For the first time in 2026, all of our local non-league sides were in action on the same Saturday, producing a wide spread of results across the Lincolnshire football pyramid.
Boston United begin new era under Paul Hurst
Boston United began life under new manager Paul Hurst with a home fixture against promotion-chasing FC Halifax Town, hoping a change in leadership might spark a turnaround in fortunes.
The Pilgrims started brightly and showed greater energy than in recent outings, but were undone by a costly defensive error that gifted Halifax the opening goal. To their credit, Boston responded well and drew level before the interval through Aboa, ensuring the sides went in level at half time.
Despite an improved overall performance, Boston were again punished in the second half, conceding the decisive goal and allowing Halifax, who continue to impress near the top of the table, to take all three points. Speaking after the match, Hurst praised the effort and attitude of his players, but made it clear that reinforcements are required, hinting at potential new arrivals in the coming week as the club looks to steer clear of relegation trouble.
Gainsborough edge closer to play-off contention
Gainsborough Trinity remain firmly in the hunt for a top-seven finish and welcomed Morpeth Town to the Northolme with games in hand still to play.
Despite Morpeth arriving with the league’s poorest away record, Gainsborough found chances hard to come by and were forced to be patient. Relief finally arrived when debutant Leckie found the net, securing a crucial 1-0 victory. With a demanding schedule ahead that includes two matches per week, squad depth will be vital as Trinity push for the play-offs.
Late setback frustrates Lincoln United
Lincoln United continue to show signs of improvement under manager Dave Frecklington, but were left frustrated after conceding late in a 1-1 draw at home to Silsden AFC.
Brown’s first-half strike put United ahead and they appeared in control for long spells, only to concede in the final five minutes and surrender what looked like a valuable three points. Frecklington remains confident his side will avoid the drop, but this felt like a missed opportunity.
Spalding drama steals the headlines
The most dramatic contest of the day involved league leaders Spalding United, who travelled to third-placed Quorn FC in a pulsating encounter.
Quorn led at the break, before Oldpade equalised early in the second half. With one minute of normal time remaining, the hosts appeared to have sealed the points at 3-1. What followed was extraordinary. Sani struck twice in rapid succession, before Jack Roberts added a fourth, completing a sensational turnaround and preserving Spalding’s six-point lead at the summit in a breathless 4-3 win.
At the opposite end of the table, Stamford AFC earned a much-needed boost with a 1-0 victory away at Worcester City, although the result still leaves them rooted to the bottom.
United Counties Premier North roundup
In the United Counties Premier Division North, Boston Town maintained their position at the top with a dominant display, racing into a 4-0 half-time lead against Belper Town before eventually winning 4-1.
Grantham Town, chasing a play-off place, endured a frustrating afternoon at Newark Town. Having led 2-0 and later 3-2, they were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw. At the foot of the table, Harrowby United suffered a heavy 5-1 home defeat to Ashby Ivanhoe, leaving relegation looking increasingly likely.
Elsewhere across Lincolnshire
There were mixed fortunes elsewhere in the county. Pinchbeck United were held to a goalless draw at FC Grace Dieu, Sleaford Town fell to a 4-0 home defeat against Dronfield Town, and Skegness Town were beaten 2-0 at home by AFC Mansfield.
Overall, it was a compelling Saturday across the non-league scene, full of late drama, fine margins, and plenty of stories still to unfold as the season enters a decisive phase.