Coupons not Littlewoods!

1947 brought a sharp reminder of the austerity of post war days. In the News a report stated that ‘Town footballers are finding difficulties in obtaining the necessary shorts and boots because of a shortage of clothing coupons. Several members of the committee have contributed two or three coupons each and appeal to supporters who can spare a few coupons to assist’.

A night to remember as Town triumph

The following is an account of what must be regarded as one of the Town’s greatest nights in the post war era . It is hard to imagine , when so much local football is watched by one man and his dog, that over 800 people attended the final on May 13th 1950. That figure is more than some Scottish First and Second Division teams get today! What is also remarkable , according to Jack Brader (club secretary) 16 coaches took players and supporters to the game , What a sight that must have been on the way to the coast ! Read on for a real flavour of local soccer over 40 years ago.

The Town have put up some fine displays this season, but none better than at Wainfleet on Friday night when they defeated Louth United 1-0 ,and won the Willoughby Cup.

It was a fine performance to beat the Lincolnshire League Side , and the Horncastle team delighted their bus loads of supporters who were predominant in the crowd of over 800.

Louth, with all but two of their full Lincolnshire League team, were a good , sporting side-- they were gallant losers--and their left back told me after the game that they had not met a better team all season. He paid a high compliment to the Town--and it was well deserved.

When the final whistle blew at Wainfleet on Friday night , the Town players were mobbed by the large crowd of supporters who had made the journey from Horncastle in special buses The Town had beaten Louth United by 1 goal to 0 and won the trophy. A crowd of over 800 saw a fine game fought at a terrifically fast pace with football of the highest class. The result was in doubt right to the end. Although Louth piled on the pressure in those breath-taking last fifteen minutes, the Town defence stood firm with Cook at centre half , inspiring his colleagues.

Only goal

In one attack Spittlehouse swung the ball into the net, but was just offside when it came to him. From a free kick just outside the penalty area, Clayton drove e in a low ball just inside the post. Horncastle supporters were a bit too soon in shouting for a goal. The Louth goalie went full length and made a miraculous last-second save to turn the ball round the post . Blades and Clayton started the move in mid--field that brought the goal . Blades beat two men and came through with the ball . Clayton carried it along and got the Louth defenders going the wrong way. He swung the ball inside and Spittlehouse shot . The ball bounced awkwardly for the Louth goalie and it went over his shoulder into the net to give Town a well deserved lead.

All played their part

Parker ,in the Town goal had not a lot to do, but he was very safe and cool during that period of pressure by Louth. W. Lamming and Horsfield have never played better at full-back . They kicked a good length and tackled like demons. Horsfield saved one certain goal by a last second clearance close in his goalmouth.

The Town had a yeoman defence, the halves playing their full part both in attack and defence. Cook who moved to centre half , played a real captain’s part. He was cool, confident and excelled in his positioning. Ben White, moved to right half, with K. North still injured, settled down straight away. He always looked to be enjoying himself. Well played White!

The forwards fast and well-planned football, with Clayton and Ken White, the inside men, two clever schemers. Both showed plenty of craft and had opposition continually guessing as they found their colleagues with long , raking and first time passes. Spittlehouse again showed what a clever and dangerous forward he is. He led the attack with skill; his flicks out to his wingers were always well timed and placed. Storey was a little quieter than he usually is, but he took some holding , as the Louth right back said after the match. “ He was so small I could not find your winger”. he said Storey must have scored had the ball run more kindly.

W. Brown, who came in at outside right to fill the injured Ken Lamming’s place, opened promisingly but fell away before the end. Blades showed plenty of class.

Big crowds were the order of the day

Below are a couple of extracts from reports as they appear in our newspaper in the 1950s, Obviously big crowds were the order of the day.

The large crowd emphasised the desirability of the Town committee considering the possibility of roping off the pitch . Several times in the second half play was stopped and several promising Town moves held up. Spectators were asked to get back . The Town captain assisted the referee move the crowd back.

Town v Grimsby Rovers ---- Lincs Junior Cup ( Jan 20th 1951 )

Did the linesman and the referee err in awarding that free kick in mid-field ? If you were a Bicker supporter you will say ‘no’, if you are one of the 300 supporters who made the journey to Bicker you will say ‘yes’.

Semi-final Lincs Junior Cup

Bicker 3 Horncastle Town 2

( Saturday, March 10, 1951)

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Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.                                                     

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.

Help support Horncastle Town Football Club and advertise your business here for as little as £1 per month? email info@htfc.eu for further information.