It was a mixed evening for Lincolnshire’s non-league sides, with Gainsborough strengthening their play-off push while Stamford suffered a setback despite results elsewhere going in their favour.
Across the county, there was also anticipation building ahead of a cup final opportunity, as Grantham Town prepare for a shot at silverware.
Gainsborough Trinity took a significant step towards securing a play-off place with a controlled 2-0 victory over Hyde United. The game began evenly, with both sides probing without finding an early breakthrough, and Trinity felt they should have had a penalty inside the opening 20 minutes, only for their appeals to be waved away.
An early reshuffle saw ex-Imp Johnny Margetts introduced for the injured Frank Mulhern, and the change proved decisive. Margetts was instrumental in the opening goal, providing the assist for Theo Williams to fire Trinity ahead before the break.
Hyde had a golden opportunity to level when they were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute, but the effort was well saved, allowing the hosts to head into half-time with their advantage intact.
The second period largely belonged to Trinity, who controlled proceedings but initially struggled to turn possession into goals. That changed in the 76th minute when Margetts capped an impressive cameo by getting on the scoresheet himself to seal a 2-0 win. The result keeps Gainsborough firmly in the play-off places as the season edges towards its conclusion.
FULL TIME |
It’s finished here with a goal in each half enough to see off a spirited Hyde United.
Jonny Margetts with his eleventh of the league season for the #HolyBlues
And a 14th clean sheet of the season for Robbo & the side.
Back into the play-offs, we move.
— Gainsborough Trinity (@GainsTrinityFC) March 17, 2026
Stamford setback but survival hopes remain intact
There was less joy for Stamford, who travelled to Alvechurch looking to build on Saturday’s important victory. The first half offered little in the way of goalmouth action, with neither side able to seriously test the opposition goalkeeper.
The game turned shortly after the break when Stamford conceded a penalty, which Alvechurch converted to take the lead. Chasing the game late on, Stamford were caught on the counter in the closing stages as the hosts doubled their advantage.
Despite pushing forward and benefitting from an extended period of added time due to injuries, Stamford were unable to find a route back into the match. However, with other results going their way, they remain outside the relegation places, offering a degree of encouragement despite the defeat.
Grantham eye silverware in county final
Attention now turns to Boston United’s Jakemans Community Stadium, where Grantham Town face Louth Town in the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy final.
Player-manager Mitch Griffiths is targeting a successful end to his first season in charge, having already enjoyed county cup success during his playing career. Speaking ahead of the game, he made clear his desire to add more silverware.
” I want to win any competition I’m in because winning never becomes boring.
” People have their opinions on the county cups and it always seems to be the teams or the fans that aren’t in it that say no-one cares about them.
” Hopefully it will be a good night for us because it’s a really nice stadium with a lovely pitch and it’s nice to be in that cup environment and situation with the club.”
Grantham head into the final in strong form, unbeaten in their last seven matches, and will be hopeful of lifting the trophy for the first time since the 1960/61 season. Their opponents, Louth Town, may sit lower in the pyramid, but their run to the final suggests they will not be taken lightly.
With form on their side and silverware within reach, it promises to be an important night for the Gingerbreads as they look to cap a positive campaign with a trophy.