Pinchbeck United have confirmed they will be sharing the Eslaforde Park home of Sleaford Town next season.
The Knights’ ground-share with Spalding United at Sir Halley Stewart Field has ended, meaning Pinchbeck were in need of a new venue to play their first-team games.
A Sleaford Sports Association (SSA) spokesman said: “This one-season agreement will support Pinchbeck as they explore long-term options for a permanent home.
“We thank Sleaford Town for their support throughout the discussions. The agreement, made with the cooperation of all parties, provides greater flexibility to the SSA in managing pitch usage, while enabling continued improvements to the playing surface and surrounding infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming season.
“We also welcome the additional support from the wider Pinchbeck team, who have committed to assisting with pitch care and general maintenance throughout the season.”
Four matches at Pinchbeck’s original Knight Street ground have been arranged ahead of the new campaign – Wisbech Town, Tuesday, July 1, 7.30pm; Deeping Rangers, Saturday, July 5, 1pm; Boston Town, Saturday, July 12, 3pm; and Grantham Town, Saturday, July 19, 2pm.
A fifth match sees the Knights travel to Bourne Town on Tuesday, July 15, 7.30pm.
Spalding United will kick off their pre-season campaign on the road, due to ongoing work at the Sir Halley Stewart Field.
Jimmy Dean’s team begin their programme of warm-up games ahead of the Southern League season at Bourne Town on Saturday, July 12. Next up will be a trip to Lincoln United on Tuesday, July 15, with another game to be arranged for the following Saturday.
On Saturday, July 26, the Tulips travel to National League North new-boys Worksop Town and are at Corby Town on Tuesday, July 29, before a trip along the A17 to take on King’s Lynn Town on Saturday, August 2 rounds things off.
Two players have left the Tulips. Midfield lynchpin Kieron Freeman has moved to Hednesford Town, while centre back Sam Cartwright has also posted on social media that he is leaving.
Welsh international Freeman played professionally for Hartlepool, Oldham Athletic, Swindon Town, Sheffield United, Mansfield, Notts County, Derby County and Portsmouth during his professional career and the 33-year-old will link up with his former Spalding team mate Tony Breedon at newly-promoted Northern Premier League Premier Division side Hednesford.
Meanwhile, former Peterborough United junior Cartwright said: “After four seasons, my time at Spalding United has come to an end. After one league title and close to 150 games, it’s time for a new challenge. I’m looking forward to what next season brings.”
Former Spalding boss Elliot Sandy has been appointed manager of Northern Premier League side AFC Rushden & Diamonds.
Peterborough League side Tydd have announced a hectic pre-season schedule.
The Saints open at home to AFC Lynn at The Glebe on Saturday, July 12, 2pm, with Marshland Saints and Elsea Park Eagles following on consecutive Saturdays.
A trip to Bourne Town Reserves beckons on August 2 with the short journey to Holbeach Bank completing things on Wednesday, August 13, 7pm.
South Lincolnshire Swifts warm up for Division Two after a second consecutive promotion with matches against Netherton Reserves (A, July 5), Leverington Reserves (H, 19th), Pinchbeck Development (A, 26th), Bourne Town Reserves (H, 29th) and Wisbech St Mary’s Reserves (H, August 9).
