Steve Kirkham took the reins in his first match as manager of Grantham Town as his side went down 4-0 to league leaders Stockton Town

On Saturday (December 9), former Newark FC manager Steve Kirkham oversaw The Gingerbreads for the first time in a match that they ended up losing 4-0.

Hosts Grantham Town managed to hold the visitors at bay for most of the first-half before the league leaders were awarded a penalty and went into the half-time break up 1-0.

The second-half saw The Anchors extend their lead as they put three goals in the back of the net without response.

“It was a tough game against Stockton who have won their last seven,” said Steve Kirkham on his first game in charge.

“It was always going to be difficult.

“I thought we were superb the first half and the players did everything we asked.

“That’s the difference between the top and the bottom though, we dealt with the threats in the first-half but they were relentess.

“They worked hard and they were well organised.

“We just weren’t able to deal with it in the second-half, we just ran out of legs.

“That is why they are where they are, Stockton Town have eleven players that will keep doing it and they will run themselves into the ground.

“We will be looking to add a few new faces and freshen things up as we move forward."