Play-off drama, late goals and strong finishes rounded off another busy week across the Lincolnshire non-league scene.
With Boston Town already celebrating promotion, attention turned to who might follow them, while elsewhere there were final-day fixtures, pride on the line and momentum being built for next season.
Grantham Town took a significant step towards joining Boston after a dramatic play-off semi-final victory against Belper Town in front of 574 supporters. Belper controlled much of the first half and deservedly led on 29 minutes, keeping the Gingerbreads pinned back until the break. However, the game shifted early in the second period when Alex Roberts levelled within three minutes of the restart, sparking Grantham’s best spell.
Despite that, Belper struck again in the 56th minute and looked to have regained control. Grantham had other ideas. Nathan Stainfield made it 2-2 on 79 minutes before, just four minutes later, Cameron Johnson capitalised on space in the box to fire home the winner. With Newark Town overcoming Sherwood in the other semi-final, Grantham now face a side they have yet to beat this season, with promotion on the line.
— Grantham Town FC (@granthamtownfc) April 26, 2026
Skegness Town wrapped up their campaign with a 1-0 home win against Kimberley Miners Welfare. They started brightly, going close early on before King broke the deadlock on 25 minutes. Chances came and went in the second half, but the single goal proved enough to secure a mid-table finish and provide a platform to build on.
Boston United ensured a strong end to their season with a 3-1 victory over Hartlepool United, confirming a top-half finish that once looked unlikely. A quiet first half gave way to a lively second, with Hartlepool taking the lead on 65 minutes. That sparked a response from the Pilgrims, who equalised through Teale’s superb strike on 79 minutes. Maguire then put United ahead shortly after, before Tom Curson sealed the win late on, continuing the positive trajectory since Paul Hurst’s arrival.
Gainsborough Trinity’s hopes of reaching the play-offs were ended by a 3-1 defeat at Hyde United. A difficult first half left them 3-0 down, but the second period told a different story as Trinity dominated and created numerous chances. Harrison Beeden pulled a goal back on 75 minutes, yet it proved to be a consolation as results elsewhere rendered the outcome academic. Despite that, it has still been a season with plenty of positives.
Lincoln United endured a tough afternoon, falling to a 6-3 defeat at Ashington. Three early goals left them chasing the game, and although Harvey Cribb pulled one back before the break, they trailed 4-1 at half time. Ashington added a fifth shortly after the restart, but United responded through Hayden Havard and Bradley Wells to show some fight. A late sixth for the hosts completed the scoring, though recent performances under Michael Frecklington still offer encouragement.
Spalding United, already assured of a play-off place, drew 4-4 in an entertaining clash at Worcester City. Goals from Pugh and Cybulski gave them a 2-0 half-time lead, but wholesale changes after the break allowed Worcester back into the contest. Roberts restored a two-goal cushion before Cybulski added his second, yet Worcester rallied late to claim a share of the points. Focus now turns to their home semi-final against Halesowen.
At the bottom end, Stamford produced another resilient display in a goalless draw with champions Harborough Town. Now unbeaten in 11 matches, they matched the title winners throughout and could even have taken all three points. It capped a remarkable turnaround from their struggles earlier in the campaign and offers real optimism heading into next season.