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Town beat young Imps side in pre-season friendly
It is already apparent that Sleaford Town will be playing football this season, far removed from them long-ball game that brought such criticism last term. The visit of a young Lincoln City side on Tuesday evening of last week brought a decent contest, which gave Brian Rowland's men a good run-out, the scoreline ending in a 3-2 win for the home side.
Town went two goals up by the interval scored by Simon Bolland with a cracking drive from 25 yards, and Gary Walters with a close-range finish following a Shaun Popple cross and a flick-on by tall Adam Burrows.
A third goal after the break by defender Kris Jones looked to have settled the issue, but substitutions by City worked the oracle and they pulled back two goals, then almost snatched a draw near the end.
Home goalkeeper Ian Flavell, who had gone on for Andrew Scott, pulled off a fine save from Romy Lauret, but was beaten when a poor back-pass by Jones allowed Karl Cunningham in to score. City's second goal came almost on time when Flavell appeared to have made a double save, but the ball fell for Bobby Brewer to hit in.
While the City substitutions worked well, Brian Rowland's side seemed to fall apart as he made the second half changes. However, keeper Flavell did very well and if he does decide to sign, may well give Scott a run for his money. Flavell played for fellow UCL club Blackstones of Stamford for several years and has also played for Harrowby United.
Rowland was impressed by right-back Ryan Jones, who has come from the Grantham League. Big striker Greg Smith looks the part, while Shaun Popple was the man-of-the-match against Lincoln City.
* There should have been another friendly match on Thursday evening, but Rothwell Town did not arrive. It is reported that they believed it was their home game and were therefore expecting Town to do the travelling.
However, the former Southern League (Midlands Division) club has suffered a number of problems recently, not least the loss of status. Originally one step above Sleaford in the FA pyramid, they have fallen back into the United Counties League, but they have gone down to Division One.
It now means that Rothwell Corinthians, hitherto the junior side in the town and in the same division as Sleaford Town, now find themselves above their rivals.
In place of the Rothwell game, there was a quickly-arranged game between two sides of prospective Town players. One arrival was former striker Tom Siddons, who could well be an asset this season once back to full fitness.
In fact, when Siddons came up through the Carre's Grammar School ranks with Miles Hunter, he was the 'senior partne'" of the duo, going on to represent England at Under 18 level.
Brian Rowland spoke about his new-season squad, saying: "I thought Shaun (Popple) played very well indeed, and I continue to be impressed with full-back Ryan Jones.
"Sam Kirton, Scott Wilson, Greg Smith and Adam Burrows look good and we will be strengthened considerably with the return of Jon Machin.
"It looks as if there will be strong competition in every position."
The move by defender Kris Jones to Shepshed seems to be on hold, as he is turning out in the pre-season games at Eslaforde Park. Gary Walters has yet to sign on the dotted line, although Rowland is hoping that most of his wanted players will have made up their minds to sign during this week.
* On Saturday comes the final friendly and the visit of Jarrow FC; a match arranged by club patron Steve Morgan. It is planned for a senior game and an under 14 match.
The serious UCL stuff begins on Saturday, August 7 and the visit of Daventry United, followed by Holbeach United on the evening of Tuesday, August 10.
Manager Rowland is hoping to have a look at Holbrook before the forthcoming FA cup-tie in mid-August.
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Weather for Sleaford
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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