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Lincs kept possession well in the first half with some good passing movements but neither team had any finishing power and both goalkeepers hardly had a shot to save with defences dominating.

Oliver Price was a tower of strength in the middle of the home back four.

After the break it was a different story with Notts putting more pressure on the Lincs team. But again, finishing was poor.

And it was Lincs who took the lead against the run of play when Josh Gibson’s shot was charged down by the on-rushing keeper, but only as far as Brendan Burton who slotted into the net.

However, Notts hit back and applied persistent pressure. They equalised with 10 minutes remaining and then bagged the winning goal just before the end of an entertaining encounter.

Lincs squad: Joe Ashton (Giles), Dan Worthington (Giles), Oliver Price (King’s), Billy Hodgkiss (Giles), Bradley Easey (George Farmer), Matthew Welsh (Carre’s), Marlon Grundy (Priory LSST), Kieron Helsdown (Cherry Wilingham), Josh Gibson (Branston), Will Quigley (Bourne Academy), Jake Redgate-Large (Caistor GS), Harry Frost (St George’s), Cameron Heap (Priory LSST), Jason Buckthorp (Priory City of Lincoln), Joe Cain (Giles), Brendan Burton (Spalding GS).

News for March 21

ESFA Midland Counties League

Lincolnshire Schools u16s 2, Humberside u16s 4

If ever there was a “game of two halves”, then this was it. In the first period Lincolnshire appeared to lack confidence in all departments — indecision on too many occasions led to two Humberside goals and several near misses. Overall, it was a wholly disjointed display at Boston Town’s Tattershall Road stadium, one that led to the visitors stretching into a 4-0 lead.

Lively forward Ombemi was always a threat for the visitors but slack marking made his mazy runs that much easier.

After the break, though, Lincs came out a far more determined outfit following a half-time verbal bashing from manager Neil Hopwood.

They closed down the opposition quickly and were first to the ball on many occasions.

Lincs reduced the deficit when Leon Squires was brought down inside the area and got up to calmly slot home the resulting penalty. Both teams then hit the goal frame in an ebb-and-flow pattern with both keepers also making good saves.

Another goal was pulled back for Lincs when Lewis Richards finished off a good move instigated by a fine through pass from Segun Olemuso. But although missing several other chances, no more goals arrived as Humberside duly saw out a 4-2 success.

News for March 7

Midland Counties Under-16s Inter-County Cup

Derbyshire 0, Lincolnshire 0

Lincolnshire went into this game knowing that they could still qualify for the final stages of the competition after the withdrawal of Leicestershire due to financial constraints.

Most 0-0 draws are dull affairs, but this encounter had all kinds of incidents — a missed penalty by Derbyshire (their second in a week), two shots cannoning off the crossbar from the home side, other close calls, an open goal miss from Alex Simmonds, scintillating forays by Leon Squire (who Derbyshire found virtually impossible to contain on his electrifying runs) — only the final ball on too many occasions going astray. In addition there was some competitive defending by the likes of Callum Ward, Charlie Melville and Callum Seaton plus confident goalkeeping between the sticks for Lincolnshire by Jack Titchmarsh.

A penalty decision in Lincs favour was also not given when Squire appeared to be clipped on one of his many runs at the home defence.

The game started in the same pattern as most Lincs’ matches this term — with the opposition building their moves and keeping possession. But Lincolnshire used the counter attack to good effect, notably through their fast flank men in the guise of Squire and Lewis Richards who both created problems.

Derbyshire’s England u16s and Derby County striker Mason was always a threat but the dogged Lincs back line did a good job in containing him.

The game progressed in basically the same pattern with Derbyshire using good passing work and Lincs hitting out on the break. All-in-all it was a fair result to an interesting match played at the Moorfields Stadium, Derby.

Lincs squad: Jack Titchmarsh (Haven), Callum Seaton (Middlecott), Callum Ward (Cherry Willingham), Charlie Melville (St Georges), Sam Greenwood (St Georges), Leon Squire (North Kesteven), Alex Simmonds (North Kesteven), Lewis Richards (William Farr), Aaron Eyett (Thomas Cowley), Rob Wiles (Carre’s Sleaford), Segun Olusemo (Skegness GS), Nick Green (Robert Pattinson), Kiegan Everington (Robert Pattinson), Matt Cotton (North Kesteven), Ryan Rushen (St George’s Sleaford).

Lincolnshire’s final match in the eastern section of the Inter-County Cup is against reigning Midland counties champions and national champions Humberside at Boston Town FC on Wednesday March 21, kick-off 7.15pm.

News for February 19

Midland Counties Under-16s Inter-County Cup

Nottinghamshire 1, Lincolnshire 1

Lincolnshire came out of this game with a well-deserved point — although the ebb-and-flow nature of the encounter could easily have seen either side victorious, not least due to the amount of good chances wasted.

Notts hit the goal frame three times but on the other hand Lincs threatened several times on the break with speedy flank players Lewis Richards and Leon Squires giving the home defence all kinds of problems. Lincs also had a good penalty claim overlooked and second half substitute Segun Olusemo shot wide with the goal gaping and also saw another effort cleared off the home line.

Notts controlled the early stages with their purposeful approach play, but all too often a cutting edge was missing and they were thwarted by stern defending by the Lincs back line in which Charlie Melville and Callum Ward were in solid form.

Lincs took the lead through a coolly taken goal by Alex Simmonds but almost straight from the restart Notts levelled with a close range finish following good build-up play down the left.

The visitors enjoyed more of the play in the second half with their more direct style, but at the other end Lincs also survived some near misses by the home side. All-in-all, a fair result from an evenly-fought contest played out at the excellend Collingham facilities.

Lincs squad: Jack Titchmarsh (Haven), Callum Seaton (Middlecott), Kyle Jackson (Middlecott), Sam Greenwood (St Georges), Callum Ward (Cherry Willingham), Charlie Melville (St Georges), Leon Squire (North Kesteven), Aaron Eyett (Thomas Cowley), Segun Olusemo (Skegness GS), Alex Simmonds (North Kesteven), Kiegan Everington (Robert Pattinson), Nick Green (Robert Pattinson), Karolis Andriulionis (Haven), Kieran Matthews (Lincoln Castle), Lewis Richards (William Farr). Team manager: N Hopwood.

Referee, M Spindley; assistants, G Wells, K Gray.

News for December 16

ESFA National Cup

Northumberland under-18s 4, Lincolnshire under-18s 1

Lincolnshire made the long journey north to play Northumberland Schools under-18s at the excellent facilities of Northumbria University. But they came back feeling they should have had a vastly different outcome had they enjoyed a little more luck.

The game developed into a pattern of passing and probing by the home side — albeit with few genuine threats on the visitors’ goal — and some strong Lincolnshire counter attacking through the pace of wide men Grant Blackhurst and Luke Shipman who regularly posed problems.

Lincs took the lead with a superb header from Blackhurst and hit the crossbar with another good header soon afterwards. Northumberland, meanwhile, dominated possession but repeatedly could not make the final ball count.

Just before half-time the home side netted an equaliser their play merited, although it arrived in bizarre fashion with confusion between goalkeeper and a defender leaving Johnny Forest an easy tap-in from a few yards.

The early stages of the second half saw Lincs having the better of the exchanges before a sublime piece of class from England international Peter Ravenhill put the home side in front. He beat three men in his run before his strong shot beat the despairing dive of keeper Ben Martin in the Lincs goal.

This gave Northumberland added confidence. And with Lincs having to replace two players through injury, the home side dominated the final stages of the match. And they scored two further goals to earn a margin of victory by a somewhat flattering 4-1 scoreline.

For Lincs, Joe Briars was superb on his second trip to the north in two days after playing for Boston United’s youth team at Gateshead 24 hours earlier. Centre backs Luke Wazingham and Alan Carr were really solid until injuries upset the team’s defensive structure late in proceedings.

Up front, Blackhurst was always dangerous particularly in the first half. All-in-all it was a fine Lincs performance despite the team being somewhat under-strength in key areas, their travelling party being reduced to just 13 fit players following late withdrawals.

Squad: Ben Martin, Matt Ward, Luke Wazingham, Jamie Henderson, Nathan Holland, Rory McCracken, Mitchell Parkinson, Ryan Pilbrough (all Lincoln College), Joe Briars (King’s GS Grantham), Luke Shipman (Priory City of Lincoln), Grant Blackhurst (Kin’g College Grantham), James Chamberlain (North Kesteven), Alan Carr (Lincoln College).

Team manager, Alan Foreward; assistant managers, Malcolm Kerridge, Rod Dunne.

News for December 2

ESFA Inter-County Trophy second round

Lincolnshire under-16s 2, Humberside under-16s 3

As expected, this match was a high tempo, quick-tackling affair with Lincolnshire scoring a goal through Alex Simmons in the third minute and then doggedly hanging on to their lead until half-time.

The home back four of Callum Seaton, Callum Ward, Charlie Melville and Kieran Matthews stood firm against wave after wave of attacks by the rampant Humberside forward line, ably supported by the whole team who put up a magnificent effort after the disappointment of losing to Leicestershire.

Referee Chris Reeson had a busy time in this fast-moving and aggressive encounter, booking four players — two from each side. But the official generally kept control of a lively game played at Sleaford Town FC.

Lincolnshire had several good attempts on goal in the first half, most notably a shot from Segun Olusemo that flew inches too high after good work by the impressive Leon Squire down the right flank.

A determined Humberside team came out for the second half and quickly equalised. But still Lincs battled well and were rewarded when Simmons scored again as the Humberside rearguard appealed in vain for offside.

But still the pressure was on Lincs who fought for every ball. However, some quick passing in a renewed effort by the visitors led to a second equaliser with 10 minutes to go.

Then, with extra time looming, Humberside sealed a hard-fought victory in the final minute of the game. But full marks went to Lincolnshire who gave their opponents several uneasy moments. Once again, Humberside — who are national champions and Midland Counties champions — look set for another successful season.

Lincs squad: Jack Titchmarsh (Haven), Callum Seaton (Middlecott), Kieran Matthews (Lincoln Castle), Sam Greenwood (St Georges), Callum Ward (Cherry Willingham), Charlie Melville (St Georges), Leon Squire (North Kesteven), Tom Simpson (Tennyson), Segun Olusemo (Skegness GS), Alex Simmons (North Kesteven), Lewis Richards (William Farr), Aaron Eyett (Thomas Cowley), James MacCallum (Alford GS), Karolis Andriulionis (Haven), Bradley Wilson (Banovallum), Rob Wiles (Carres), Karl Jackson (Middlecott).

Referee, C Reeson; assistants, M Bruntlett, C Dodd.

Lincs management: manager, N Hopwood, assistants, A Brader, J Brader; sports therapist, Alice Peto.

News for November 23

ESFA Midland Counties League

Lincolnshire Schools u16s 0, Leicestershire Schools u16s 3

Lincolnshire were outplayed for long periods by a confident, well-drilled Leicestershire team in this Midland Counties League match played at the excellent facilities of Sleaford Town FC.

Having said this, though, Lincolnshire’s two quick wingers — Lewis Richards and Bradley Wilson — had the beating of the visitors’ full-backs but failed to deliver the right ball or saw crosses squandered on several occasions.

Lincolnshire had an uphill battle when they conceded a soft goal after only four minutes, the visitors striking past a static home rearguard.

Only Charlie Melville in the centre of defence and winger Lewis Richards come out of the game with any real credit as the home side struggled in general to find any sort of fluency in their passing.

The visitors increased their lead after half-time following a neat passing move. Leicestershire moved the ball around with confidence while Lincs still created a few decent chances—especially when Leon Squire embarked on good runs down the right—one such move ending with Alex Simmons firing a chance high over the bar from five yards.

Leicestershire sealed the result with their third goal of the game following a keeping error between the home sticks.

Lincolnshire will have to improve their standard of play when Humberside, fresh from a 6-1 drubbing of Cleveland, are the opposition again at Sleaford on Wednesday November 30, kick-off 7.15pm in the second round of the National Cup.

Lincs squad: Jack Titchmarsh (Haven), Callum Seaton (Middlecott), Kieran Matthews (Lincoln Castle), Tom Simpson (Tennyson), Callum Ward (Cherry Willingham), Charlie Melville (St Georges), Bradley Wilson (Banovallum), Aaron Eyett (Thomas Cowley), Segun Olusemo (Skegness GS), Callum Walker (Skegness GS), Lewis Richards (William Farr), Sam Greenwood (St Georges), James MacCallum (Alford GS), Alex Simmons (North Kesteven), Leon Squire (North Kesteven), Nick Green (Robert Pattinson), Kegan Everington (Robert Pattinson).

Manager, N Hopwood; assistant managers, A Brader, J Brader. Referee: T Basker; assistants, M Bruntlett, C Dodd.

The match was sponsored by long-serving chairman John Fowler and his wife Enid.

News for November 6

Lincolnshire Schools FA final trial match (under-16s)

Lincolnshire Schools u16s v Lincolnshire Schools u18s B

This was a close encounter between the passing game of the younger boys and the more direct and quicker style of the older boys. It resulted in a last-minute decider in favour of the under-18s B team.

The under-18s took a first half lead which was equalised by the best move of the game when Jacob Pease delivered a beautifully weighted through ball for Bradley Wilson to hit a first-time shot past the helpless keeper — reward for an impressive overall display on the left flank.

A diverted shot deceived the under-16s keeper Jack Titchmarsh as the under-18s regained the lead. But still the under-16s didn’t give up and they were rewarded with a penalty when a defender handled on the goal-line. Adam Bevan converted from the spot.

When the game seemed to be petering out into a 2-2 draw, the older boys snatched a winner in the final minute.

Overall, it was a good display by the under-16s with Tom Simpson always being involved in midfield while Aaron Eyett added some clever play from the same area of the pitch.

The match was well refereed by Chris Reeson from Boston.

Under-16s squad: Jack Titchmarsh, Jacob Pease, Ryan Anderson, Bradley Wilson, Aaron Eyett, Callum Seaton, Ben Jenkins, Dom Beesley, Ben Swift, Ross Brown, Louis Holland, Adam Bevan, Tom Simpson, Brandon Byers-Wilkes, Carl Jackson, Harry Milligan.

Next matches:

Thursday November 10: Under-18s v West Yorkshire (ESFA National Cup) at Moorlands FC, Lincoln, kick-off 7.30pm.

Wednesday November 9: Under-14s v Norfolk (ESFA National Cup) at Sleaford town FC, kick-off 7.30pm.

Wednesday November 9: Under-16s girls v Nottinghamshire at Collingham FC, kick-off 7.30pm. In their first game, away at Leicestershire, the Lincs girls lost 5-0.

News for October 22

Lincolnshire under-16s v Grimsby Town under-16s

Lincolnshire started confidently in their final trials match for the county under-16s squad but found themselves 2-0 down within the first 15 minutes in a match contested at Boston Town FC’s Tattershall Road ground.

Both goals for their Grimsby Town rivals were scored by Segun Olusemo, who — importantly — is eligible for Lincolnshire selection.

Bradley Wilson had several good runs down the right for Lincolnshire, but his final ball often lacked the required quality to created additional danger.

As expected, the Grimsby team showed better understanding and team work but the Lincolnshire side still battled well. Callum Walker, another player eligible for Lincs, proved to be an influential play-maker for the visitors.

Lincs were shaken after the break by two quick goals for the visitors, both scored from runs directly through a disappointingly static home rearguard — one of them being scored by Olusemo to complete his hat-trick.

Lewis Richards hit the bar and Aaron Eyett capped a lively performance with a nicely executed shot for a consolation goal for Lincs. However, the home side finished the game a well-beaten outfit in a 5-1 scoreline in favour of Grimsby.

Squad: James McCallum (Alford GS), Jack Titchmarsh (Haven High), Kieran Matthews (Lincoln Yarborough), Charlie Melville (St George’s Sleaford), Callum Seaton (Middlecott), Rob Wiles (Carre’s Sleaford), Sam Greenwood (St George’s Sleaford), Ryan Rushden (St George’s Sleaford), Aaron Eyett (Cowley’s Donington, Jerrell Sellars (unknown), Lewis Richards (William Farr, Welton), Adam Bevan (Boston GS), Bradley Wilson (Banovallum Horncastle), Alex Nicholls (John Spendluffe).

Next and final trial match is at Horncastle Town FC for the Lincs Schools under-18s squad (Tuesday November 1, kick-off 7.15pm).

There will be a Midland Counties League encounter at Sleaford Town FC against Leicestershire on Wednesday November 23, kick-off 7.30pm

In the ESFA National Cup, Lincolnshire will host either Cleveland or Humberside, again at Sleaford Town FC, this time on Wednesday November 30, kick-off 7.30pm.

Apologies for a mistake in the noting of goalscorers in the earlier match against Lincoln City under-15s. Alex Nicholls scored the two goals for Lincs and not Ryan Smith as originally reported (the correction now featured in the report below).

News for September 25

Lincolnshire Schools under-16s section

The first of three games from which to select the final Lincs Schools under-16s squad was held at Lincoln City’s 3G pitch and played against the Imps’ under-15s team.

In a close encounter, the Lincs Schools side emerged 2-0 winners due largely to their more direct play against the passing game of the younger boys. With no boys from City’s under-16s being used on this occasion, it gave a chance for other hopefuls to impress manager Neil Hopwood.

Both centre backs — Ross Brown and Callum Seaton — proved to be solid and workmanlike while Aarron Eyett impressed in midfield. Both goals were scored by Alex Nicholls in the first half while second half replacements Segun Olesemo and Callum Walker also showed promise.

The next trial game is on Wednesday October 19 at Boston Town’s Tattershall Road ground against Grimsby Town under-16s with a 7.15pm kick-off.

Lincolnshire have been drawn against Cleveland or Humberside in the second round of the ESFA National County Cup, the tie to be played at Sleaford Town FC in late November.

Lincs squad: Jack Titchmarsh, Ryan Smith, Ryan Rushden, Ross Brown, Ryan Anderson, Aarron Eyett, Callum Seaton, Rob Wiles, Bradley Wilson, Dom Beasley, Alex Nichols, Sam Greenwood, Ben Swift, Segun Olesemo, Joe Linnecor, Callum Walker.

Sadly, Mr Roy Ingham from Gainsborough has died. He will be most fondly remembered for his good humour on many county Easter tours to Holland, his sterling work for Gainsborough Schools FA and his assistance on many county coaching weekends at the William Lovell School. He will be greatly missed.