Desborough 1 Sleaford Town 2




TOWN picked up another hard earned three points with this deserved victory over strugglers Desborough.


Although Desborough are in the lower reaches of the division they are never an easy proposition on a heavy pitch that is not suited to open, flowing football.


The conditions certainly weren’t to Town’s liking but they adapted well and for most of the game held the edge, although both Jones and Fenton were called upon to make good defensive clearances early on.


A sharp turn by Mickey Stones gave him a good shooting opportunity but the ball flew over the bar.


Desborough then had the ball in the net but from an obvious offside position and it was disallowed.


A slick move involving Matt Lunn and Stones nearly ended in an exquisite goal from Pete Sutton. He delicately chipped the keeper, who recovered well to make a fine finger-tip save.


In the 31st minute, Lunn was brought down in the penalty area after playing a one-two with Mickey Stones and Stones stepped up to score from the spot kick.


Desborough were thwarted by another strong challenge and a wickedly dipping free kick whipped over the Town bar.


Late in the half Jamie Shaw was booked along with a Desborough player after a spot of wrestling. He was replaced by Dunn shortly after the break.


An inspired substitution by the home side resulted in a quick equaliser as the sub weaved his way into the Sleaford area before finishing with clinical accuracy.


Scott, in the Town goal, then pulled off a brilliant save to stop a low drive into the corner.


An injury to Jason Sedlan saw him leave the field to be replaced by Shinn.


Town had to wait until two minutes from time for the winner. A cross from the right was headed onto the bar by Jones. The ball was partially cleared to Shinn, waiting on the edge of the box, and the Sleaford sub thundered in a terrific shot which gave the home keeper no chance.




Manager’s comments:




TOWN boss Brian Rowland was pleased with another three points and a gritty performance from his side.


He said: “It was a well-deserved win. We fought hard on a pitch that didn’t help our style of football.


“Quite a few teams will struggle when they go to Desborough, so I was very pleased with the result.”




*This Saturday, Sleaford Town are at home to Rothwell Corinthians.