A patched-up Sleaford Town side overcame a potential banana skin by over-powering visitors Rothwell Corinthians 3-0 at Eslaforde Park.

Saturday's clash could have posed Brian Rowland's in-form side a number of problems as Town were missing three centre-backs – Kris Jones, Josh Giles and Temi Ajimoko – while Ryan Oliver and Lee Llewellyn were also out.

However, Sleaford overcame their Northamptonshire visitors thanks to goals from veteran Paul Ward, in-form striker Miles Hunter and central midfielder Jamie McCormack.

The result means Sleaford have now won three and drawn one of their past four fixtures and sit 10th in the United Counties League Premier Division.

"We have a good squad with a lot of competition for places, so when there are absences it gives others the chance to play," said Rowland.

"We were well on top for most of the game and Rothwell did not really threaten us.

"Matt Hodgkin, in particular, had a fine game. He played at right-back but also gives us options going forward, and he set up two of our goals."

The first of those goals was Sleaford's opening strike on 36 minutes, when Ward headed home Hodgkin's cross.

Leading goalscorer Hunter doubled the tally on the hour mark, latching on to a pass from Gary Walters, before McCormack rounded off the win following a good move involving Martin Wormall and, again, Hodgkin.

"Having players like Gary Walters, Martin Wormall and Paul Ward is really helping because their influence is rubbing off on the younger players in the squad," said Rowland.

"We're still targeting a top 10 finish and with the form we're in, we believe we can do it."