Match Preview: Newark & Sherwood United vs Grantham Town (FA Vase)

Date: Saturday 18 October 2025
Kick-Off: 3:00 PM
Venue: Harrowby Football & Social Club, Dickens Road, Grantham 

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Venue & Context

Although the fixture is technically between Newark & Sherwood United (home) and Grantham Town (away), the match will be played at Harrowby United’s ground in Grantham — a ground share arrangement which the “Highwaymen” currently use as their base. 
The address is 13 Dickens Road, NG31 9QY. 

This setting means that while Newark & Sherwood have “home” advantage in name, the locality is more familiar to many Grantham-based supporters and could make the match atmosphere more evenly balanced.

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Stakes & Significance

This is a First Round Proper tie in the 2025–26 FA Vase. 
Winning at this stage brings both progress in a prestigious national competition for non-league clubs and a financial boost — the winner collects £825 from the competition’s prize fund, while the loser takes £250. 

For Newark & Sherwood, the match is a chance to assert themselves in national cup competition and reward their supporters. For Grantham, it’s an opportunity to show their strength away from home and potentially make a deeper run.

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Teams & Form

Newark & Sherwood United
• The club is groundsharing at Harrowby United’s ground. 
• In their latest outing, they showed resilience: overturning a halftime deficit to beat Atherstone 3–1 at Harrowby, producing a strong second half display. 
• Their recent form suggests confidence, particularly in their home environment.

Grantham Town
• As regular participants of non-league national cups, Grantham bring experience and ambition.
• They will want to neutralise the “home” atmosphere and impose themselves early on.

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Key Battles & Tactical Thoughts
• Familiarity vs neutrality: Newark & Sherwood nominally have home status, but Grantham support may be strong given the location. The psychological edge is unclear.
• Midfield control: Whoever dominates the central area will likely dictate the flow of the match.
• Transitions & set-pieces: At this level, quick counter attacks and aerial or dead-ball situations often decide tight cup matches.
• Momentum swings: Given Newark’s ability to overturn deficits recently, Grantham must keep concentration throughout to avoid lapses.

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Prediction & Feel

Given the venue situation, the match has an almost “neutral” feel, which could benefit the team better prepared on the day. Grantham’s experience in cup settings might give them a slim edge, but Newark & Sherwood will fancy their chances with the backing of a home crowd (in name) and confidence from recent results.

A close scoreline is likely — something like Grantham 2–1 Newark & Sherwood or even a 1–1 draw with extra time (if that’s in the competition format) would not surprise.