www

This game, played at the Field Mill home of Mansfield Town FC, got off to an explosive start with both teams scoring inside the opening two minutes. First for Lincolnshire, Karl Cunningham’s shot was diverted into the opposition net off a Worcester defender. Then in reply, a lapse in the Lincs rearguard allowed Worcestershire an immediate equaliser.

The match then settled down after this extraordinary start with both sides looking a touch nervous and the ball frequently being given away all too easily. Lincolnshire, who have played plenty of good, passing football throughout their successful campaign, reverted to pumping high balls forward. But these were easily dealt with by the tall and rugged Worcester defensive line.

However, it was Lincs who retook the lead with a well-taken goal from Mitch Parkinson who slotted the ball away comfortably after a good build-up. Still, though, this first meeting between these counties remained something of a nervous contest as Lincs held onto their 2-1 advantage at the interval.

After some harsh words during the break from their team managers, Lincs came out in the second half and start to keep the ball with some more positive possession and build-up work. Stuart Whitaker used his speed to great advantage on several occasions down the left flank. But it was Worcester who equalised following another home defensive tangle.

But Lincs hit back. Cunningham, who had been experiencing a quiet game by his regular standards, swept home a third goal amid jubilant celebrations to give his team a 3-2 lead. It was all Lincolnshire now and an astute pass from Cunningham gave Jake Beauchamp a chance to seal the tie. And he made no mistake to put the gloss on a terrific 4-2 success.

Overall, it was a workmanlike rather than spectacular Lincs display — but one that nevertheless, rounded off a memorable season that saw them beaten just once (by Greater Manchester who defeated Suffolk 5-1 to lift the national trophy at Hillsborough).

Lincs squad: Rory McCracken (LSST Priory Lincoln), Sam Towell (Boston GS), Alan Carr (Gleed Spalding), Elliott Green (William Farr, Welton), Tyrone Chase (Haven High Boston), Joe Hendy (Caistor GS), Karl Cunningham (LSST Priory Lincoln), Mitch Parkinson (William Farr Welton), Tom Thacker (Carre’s Sleaford), Stuart Whitaker (Boston GS), Josh Foreman (Giles Old Leake), Mark Hipwell (Giles Old Leake), Rob Cable (LSST Priory Lincoln), Jake Beauchamp (Kirton Middlecott), Jamie Henderson (LSST Priory Lincoln), Matt Corner (LSST Priory Lincoln).

The trophies were presented by John Williamson (Midlands Counties chairman).

News for April 21

Jake’s strike seals place in final

ESFA Midland Counties u16s Trophy semi-final

West Midlands 0, Lincolnshire u16s 1

Lincolnshire started this match as if the long journey to Wolverhampton had sapped their energy and concentration, allowing the home side to dominate. After starting with a 4-3-3- formation that offered more space for his team’s midfield players, Lincs manager Neil Hopwood soon made changes to stiffen up the central area of the visiting team.

And things quickly looked more favourable, particularly when Lincs took the lead on 20 minutes, albeit totally against the run of play. Jake Beauchamp struck a magnificent goal from fully 25 yards out, his shot giving the home keeper no chance.

This gave Lincs more confidence and they made several raids down the left side where Stuart Whitaker repeatedly had the beating of the home full-back. However, West Midlands continued to carry a threat but either poor home finishing or good away defending kept the scoreline at 1-0 to Lincs at the interval.

After the break, the quick tackling and good defending of the visiting side restricted the home team to few clear-cut chances. Jamie Henderson worked tirelessly in midfield while the introduction of Tom Thacker — initially up front and later at centre back — gave more height and stability to the team.

One brilliant 40-yard free-kick by the West Midlands side just flew wide. But at the other end, Lincs had the better of the openings, two of them falling to Karl Cunningham whose mazy runs put him into good shooting positions. But, in turn, a good save and last-ditch tackle thwarted his attempts.

Jubilant scenes, though, from the Lincs camp greeted the final whistle. The team now await news on who they will play in the final with the Humberside v Worcestershire match still to be played.

Lincs squad: Rory McCracken (LSST Priory Lincoln), Sam Towell (Boston GS), Alan Carr (Gleed Spalding), Sam Downey (LSST Priory Lincoln), Elliott Green (William Farr, Welton), Tyrone Chase (Haven High Boston), Joe Hendy (Caistor GS), Karl Cunningham (LSST Priory Lincoln), Mitch Parkinson (William Farr Welton), Tom Thacker (Carre’s Sleaford), Stuart Whitaker (Boston GS), Mark Hipwell (Giles Old Leake), Rob Cable (LSST Priory Lincoln), Jake Beauchamp (Kirton Middlecott), Jamie Henderson (LSST Priory Lincoln), Matt Corner (LSST Priory Lincoln).

News for March 19

Last-gasp leveller seals semi-final spot

ESFA Midland Counties Championship

Nottinghamshire u16s 3, Lincolnshire u16s 3

Lincolnshire started this game knowing that either a win or draw would take them into the Midland Counties semi-finals. And in making a positive start in the opening moments, the team showed the appeared to mean business. However, the home side mainly controlled the rest of the first half and won eight corners.

But they were not able to take advantage of their superior heading abilities. It was only two magnificent saves by Rory McCracken that kept Lincolnshire in the game before — on one of several good breaks — the visitors snatched the lead against the run of play. Stuart Whitaker got into a good position and finished well from the left side. Lincs started the second half well and strung together a few good moves.

But Nottinghamshire hit back in decisive fashion and remarkably bagged three goals in the space of just 15 minutes to take an impressive lead and leave Lincs wondering what had happened. The sudden transformation was down, largely, to defensive mistakes with goalkeeper McCracken being culpable for helping to gift Notts what looked like a winning lead.

With the game becoming increasingly scrappy and niggly, the Lincs players showed renewed determination and began to dominate proceedings. Hope was rekindled when Mitch Parkinson scored his team’s second goal. Action then ebbed and flowed in an exciting final phase. McCracken made up for his earlier woes when making another fine save. At the other end, Parkinson missed a good chance and Lincolnshire squandered other openings as well.

With time running out, manager Neil Hopwood ordered more men forward. It was in the second minute of stoppage time that the talented Karl Cunningham lashed home a loose ball in a goalmouth melee to give Lincs a memorable 3-3 result that took them into the last four of the competition. Wild celebrations ensued as the referee brought the game to its conclusion.

Lincs squad: Rory McCracken (Priory Lincoln), Sam Towell (Boston GS), Stuart Whitaker (Boston GS), Alan Carr (Gleed Spalding), Sam Downey (Priory Lincoln), Elliot Green (William Farr Welton), Tyrone Chase (Haven Boston), Joe Hendy (Caistor GS), Karl Cunningham (Priory Lincoln), Mitch Parkinson (William Farr Welton), Josh Foreman (Giles Old Leake), Jake Beauchamp (Middlecott Kirton), Jamie Henderson (Priory Lincoln), Matt Corner (Priory Lincoln).

News for March 12

Cunningham hero in vital victory

Midland Counties Under-16s Schools League (East)

Lincolnshire u16s 4, Derbyshire 0

Lincolnshire went into their game against Derbyshire knowing that a win was imperative to keep them in with a chance of qualifying for the Midland Counties semi-finals.

In the first 10 minutes, though, they had to fight a rearguard action against a rampant visiting forward line who had several good chances to take the lead. It was only excellent goalkeeping by Mark Hipwell that kept the scores level.

Gradually, though, Lincolnshire gained more composure and their quick, decisive moves started to create problems. Karl Cunningham was maybe slightly fortunate with his first goal — his shot somehow deceiving the Derbyshire keeper. But there was no luck about his second strike, direct from a free-kick just outside the penalty area.

Although Lincolnshire went in at half-time with a 2-0 lead, there wasn’t room for any complacency as the visitors possessed forwards, particularly on the left side, who always looked capable of changing the game.

Derbyshire had several second half attempts on goal, some only just failing as the visitors produced some fluent movement. But then, home substitute Mitch Parkinson dispossessed a Derby defender before coolly slotting the ball home. It was then left to Cunningham to seal a real man-of-the-match performance with a well-taken goal to clinch a 4-0 success and complete his hat-trick.

This was the best performance of the season for Lincs, who looked a solid team with players comfortable in all positions. The next match is an important one — at Mansfield on Wednesday March 17 against Nottinghamshire, when Lincolnshire must win to proceed into the last four of the competition.

Lincs squad: Rory McKew (Lincoln Priory), Sam Towell (Boston GS), Alan Carr (Gleed), Sam Downey (Lincoln Priory), Elliot Green (William Farr, Welton), Tyrone Chase (Haven, boston), Joe Hendry (Caistor GS), Karl Cunningham (Lincoln Priory), Mitch Parkinson (William Farr, Welton), Stuart Whitaker (Boston GS), Josh Foreman (Giles, Old Leake), Mark Hipwell (Giles, Old Leake), Luke Mazingham (Lincoln Yarborough), Jake Beauchamp (Middlecott), Jamie Henderson (Lincoln Priory), Matt Corner (Lincoln Priory). Referee: Rod Crozier (Boston), assistants, Tom Kelly 9Spilsby), M Butler 9Boston).

News for January 31

Honours even in high-scoring draw

ESFA Midland Counties League (East Section)

Lincolnshire Schools U16s 3, Humberside U16s 3

As usual, a hard and physical match took place at Spalding United’s ground between the under-16s teams representing Lincolnshire Schools and Humberside. In a fast-moving game, Lincs should really have been two goals to the good inside the first 10 minutes. But the visiting keeper pulled off two good saves when the home strikers were in good positions.

Gradually, the quick-breaking Humberside team, inspired by their midfielder on the books of Hull City, made dangerous inroads towards the Lincs goal. But again, good work — this time by Lincs keeper Mark Hipwell — kept the scores level.

Lincs took the lead when Stuart Whitaker, raiding down the left flank, burst through and shot low past the visiting goalie. But almost immediately, Humberside exerted pressure at the other end and drew level. Just before half-time, Lincs were awarded a free-kick just outside the area. And Karl Cunningham struck an excellent shot to make it 2-1 to the home side at the break.

In the second half some stout defending by Lincs — in particular Alan Carr, who was outstanding in the centre of the back four — ensured the home lead was maintained. Later on, though, Humberside again forced an equaliser to make the scores 2-2.

With five minutes to go Lincs took the lead for a third time as Cunningham fired a low drive past the keeper. But the joy was short-lived as Humberside again answered with another goal to tie the scores at 3-3.

Lincs squad: Rory McCracken (Priory Lincoln), Sam Towell (Boston GS), Alan Carr (Spalding Gleed), Sean Downey (Priory Lincoln), Elliot Green (William Farr Welton), Tyrone Chase (Boston Haven), Joe Hendry (Caistor GS), Karl Cunningham (Priory Lincoln), Mitch Parkinson (William Farr Welton), Stuart Whitaker (Boston GS), James Allan (Spalding Gleed), Mark Hipwell (Giles Old Leake), Jake Beauchamp (Middlecott Kirton), Jordan Nuttell (Middlecott Kirton). Referee: Mike Brader (Boston); assistants, N Baines and C Reeson (Boston).

English Schools FA Inter-County Trophy round three

Greater Manchester Schools U16s 2, Lincolnshire Schools U16s 0

After a long journey and numerous traffic problems, Lincs Schools took a fair while to settle to the task of tackling current holders Manchester in this third round Inter-County Trophy tie at Flixton. And without really breaking sweat, the home side opened up a 2-0 half-time lead in the face of what was a disappointing Lincolnshire display — the visitors having promised so much in their previous round 4-1 defeat of Norfolk.

In attack, little threat was offered by Lincs as the team clearly missed the talents of injured front man Tom Hopper. After the break Lincs started to dominate proceedings for long spells, but again without being able to find a cutting edge.

It was, in fact, the home team who had the better chances. On a handful of occasions they threatened to extend their lead but were unable to beat substitute keeper Mark Hipwell who made some good saves.

Lincs squad: Rory McCracken (Priory Lincoln), Sam Towell (Boston GS), Alan Carr (Gleed Spalding), Sam Downey (Priory Lincoln), Elliot Green (William Farr Welton), Tyrone Chase (Boston Haven), Joe Hendry (Caistor GS), Karl Cunningham (Priory Lincoln), Mitch Parkinson (William Farr Welton), Stuart Whittaker (Boston GS), Josh Forman (Giles Old leake), Mark Hipwell (Giles Old Leake), Elliott Price (Carres Sleaford), Luke Mazingham (Lincoln Yarborough), Antonio Nade (Carres Sleaford).

News for December 5

Extra-time loss inflicted on girls

English Schools Under-16s FA Inter County Trophy for Girls

Nottinghamshire Girls u16s 1, Lincolnshire Girls u16s 0 (aet)

Lincolnshire had the better of the early exchanges with Anne Meiwald dominating in midfield. But excellent defending from the Nottinghamshire back four kept Lincs at bay. The first half developed into a midfield battle with both defences given little away.

With the wind behind them in the second half, Notts threatened more. But some good saves from Sophie Harris in the Lincs goal kept the scoreline level.

The game went into extra time and again both rearguards were the dominant factor. The tie seemed destined for a penalty shoot-out decider until Kate Waddell turned brilliantly and shot home from 12 yards to win the game to Notts.

Lincs squad: Sophie Harris (North Kesteven), Emily Harris (William Farr Welton), Billie Brooks (Haven High), Lottie Christie (Robert Manning), Beth Scaril (Kirton Lindsey), Abby Young (St Bedes), Emily Roberts (Monks Dyke), Sarah Beal (Skegness Grammar), Beth Goodman (Bourne Grammar), Anne Meiwald (Monks Dyke), Aleville Gerbenyte (St Georges Sleaford), Megan Collins (St Georges Sleaford), Martha Harris (William Farr Welton), Paige Wright (Haven High), Leanne Malcolmson (The Deepings).

Lincolnshire under-16s county team’s next game is against Leicestershire u16s, who are fresh from a 12-1 victory over Cheshire in the National Cup. The game will be played on November 26 in Leicester.

The Lincolnshire under-18s boys’ team were beaten 4-1 by Essex in the first round of the National Knockout Trophy at Lincoln Moorlands.

News for November 27

Stuart and Karl lead victory charge

Norfolk Schools u16s 2, Lincolnshire Schools u16s 4

On a very windy night at Dereham Town FC Lincs Schools made a bright start to their ESFA Inter-County Trophy knockout tie away to their Norfolk counterparts. Despite facing the strong elements, Lincs set off with some crisp, high-tempo play and took the lead with a good finish from Stuart Whitaker.

This fine attacking start deserved further reward, but gradually the home side got back into the game, assisted by the fierce conditions. The conditions made defensive work difficult, particularly for the Lincs back line. And Norfolk levelled matters before the interval. However, Lincs were content with the half-time score of 1-1.

Confident Lincs play early in the second half produced a coolly taken goal by Karl Cunningham, who then added another soon afterwards. Seemingly in complete control, Lincs then committed an inexplicable defensive error that enabled the home side to cut the deficit to 2-3.

Undaunted, Lincs hit back straight away and scored a fourth goal when Whitaker netted his second of the game to make the score 4-2.

This was a fine performance by Lincs who were facing a Norfolk side full of confidence after their own two-win start to their league campaign in the southern region.

Lincs squad: Rory McCracken (Priory Lincoln), Sam Towell (Boston GS), Alan Carr (Gleed Spalding), Sam Downey (Priory Lincoln), Eliott Green (William Farr Welton), Tom Hopper (Skegness GS), Tyrone Chase (Haven Boston), Joe Hendy (Caistor GS), Karl Cunningham (Priory Lincoln), Mitch Parkinson (William Farr Welton), Stuart Whitaker (Boston GS), Marc Hipwell (Giles Old Leake), Luke Mazingham (Yarborough Lincoln), Jake Beauchamp (Middlecott), Antonio Nurse (Carres Sleaford), Elliott Price (Carres Sleaford).

The Lincs Schools under-18s team will play Essex in the first round of the National Trophy on a date still to be arranged.

News for November 18

Honours even in entertaining clash

Lincolnshire Schools u16s 1, Leicestershire 1

In a highly entertaining game of missed chances and attacking football, Lincolnshire just failed to overcome visiting Leicestershire in a match contested at Boston Town’s Tattershall Road ground. The visitors took the early initiative with several clear-cut chances that were either well saved by home keeper Rory McCracken or wastefully missed by the Leicestershire front line. Gradually Lincolnshire worked their way into the game with some controlled, passing football but still the long ball game of the visitors gave the home defence problems. Kepper McCracken sustained a nasty leg injury and had to be replaced by sub goalie Mark Hipwell half-way through the opening half. It was shortly afterwards that Hipwell, under some pressure at a corner, palmed the ball into his own net to give the visitors the lead. After the break, it was mainly Lincolnshire who held the upper hand but chances never quite fully materialised for the home strike force, particularly in the case of highly-rated Tom Hopper. A near-certain goal for Leicestershire was handled on the line by a home defender but the resultant penalty was brilliantly saved by Hipwell. Lincs manager Neil Hopwood decided to gamble in the final five minutes by pushing an extra man into attack and playing with just three defenders. And this paid off when Sam Downey drove in a fine, low shot for a deserved equaliser. A storming last few minutes saw Lincs battering the visitors’ goal and led to several near misses. But the visitors held on for a draw — a fair result from a fluctuating encounter. Lincs travel to Norfolk on Wednesday (November 25) in the first round of the ESFA National County Championship. And the week after, they play Notts at Collingham in the Midland Counties League.

Lincs: Rory McCracken (Priory Lincoln), Sam Towell (Boston GS), Alan Carr (Gleed Spalding), Sam Downey (Priory Lincoln), Elliott Green (William Farr), Tyrone Chase (Haven), Joe Hendy (Caistor GS), Mitch Parkinson (William Farr), Tom Hopper (Skegness GS), Stuart Whitaker (Boston GS), Paul Coulam (Monks Dyke Louth), Mark Hipwell (Giles Old leake), Antonio Nurse (Carres GS Sleaford), Karl Cunningham (Priory Lincoln).

In preparation for the current season, 50 boys met at the William Lovell School in Stickney for a squad selection day. A party of 25 boys was selected for further trials against Boston Town under-18s (won 3-1), Grimsby town under-16s (drew 2-2) and Lincs schools under-18s B (drew 3-3). Games will now be played against Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Humberside and Derbyshire in the Midland Counties (East) area. From there, the top two teams in the group play the top two sides from the West Midlands section to determine the final of the Midland Counties Championship. Also in the first round of the National ESFA Championship, Lincs have been drawn against Norfolk, a team who Lincs have never played competitively at under-16s level previously.