC Mansfield a fortnight ago. Aside from that, it's very much as you were for Evans who's only significant decision will lie in whether to pump Ollie Fields straight back into action after he sat out the Eastwood game through suspension.

Opponents Gresley Rovers meanwhile have established themselves as one of Premier Division North's surprise outfits this term - though that is likely not in the way they'd have hoped. Relegation from the Northern Premier League Division Midlands last term was no doubt a wrench, but neither totally out of the blue either. Perennial strugglers at that level after promotion alongside Long Eaton United at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, Rovers luck firmly ran out last term as they finished rock bottom of the table last term.

That doom and gloom lifted neither as Rovers entered into the new campaign tipped to do well back at step five, but with just five victories to their name so far, have been well and truly left floundering in mid-table. They'll be hoping to enjoy that 'new manager bounce' though on Saturday afternoon with James Jepson set to take charge for the first time following his recent appointment to the managerial hotseat at the Moat Ground. That switch was forced on the back of former gaffer Carl Abbott stepping aside following a 2-0 defeat at Skegness Town at the back end of last month. Initially, notable improvements were thin on the ground, particularly when being defeated by County League side Ashbourne Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup a couple of weeks back made it a fourth straight game without victory – but a 3-2 triumph over play-off chasing Heanor Town last time out was a very welcome change of tone at the Moat Ground.

Victory then will secure back-to-back wins for just a second time this campaign and the head-to-head record between the two sides reads favourably for the hosts too. There may have been just two previous meetings – which came across the 2021/2022 campaign – but Rovers have won both without conceding – winning 4-0 at Eslaforde Park and 2-0 at the Moat Ground.

Admission to the Moat Ground on Saturday afternoon is priced at £8 for adults and £6 for concessions with u-16’s priced £3. Copies of the clubs matchday programme will be on sale for £2.00 per copy also. Saturday’s match referee is George Younger, and he is assisted on the day by David Henfrey and Paul Dixon. Kick-off in Derbyshire is set for 3:00pm.

Words: Oliver Atkin