After a Bank Holiday that will live long in the memory following Lincoln City’s promotion, attention turned to the county’s non-league sides, many of whom had their own battles to fight at both ends of the table.
There were celebrations, nerves and defining moments across the region, with three local derbies adding extra intensity to an already crucial round of fixtures.
Boston United made the trip to Brackley knowing that any kind of result would secure their place in the National League for another season. It showed in a tense first half, with neither side able to carve out meaningful chances as the game drifted to a goalless interval. The second period brought more urgency, and it was Brackley who struck first on 71 minutes through Aiden Elliott-Weaver. However, United responded well, and just six minutes later Lennell John-Lewis converted from the spot after Barrington was brought down. Brackley pushed hard late on, even seeing an effort cleared off the line and another ruled out, but the draw was enough to confirm Boston’s safety.
Gainsborough Trinity kept their play-off hopes alive with a dramatic 2-1 win over Guiseley. The hosts flew out of the blocks, taking the lead inside two minutes through Sisa Tuntulwana, only to be pegged back shortly after by a deflected effort. The game ebbed and flowed, with both sides creating chances, but it looked destined to end level until deep into stoppage time when Tuntulwana struck again from a corner to seal a vital three points.
Amazing management, great passes and constant goals. All down to the players and coaching team. All the best wishes for the team at Lincoln United to stay up this season were heard. They say lightning doesn’t strike twice but it has five times in a row. ⚽️#UTW 🤍 pic.twitter.com/9gIB8gVs4j
— Lincoln United FC (@LincolnUnited) April 6, 2026
Lincoln United ensured their own survival with a hard-earned 1-0 win against Hallam. After a strong opening, they took the lead when Wells converted from close range following an Alan Power corner. The second half saw Hallam push for an equaliser, but United stood firm to extend their winning run to five matches and secure another season at this level.
In the first of the local derbies, Boston Town strengthened their grip at the top with an emphatic 4-0 win over Skegness Town. Harry Limb set the tone inside the opening minute and added a second early in the second half. A third followed via a deflection off Matt Cotton, who then added a late penalty to complete the scoring. With Sherwood only managing a draw, Boston now sit two points clear with one game remaining.
Grantham Town confirmed their third-place finish with a dominant 4-0 victory over Harrowby United. An early penalty from Andrew Wright set them on their way, with Lee Shaw adding a second soon after. Joe Smith and Cam Johnson completed the scoring in a one-sided contest that also sealed Harrowby’s relegation.
Spalding United, already assured of a home play-off tie, picked up a confidence-boosting 2-0 win at Barwell. After weathering early pressure, goals from Fawkes and Ceesay in quick succession before the break put them firmly in control.
Stamford continued their push for survival with a deserved 1-0 win over Quorn. After dominating the first half, they finally broke through via Collard. The visitors’ task became even harder when they were reduced to nine men in the second half, allowing Stamford to see the game out and boost their chances of staying up.
The final derby of the day saw Pinchbeck United and Sleaford Town share a 1-1 draw in a tense relegation battle. JJ Ward’s early strike gave Pinchbeck the advantage, but Sleaford responded after the break through Kyle Onyon. Both sides pushed for a winner, but a point apiece does little to ease their respective concerns.
While there were big results across the non-league scene, the overarching story remains the county’s success at the top end of the game. Promotion for Lincoln City casts a long shadow in the best possible way, and it feels certain that clubs across the region will share in that pride as the season reaches its conclusion.