Goals from Greg Downes and Joseph Lyne either side of half time saw LRFC progress to the next round of the FA CUP – on Saturday 19th August when we’ll be away to Grimsby Borough.

It was a somewhat scrappy game, but LRFC did a job on their United Counties Premier League opponents from Lincolnshire and will travel up to Humberside for the next round in good spirits.

After making their mark in pre-season games, centre back Callum Rudd, defender Jarred Acton, midfielder John Grady and forward Nuno Gomes make their competitive debuts, whilst latest signing, striker Matty Langham, started on the bench.

In wet and blustery conditions, Leicester Road made all the early running, but only managed a few half chances. However, on 40 minutes Downes opened the scoring after Lyne found Acton with a clever pass and his first time cross was tucked away nicely by the skipper.

But when LRFC seemed in control, a late set piece goal from Sleaford meant it was all square 1-1 at half time.

Langham came out for his debut at the start of the second half, replacing Jake Holt, and a fired up LRFC soon had Sleaford under pressure again. And on 47 minutes Lyne quickly fired the Road back in front once more following a pinpoint cross from Gomes.

Ten minutes later Gomes himself forced a fine save from the keeper and on 65 minutes Acton volleyed a Grady cross just inches past the far post.

On 68 minutes Langham was brought down in the box when well placed, but although he picked himself up to take the penalty, his spot kick was well saved by the keeper.

He also teed up a good chance for Gomes 10 minutes before the end, but he headed wide. However, LRFC comfortably held Sleaford till the final whistle for a deserved FC Cup win.

LRFC STARTING XI: Highland, Unsworth, Rudd, Earls, Acton, Harrison, Downes (C), Grady, Lyne Holt, Gomes. Subs: Blewitt (GK), Munton, Smith, Kingsley-Smith, Langham, Wells, Whitehouse.