The weather wiped out a large number of local non-league fixtures on Saturday, leaving only a handful of matches to go ahead, and it proved to be a frustrating afternoon overall for Lincolnshire sides.
The headline fixture saw Boston United searching for momentum as they looked to kick-start their 2026 campaign. Things began positively when Sloggett gave the Pilgrims an early lead in the ninth minute, and Boston were largely dominant throughout the opening period. However, a familiar issue resurfaced as they struggled to protect their advantage, with Saunders equalising for Eastleigh before the break to make it 1-1 at half time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Boston controlling much of the play, but they fell behind on 58 minutes when Blair struck to give Eastleigh the lead. Despite registering 15 shots, nine of them on target, compared to Eastleigh’s five shots and four on target, Boston were unable to find a way back. The game was watched by a crowd of 1,678.
Spalding United on a roll
Elsewhere, Spalding United were the only local side to record a victory. In front of an impressive attendance of 1,300, they defeated Barwell by three goals to nil. After a goalless first half, Moore broke the deadlock with a scrappy finish in the 47th minute. Further goals followed from McConvanan on 58 minutes, before Ceesay sealed the win with a superb solo effort, collecting the ball near the halfway line, beating several defenders, and calmly finishing past the goalkeeper in the 74th minute. The result keeps Spalding firmly in the promotion places.
Attention now turns to a huge fixture for Spalding next weekend, as first plays second. Spalding currently lead the table by six points, although Harborough Town have four games in hand. Kick off is at 3pm at the Sir Halley Stewart Field.
Best of the rest
Sleaford Town endured a dramatic afternoon after leading 2-0 against league leaders Retford United with just over 15 minutes remaining. Retford showed why they sit top of the table, scoring twice to level the match before Sleaford lost their goalkeeper, forcing the goalkeeper coach into action. Retford took full advantage, adding two more goals to claim a 4-2 victory.
The match involving Skegness Town was in doubt right up until kick-off, but the referee deemed the pitch playable. A poor first half saw Belper Town take the lead in the 44th minute, with another effort ruled out shortly afterwards. Following a further pitch inspection at half-time, the game was allowed to continue despite worsening conditions, and Belper eventually ran out 4-0 winners.
Harrowby United were on the road at Greasley Rovers, with the sides level at the break. Greasley took the lead in the second half before Marsh equalised for Harrowby in the 83rd minute. The hosts responded immediately, however, scoring at the other end to secure a 2-1 win.
Overall, it was a mixed and largely disappointing day for local sides in the matches that beat the weather.
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