Non-League Day: Lincoln Win, Gainsborough Trinity Edge Towards Play-Off Place

March 29, 2026 Gary Boston Town, Brigg Town, Gainsborough Trinity, Grantham Town, Harrowby United, Lincoln United, Local Non-League Clubs, Pinchbeck United, Skegness Town, Spalding United, Stamford AFC 0

Non-League Day brought drama, late goals, red cards and big results across Lincolnshire, with promotion pushes, relegation battles and playoff races all affected.

Boston United were without a game, so attention turned to the rest of the county’s sides, starting at the Northolme where Gainsborough Trinity hosted Warrington Rylands in a huge playoff clash.

There was positive news before kick-off as Trinity announced the Northolme lease had been extended for another 15 years, securing the club’s long-term future. On the pitch, Trinity started the day sixth, with Warrington two places and two points above them. The game proved entertaining but ultimately goalless, with both sides creating chances and both goalkeepers making important saves. Trinity hit the post in the final minute and will feel they might have won it, but results elsewhere went in their favour and their playoff hopes remain strong after what was described as one of the most entertaining 0-0 draws of the season.

Credit Stuart Wells

Lincoln United enjoyed a big Non-League Day crowd at Ashby Avenue, helped by free entry for under-16s, and they were rewarded with a dramatic late win. The first half was end-to-end but goalless, and United took control after the break. Connor Brown missed a big chance in the 67th minute and another effort was cleared off the line as pressure built. Just when it looked like finishing 0-0, Hayden Havard scored with virtually the last kick of the game to secure three points that almost certainly guarantee safety after relegation had looked likely around Christmas.

Spalding United’s automatic promotion hopes took a major blow after a 2-0 home defeat to Bromsgrove Sporting. Former Burnley Under-21 defender Bradley Grant made his debut at left back and Spalding started well but could not take their chances. The game remained goalless until the 84th minute when Bromsgrove scored, and Spalding were caught again deep into stoppage time while pushing for an equaliser. Their focus now will likely be on securing second place and a home playoff tie.

At the other end of the table, Stamford picked up a huge win against Bishop’s Stortford in difficult weather conditions. Bartle scored directly from a corner in the 12th minute and Stamford controlled much of the game. They survived a penalty appeal against them and needed a tremendous save from goalkeeper Jackson to keep their clean sheet and secure three vital points. The win moves Stamford out of the relegation zone with five games remaining.

In the United Counties League Premier Division North, the title race continues to be incredibly tight. Boston Town, level on points and goal difference with Sherwood, hosted Eastwood and were handed a major advantage when the visitors were reduced to ten men after just two minutes. Bruno Andrade scored on his debut in the 21st minute to give Boston the lead, but they had to wait until the 90th minute to secure the win when Limb was fouled in the box. Eastwood were reduced to nine men and Limb converted the penalty for a 2-0 victory. However, Sherwood’s 4-1 win over Harrowby United means Boston remain second on goal difference.

Grantham Town kept themselves in the title race with a 2-0 win over AFC Mansfield despite playing much of the game with ten men. Terry Atem was sent off just before half time, but Grantham responded superbly after the break. Nathan Stainfield scored in the 53rd minute and substitute Cameron Johnson added a second in the 74th minute to secure the points. They remain four points off the top and face leaders Sherwood next week in what could be a decisive match.

Skegness Town were involved in one of the games of the day, beating Clay Cross in dramatic fashion. Goals from Dec Johnson and Liam Adams had Town 2-0 up at half time, but Clay Cross fought back to level the game with a penalty in the 91st minute. Just when it looked like finishing 2-2, Lucas Dakin scored in the 97th minute to give Skegness a thrilling 3-2 win and secure a mid-table finish.

Brigg Town endured a nightmare turnaround at South Leeds despite a perfect start. Goals from Dayle Hutson inside 34 seconds and Dylan Corbett soon made it 2-0, and Adam Drury added a third before half time. However, South Leeds scored just before the break, then scored twice early in the second half to level before taking the lead in the 55th minute and winning the game 4-3, a result that could seriously damage Brigg’s playoff hopes.

Pinchbeck United picked up a valuable point at Radford in their fight against relegation. They fell behind to an early penalty but equalised in the 80th minute through Elliot Foster after Radford had been reduced to ten men. Pinchbeck remain in the final relegation place, one point behind Sleaford Town.

Sleaford drew 0-0 at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare in a game they will feel they should have won comfortably after missing numerous chances. Their manager was left frustrated by the lack of finishing but pleased with the clean sheet as the relegation battle continues to go down to the wire.

With promotion races, playoff pushes and relegation battles still alive across the county, Non-League Day proved once again just how entertaining football at this level can be.