It was a mixed afternoon for Lincolnshire’s non-league sides, with encouragement at York, frustration on the road for Gainsborough, and another difficult home day for Lincoln United.
Boston United
Boston United came away from one of the National League’s toughest venues with a result that felt significant, continuing what is becoming a curious pattern against York City. Having taken points off them last season, York again proved something of a bogey side. Boston fell behind to trail 1-0 at halftime, but their second-half response was full of character.
Lankshear levelled matters in the 73rd minute before Teale struck late on, putting Boston ahead in the 86th minute and briefly raising hopes of another memorable win. York’s equaliser in the 92nd minute denied the Pilgrims maximum points, but a draw against one of the league’s leading sides still represents a strong outcome and one they will hope to build on in the weeks ahead.
Gainsborough Trinity
Gainsborough Trinity travelled to mid-table Guiseley knowing a win could lift them further up the standings, and the opening half suggested that was well within reach. Lewis Butroid put Trinity ahead in the 31st minute, and they carried that advantage into the interval.
The second half, however, turned against them as Guiseley struck twice to take control. Gainsborough did respond through Mulherd in the 77th minute, but could not find a third goal, eventually slipping to a 3-2 defeat. The result leaves Trinity eighth in the table, still well placed, but perhaps feeling this was a missed opportunity.
Billy’s thoughts about this afternoon 👇#UTW 🤍 pic.twitter.com/Nkldmt1EOV
— Lincoln United FC (@LincolnUnited) December 26, 2025
Lincoln United
It was another sobering afternoon for Lincoln United at Ashby Avenue. United were 2-0 down by half time and chasing the game once again. Elliot Dye converted a penalty in the 66th minute to offer a glimmer of hope, but Grimsby Borough restored their advantage and ran out 3-1 winners in front of a crowd of 352.
Former Imp Dayle Southwell scored for Grimsby, with Bola Okewoye on the bench against our neighbours.
With results continuing to go against them, United face the prospect of a long and testing 2026 unless fortunes begin to turn soon.
Matches Today
Attention now shifts to another full slate of local derbies, with part two of the non-league round-up to follow tomorrow. Stamford, under new first team coach Paul Holden, travel to Spalding, Boston Town host Skegness Town, Sleaford welcome Pinchbeck, and Grantham contest a historic first official competitive derby against near neighbours Harrowby United.