Sleaford on hunt for new manager as run of defeats continues

Evans and his assistant Isaac Wilinsky left the Greens last week after a difficult run of form that has seen Sleaford firmly dragged into a relegation battle in the UCL Division One having not won since December 20 and lost every game since.

Having led twice through goals from winger Benji Zalewski, the hosts hit back with two goals from David Olatomide and Riley Phillips, with a 2-1 lead quickly turning into a 3-2 deficit for the Greens.

But club chairman Damon Tunnicliffe was proud of the players’ efforts, as he also spoke to the club’s media about the search for a new manager.

He said: “After last week’s defeat I had a conversation with Matt after the game which then prompted a board meeting on Sunday morning, where we discussed certain options and agreed it needed a change.

"I went to see Matt at training on Wednesday and I must say he was a class act. He admitted that results hadn’t been good enough recently so it was to be expected, but I want to say a big thank you to him and Isaac for everything they’ve done during their tenure at the club.

"We said to the lads before the game that it was all about showing a bit of character and we couldn’t have asked for any more.

"We took the lead five minutes in and then came under the cosh but you have to dig in at times like that and show some heart and character and that’s what they did.

"We knew they’d come at us and they equalised but we didn’t die, got ourselves back in front and we’re thinking we could get something.

"But Stapleford are a good side as shown by where they are in the league and got the two goals but I can’t praise our lads enough for the effort they put in and I’m really proud of them.”

The Greens will be hoping for a similar reaction and performance next time out when they travel to Leicestershire to face Coalville Town in more UCL Division One action on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.