by Peter Scherer
Up until a few years ago Grantham Town had been regular opponents of Mickleover in the Northern Premier League.
Founded in 1874 the Gingerbreads have had successful history, but have struggled of late. Despite multiple titles under their belt they were relegated from the NPL Premier League after finishing bottom in 2021/22. After a spell in the NPL Eastern Division they were moved to the Midlands Division and were relegated again in 24/25.
But a season in the United Counties League saw the fightback begin, and after finishing third in the table they beat Belper Utd in the play-off semi final and Newark Town in the final, to return to the NPL Midlands.
Their current manager Mitch Griffiths, an ex Lincoln Utd defender, follows some illustrious names from their successful past, including Martin O’Neill, Gary Mills and John Barnwell.
He has been in charge since May 2025, having previously spent a successful year at Newark Town, his first foray into team management.
Home is currently the council owned South Kesteven Stadium, with a 7,500 capacity. Their record crowd came from a third round FA Cup tie, when 6,578 crammed into watch them play Middlesbrough. They had previously reached the third round on two occasions, back in the 1800’s.
Honours
• Northern Premier League
o Division One South champions 2011–12
• Southern League
o Division One North champion 1972–73, 1978–79
o Midland Division champions 1997–98
• Midland League
o Champions 1963–64, 1970–71, 1971–72
o League Cup winners 1968–69, 1970–71
• Central Alliance
o Champions 1924–25
o Division B champions 1924–25
• Midland Amateur League
o Champions 1910–11
• Lincolnshire Senior Cup
o Winners 1884–85, 1971–72, 1982–83
• Lincolnshire County Senior Cup
o Winner 1936–37
• Lincolnshire Senior Cup ‘A’
o Winners 1953–54, 1960–61, 1961–62
• Lincolnshire County Shield
o Winners 2003–04, 2004–05, 2011–12