MATCH PREVIEW: Skegness Town vs Ashby Ivanhoe

United Counties League Premier Division North
Saturday 3 October 2026 | 3:00pm
MKM Stadium

Skegness Town return to the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the Lilywhites welcome Ashby Ivanhoe in the United Counties League Premier Division North.

After a difficult midweek evening, Town will be looking to put things right in front of their home supporters and produce a positive response against an Ashby side who will provide another stern test.

Back at the MKM

The Lilywhites head into Saturday's game looking to bounce back from Wednesday night's 5–2 defeat away at Blackstones.

It was a frustrating evening for Town, but with another league fixture quickly approaching, there is little time to dwell on the result. The focus will now be firmly on Saturday and the opportunity to respond on home soil.

Prior to Wednesday's defeat, Town had produced some encouraging performances, including a 4–1 away victory over West Bridgford Colts in the Sports Ground Development UCL Cup and a 1–1 draw with Leicester Nirvana.

The Lilywhites have shown attacking threat during the campaign and will be looking to rediscover that spark in front of goal on Saturday.

Team News

Manager Gary King will also be assessing his options ahead of the fixture, with player availability a particular concern.

The Lilywhites have injury doubts over Luke Rayner-Mistry and Harley Thompson, adding to what was already a concerning situation for King as he looks to select his side for the visit of Ashby Ivanhoe.

With a busy period of fixtures continuing, Town will be hoping for some positive news on the fitness front while preparing for another important league encounter.

The Visitors

Ashby Ivanhoe arrive at the MKM Stadium as familiar opponents, with the two clubs having shared the United Counties League Premier Division North in recent seasons.

Ivanhoe have established themselves at Step 5 of the non-league pyramid following promotion in 2022/23, when they secured the club's first promotion to this level after a memorable play-off final victory over Droitwich Spa.

They have also demonstrated their ability to compete against higher-level opposition, including an impressive 3–1 FA Cup victory over Step 4 Worcester Raiders earlier this season.

There is certainly history between the two sides, with last season's meetings producing plenty of entertainment.

Ashby recorded a 4–0 victory in the November meeting before Town gained some revenge later in the campaign. However, Ivanhoe eventually edged the return fixture at the MKM Stadium 2–1 in April.

The Lilywhites will therefore be hoping to turn the tables this time around.

One To Watch

Ashby have shown plenty of attacking quality and possess players capable of making a difference in the final third.

Kieran O'Connell was particularly influential during Ivanhoe's 6–1 victory over Aylestone Park in August, scoring twice and earning the supporters' Player of the Match award.

Harry Landsdowne also found the net twice in that impressive performance, highlighting the attacking threat that Town will need to be aware of.

The Lilywhites will need to be switched on defensively from the first whistle, while also looking to put Ashby's defence under pressure at the other end.

A Response Required

Saturday provides Town with another opportunity to respond. The disappointment of Wednesday's result will need to be put to one side as soon as the players step onto the pitch, with the focus firmly on producing the kind of performance that the home supporters know this team is capable of.

With injuries adding to Gary King's selection concerns, the support from the stands could prove even more important. The players will be looking to the supporters to get behind them from the first whistle as Town look to return to winning ways and put another three points on the board. Thank you for your support.

Skegness Town vs Ashby Ivanhoe
Saturday 3 October 2026
Kick-off: 3:00pm
MKM Stadium

Come on, Town!