Grantham Town Boost Promotion Hopes With Fine Win

February 26, 2026 Gary Grantham Town, Local Non-League Clubs 0

Grantham Town kept their promotion push firmly on track with a hard-fought 3-1 win away at Hucknall on Wednesday night, writes David Ward at the RM Stadium.

Knowing the stakes before kick-off, Mitch Griffiths’ side produced a performance full of intent and resilience to secure a vital three points in the title race.

The Gingerbreads arrived at Hucknall sitting third in the table, three points behind Boston Town and nine adrift of leaders Sherwood Colliery, albeit with two games in hand on both. With first taking on second at the weekend, this represented an opportunity to apply serious pressure, but there was a sense of tension during the warm-up that did not escape their manager’s attention.

Griffiths responded in no uncertain terms, delivering what was described as a fierce pre-match address to ensure there would be no slip-up against a side lower down the standings. Whatever was said clearly had the desired effect.

City started on the front foot and were immediately on the front foot, dictating the tempo and penning Hucknall into their own half. The breakthrough arrived as early as the fifth minute when Nathen Stainfield found the net, rewarding Grantham’s aggressive opening and settling any lingering nerves.

Rather than retreat, the visitors continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 17th minute. Alex Roberts was the man to strike, finishing smartly to put clear daylight between the sides and underline Grantham’s dominance in the first half.

Despite controlling possession and territory for much of the remainder of the opening period, Grantham were unable to add to their tally before the interval and went in 2-0 ahead, comfortable but knowing the job was not yet done.

The second half brought a different challenge. Hucknall emerged with renewed purpose and began to push Grantham back, searching for a route into the contest. Their big opportunity came in the 62nd minute when they were awarded a penalty. Jack Steggles produced a superb save to preserve the two-goal cushion, a moment that looked as though it might kill off the home side’s hopes.

Instead, it sparked fresh belief. Just a minute later, Hucknall pulled one back, setting up a tense final half hour. It was during this period that Grantham’s defensive resolve came to the fore, the back line standing firm as the hosts chased an equaliser.

As time ticked down, Hucknall altered their approach, opting for a more direct style in an attempt to force the issue. That change arguably eased the pressure, with Grantham’s two centre-backs dealing confidently with the aerial threat and allowing the visitors to regain a measure of control.

Lee Shaw

Deep into injury time, the contest was finally settled when one-time Imps trialist Lee Shaw added a third, sealing a 3-1 victory that could prove significant in the weeks ahead.

The result lifts Grantham level on points with Boston Town in second, still with a game in hand, and knowing that one or both of their rivals will drop points at the weekend. Attention now turns to a trip to bottom club Ashby Ivanhoe on Saturday as the push for an immediate return to a higher division gathers momentum.

Afterwards, Griffiths struck a note of caution, warning against complacency despite the run of results. The points are stacking up, but the manager is determined to ensure his players remain fully focused on the task at hand.