Retro kit to mark cup run

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Grantham Town are set to mark the anniversary of the biggest game in the club's history with a new kit next season.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Premier Division club's Third Round FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough in January 1974, the Gingerbreads have announced they are set to unveil a brand new all red kit, similar to the strip worn that day.

Grantham made history and headlines that season, pictured. Handed a home tie on January 5 against the then Second Division leaders who were managed at the time by Jack Charlton, 6,573 fans packed London Road. Grantham lost 2-0 but Charlton told the press afterwards: "By heck they gace us a fright".

The Gingerbreads went on to enjoy a great season despite their exit, finishing as runner's up in the Southern League, at the time the top tier of Non-League football. Grantham are now looking forward to marking a remarkable season in the club's history and a spokesman said: "This will be a one off kit for the 2013-14 season to celebrate that famous day in Grantham's football history. We are sure everyone will be happy with the design we have chosen.

"Hopefully it will stir some memories for certain people and encourage them to continue their support for the club. We'd also love a local Grantham company to sponsor the new kit and team for the new season and hopefully we can some way towards reaching that level of success again."

For more details please contact stephen.cardy@granthamtownfc.com.

* Grantham Town's Rhys Lewis and Deon Meikle picked up the top playing accolades at their end of season awards night at the newly launched MCS Centre at the Meres.

Lewis took both the Manager's Player of the Year Award and Supporter's Player of the Year Award while Meikle took the Players' Player of the Year. Volunteer Fred Jones collected the Marge Freeston Memorial Trophy for his work at the club.

Grantham have also announced details of their upcoming pre-season friendlies with Lincoln City their first opponents on Saturday July 20.

Fixtures: Saturday 20 July, Lincoln City (H); Thursday 25 July, Boston United (H); Saturday 27 July, Rainworth Miners Welfare (A); Saturday August 3, Carlton Town (A); Tuesday 6 August, Loughborough Dynamo (A); Saturday 10 August, Skegness Town (A).