Sleaford kicked off this season’s League Cup with an intriguing home tie against C- League rivals Metheringham.
Town started the more enterprising of the two teams and immediately settled into a changed formation, Connor Robson in particular staring in a defensive sweeping role.
With Jay Auty leading the line well up front and Zac Willmont dictating the game from midfield, Sleaford became more and more menacing as the half went on.
Town took a well deserved lead on 18 minutes, some wonderful passing football from left to right found Matt Woodiwiss on the wing who cut in field before sending Zac Willmont to the bye line with a clever reverse through pass and the midfield maestro composed himself before delivering a quality cross to the back post where Owen Park had ghosted in to leap well and head the ball into the net.
Sleaford continued to press for a second goal and went close to extending their lead first through Jay Auty, somehow managing to keep control of the ball in a crowded penalty area, and again through Harley Biggadyke, cutting in from the left to shoot across the goal from the corner of the penalty area.
Playing against the wind in the second half, Sleaford maintained their discipline in defence with Connor Robson looking very assured and committed, ably supported by the graft and positioning of Harley Biggadyke and Matt Woodiwiss, Town continued to subdue the expected response from the visitors.
Town then looked to catch the visitors on the counter attack and James Hebden done well to chase down a long ball and get a shot on goal forcing a good save from the Metheringham keeper low down at the near post.
Having brought on Alfie Cooke, who was holding the ball up well in attack, together with Elliott Hoy and Thomas Hollier introduced into the defence, Sleaford continued to compete well in all areas of the pitch.
Not surprisingly Metheringham were throwing more and more players forward in the closing stages, however Town’s keeper Lewis Brockington pulled off three fine saves to preserve the clean sheet and give Sleaford a thoroughly deserved win and a place in the next round of the cup.

Credit to Sleaford’s Boys for the manner in which they all performed within a different formation, some in new roles, and yet continued to attempt to play good passing football.

Thanks to match referee Kev Waddingham for keeping the game flowing.
Thanks to team kit sponsor Liam Cocks Plumbing & Heating for their continued support.

Man of the Match, (Sponsored by Keith Dolby Jewellers) Jay Auty – asked to play in an unfamiliar centre forward role and held the ball up well bringing other players into the game.