FOOTBALL: Horncastle defeat helps Hykeham pressure leaders

Horncastle Town's Richard Jackson in possession at Hykeham. Photo: Nigel West

The tidy 2-0 victory lifted Hykeham to second in the table, just one point behind Skegness Town who have a game in hand.

The leaders were without a game and Wyberton’s clash with Lincoln Railway AFC fell victim to the weather as the three remaining fixtures went the way of the home teams.

Brigg Town Reserves brought the curtain down on their season with a comfortable win over Skegness United, while Fulstow-based CGB Humbertherm bagged three points against lowly Ruston Sports to lift themselves out of the bottom three.

The match at Cleethorpes Town, where the seasiders were due to welcome Sleaford Town Reserves, was also postponed.

Hykeham Town 2

Horncastle Town 0

Despite the heavy rain and snow showers, the surface at the Memorial Hall ground was in remarkable condition.

The home side prepared for this week’s county cup final at Sincil Bank with a professional performance, completing a league double in the process.

Josh Raby gave them the lead to settle their nerves early on and an under-strength Horncastle struggled to make any impact.

The points were sealed when Chris Funnell notched his 13th league goal of the season.

On Saturday, Hykeham travel to Cleethorpes Town Development Squad.

CGB Humbertherm 3

Ruston Sports 1

A brace of goals for Jack Barker took his tally to four for the season as CGB Humbertherm climbed out of the bottom three.

In his first game since the Therm last avoided defeat – at home to Lincoln Railway AFC last month – Carl Martin scored the other goal.

This victory ended a run of five games without a win for Therm, who will now have a chance to influence the destiny of the championship trophy. Indeed, they play the top three in their final three fixtures.

Brigg Town Reserves 3

Skegness United 1

Brigg Town Reserves consolidated their fifth place in the table as they finished their season on a high note, completing a league double over Skegness United.

Indeed this was the Zebras’ fourth win in four as they wrapped things up.

Leading scorer Ben Brown notched his first goal since February 20 to take his season’s tally to 11.

Also on target for the home side was David Deane and Christopher Rodgers.

James Gray opened his account for the visitors, who slipped into the bottom three on the back of this, their third consecutive defeat.

Results: Brigg Town Reserves 3 Skegness United 1; CGB Humbertherm 3 Ruston Sports 1; Hykeham Town 2 Horncastle Town 0.

Postponed: Cleethorpes Town DS v Sleaford Town Reserves; Wyberton v Lincoln Railway AFC.