After Lincoln City’s dominant victory over Bradford City at Sincil Bank, attention turned to a quieter night across the local non-league scene.
Unfortunately, the weather played a decisive role for several of our sides. Fixtures involving Gainsborough Trinity, Stamford, and Pinchbeck United were all postponed due to waterlogged pitches, leaving just one league game to take place across the region.
That match saw Grantham Town host Greasley, in a fixture that carried real importance for the Gingerbreads. Sitting in the play-off positions but with games in hand, Grantham knew that a strong run could yet put pressure on leaders Boston Town at the top of the table.
Grantham started brightly and controlled much of the early play, with sustained pressure eventually telling in the 23rd minute when Dan Dugill opened the scoring. The home side continued to push forward and doubled their advantage before the break, Alex Roberts finishing well in the 38th minute to give Grantham a comfortable lead at half time.
Greasley were not beaten, though, and they reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, injecting fresh tension into the contest. Rather than unsettling Grantham, the goal appeared to refocus them, and their response was decisive. The referee awarded the home side a penalty in the 71st minute, which Andy Wright converted confidently to restore the two-goal cushion.
Any lingering doubt was effectively removed ten minutes later when Lewis Darlington added Grantham’s fourth in the 79th minute. Greasley did pull another goal back from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, but it proved little more than consolation. The 4-2 victory strengthened Grantham’s play-off position and kept them firmly in the promotion conversation, with plenty of football still to be played.
The only other non-league action came in the National League Cup quarter-final, as Boston United hosted West Ham United Under-21s. Boston were the only side left in the competition, drawn against Premier League academy opposition, with the remaining teams all coming from non-league.
Paul Hurst made five changes, clearly prioritising league survival as his side battles to avoid relegation. West Ham took the lead in the 13th minute through Battrum, but Boston responded well and equalised in the 28th minute when Jordy Hiwula found the net. The match remained evenly balanced until late on, with both sides creating chances, but West Ham’s greater efficiency told when Adiele scored in the 85th minute to secure their place in the semi-finals.
For Boston, it was another frustrating night, and Paul Hurst remains in search of his first win since returning to the dugout.