The weather once again played its part across the county, with a number of local non-league fixtures falling victim to waterlogged pitches.
Matches involving Blackstones v Harrowby United, Stamford AFC at Stratford, Pinchbeck United at Dronfield, and Lincoln United at Brighouse were all postponed.
Boston United edge vital win
In the games that did go ahead, Boston United were looking to put back-to-back wins together for the first time this season. Three new signings, Jake Rooney, Tom Cursons and Jamie Grimes, all made their home debuts, with Grimes featuring for the first time in Pilgrims colours.
With both sides positioned close together near the bottom of the table, it was a tense and cautious first half that ended goalless. Boston struck just two minutes after the restart when Cursons found the net, and that goal proved decisive. The Pilgrims defended resolutely to see the game out, securing a vital three points in the fight to avoid relegation and sending the supporters home in good spirits.
Gainsborough beaten on the road
Gainsborough Trinity faced a long trip to Leek as they looked to continue their encouraging start to 2026. The hosts dominated much of the first half, although Trinity were left frustrated when a penalty appeal was waved away around the half-hour mark. Leek’s pressure eventually told in the 41st minute, and that proved to be the only goal of the game.
Three changes at the break helped Gainsborough apply more pressure in the second half, but the Leek defence held firm, denying Trinity a way back into the contest.
Mixed fortunes across the leagues
At United Counties Premier League level, Boston Town were eager to respond to their previous defeat and started well against Heanor Town, taking a ninth-minute lead through Jack Gurney. However, the second half unravelled quickly as the visitors scored five times in a devastating 12-minute spell. Jordan Nuttall grabbed a consolation, but Town fell to a 5-2 defeat.
Grantham Town, sitting in the play-off places, strengthened their position with a controlled home win over Clay Cross Town. After a goalless first half, goals from Terry Atem and Lee Shaw in the second period sealed a 2-0 victory in front of a crowd of 254.
In the same division, Skegness Town suffered frustration on the road at Eastwood CFC. Jack Boswell gave Skegness the lead midway through the second half, but two goals conceded in quick succession turned the game on its head, leaving them empty-handed.
Leaders keep winning
Spalding United took advantage of postponements elsewhere to extend their lead at the top, travelling to Sudbury and claiming a narrow but important 1-0 win. Jack Roberts scored the only goal just before half time. While missed chances will concern the management, three points were banked and pressure maintained on those with games in hand.
Brigg Town continued their strong run with an emphatic home win over Maltby Main. After a slow opening, goals from Jack Varley, Josh Jordon, Jonjo Clesby and Dayle Hutson had Brigg four up by the break. Maltby briefly threatened a response early in the second half, but Josh Batty restored the four-goal cushion to seal a 5-1 victory.
Finally, Sleaford Town endured another difficult afternoon at home to Clifton All Whites. An early goal set the tone, and despite a spirited second-half response capped by Ben Coleman pulling one back, a late red card for Kyle Onyon compounded a 2-1 defeat that extended Sleaford’s losing run.