It has been a huge weekend for Lincolnshire’s non-league sides, with promotion on the line and drama involving a former Lincoln City striker.
The play-off finals have taken centre stage, with Grantham Town kicking things off on Saturday before Spalding United look to follow suit on Monday, but the build-up was overshadowed by significant developments at Stamford.
The Daniels were hit by a major shake-up as long-serving manager Graham Drury departed after a decade in charge, only to be unveiled by Matlock Town within hours. His first move in the new role was to sign former Lincoln City striker Johnny Margetts from Gainsborough Trinity, underlining just how quickly events unfolded.
As if that was not enough upheaval, Stamford then confirmed within 24 hours that their chairman would also be stepping down with immediate effect. That news came as a real blow given the club’s strong efforts to pull clear of relegation danger during the second half of the campaign, and it leaves plenty of uncertainty heading into the summer.
Striker Jonny Margetts has rejoined the #Imps on loan from Scunthorpe United until the end of the season. https://t.co/Nyhy2bsMFj pic.twitter.com/sXeOK5FZUJ
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) March 1, 2017
Grantham Town Deliver at the Meres
Amid all of that, attention returned to the pitch on Saturday as Grantham Town hosted Newark Town in the first of the play-off finals.
Roared on by a crowd of 1,616 at the Meres, Grantham started brightly and immediately put Newark under pressure. The Gingerbreads dominated the early stages, creating the better openings, but were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval. Newark almost punished that wastefulness just before half time, going close themselves, but the game remained goalless at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, and Grantham’s intent was rewarded within three minutes of the restart. Cameron Johnson found the net to spark jubilant scenes and finally give the home side the lead their performance merited.
That goal lifted Grantham further, although Newark remained in the contest thanks largely to the efforts of goalkeeper Scott Loach, who produced key saves to keep his side within touching distance. However, the pressure eventually told again in the 58th minute when Nathan Stainfield beat the onrushing Loach and calmly slotted into the bottom corner to double the advantage.
Newark pushed hard in response, trying to force a way back into the game, but Grantham stood firm. Their organisation, energy and willingness to close down quickly ensured Newark never truly found any rhythm in the final stages.
When the final whistle sounded, it confirmed a deserved victory and sparked celebrations around the ground. Grantham Town had secured promotion, joining Boston Town in moving up from the division, and giving Lincolnshire its first success of the play-off finals weekend.
Now, all eyes turn to Monday as Spalding United look to complete a memorable double and cap off what could be a remarkable few days for non-league football in the county.
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