Pitchero Non League

....a thousand reasons for wanting his team to progress in his first competitive match on Saturday.

The new-look side, which includes eight players who featured last season under former boss Brian Rowland, get their season underway with an FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round match against East Midlands Counties Leaguers Holwell Sports. Victory in Saturday's home clash would bring the club a cash bonus, which Maddison says would be a blessing for the Elsaforde Park outfit.

"I have said all along that a good cup run would be a massive help to a club like Sleaford and winning on Saturday could bring us £1,000," said Maddison.

"There are so many expenses for a football club to meet. We don't pay our players, but we do have to pay for kits, training equipment, coach travel or fuel expenses.

"A sum of money like that would really help and we will be giving it our all to win the game.

"I went to watch Holwell in their first match of the season last weekend and they will be tough.

"They have some big lads and the work very hard for each other. To be fair, they are a decent side, very resilient, so it is a tough opening game.

"I guess you could say we are at an advantage because we are at home, but that also brings pressure, especially as it is my first competitive game in charge.

"I would like to see a good crowd down at the ground to help get the season off to a winning start."

Maddison has been pleased with his pre-season campaign. After six games, his side have lost just two against Holbeach United and Boston United.

"Apart from those two games, when we were always going to be under pressure, we have done well and played some cracking stuff," said Maddison.

"The lads have gelled well and they are absolutely champing at the bit to get started.

"We have two absentees this weekend with one player on holiday and another on his own stag weekend, but other than that we have a fully fit squad.

"I am not a big fan of pre-season - I prefer to get the action started. I have enjoyed getting the lads together and playing our matches, but now I am just looking forward to getting the ball rolling."

Tags: News | Sleaford Town

• Chromasport United Counties League
  • + UCL Relegation Battle Tightening Up
  • + United Counties League Round-Up
  • + Oadby Keep Promotion Hopes Alive
  • + United Counties League Round-Up.....
  • + Tigers Strengthen Grip on Top Spot
  • + United Counties League Round-Up....
  • + New Clubs Announce Pre-Season Friendly
  • + Doughboys Secure Safety
  • + Big Crowd See Diamonds Held
  • + Big Day for Saints and Diamonds
  • + Sileby Clinch Division One Title
  • + Sileby Promoted - Diamonds Almost There
  • + Cup `Consolation` for Tulips
  • + United Counties League Round-Up....
• Premier Division
  • + Cup Final Abandoned After Broken Leg
  • + Saints Awaiting League Decision
  • + Saints` Worst Performance of the Season
  • + Dykes May Hang Up His Boots
• Division One
  • + Oakes Leaves Oadby
  • + Sponsorship Boost for Harrowby