Ironically, Town started brightly with Matty Low and Jack Baxter looking lively and there was no indication of what was to follow. However, the home side denied Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson any opportunity to get on the ball and as a consequence Town found it difficult to retain possession and Lincoln Utd took control of proceedings.  

They scored with their first meaningful attack when a long throw was flicked on at the near post before being guided past keeper Lee Edwards. Town looked to respond and Jack Baxter and Richard Jackson tried their luck from distance but it was the home side who doubled their advantage midway through the half. An attempted attack from Town broke down and the ball was switched quickly to the left but Town seemed to have escaped when Lee Edwards made a fine save but Lincoln Utd regained possession and when the ball was crossed into the near post their centre forward got across Edwards to head home.

Town barely had chance to response when a corner from the left was headed in at the near post to give the home side a convincing lead. Town would have been hoping to get into the dressing room without further damage but on the stroke of half-time a far post cross was haeded in to put the result beyond any doubt.

Town had little to play for but pride in the second half and they did enjoy a lot more possession. A clever ball from Ollie Johnson released Matty Low down the left but his attempt from a narrow angle clipped the bar. Despite having the majority of possession for the opening twenty minutes of the half that was the closest Town came to reducing the deficit and midway through the half another cross was headed home to increase the lead for the hosts.

Carl Smith, Luke Shelbourn and Tony Edwards all came off the bench to try and inject such much needed enthusiasm and Carl saw his fierce drive go just wide of the upright. However, it was the home side who completed the scoring when they broke away to add a sixth goal towards the end.

Town know that they need to respond positively to what has been a poor run of late. Their encouraging form prior to Christmas seems to have desrted them and there appears to be a lack of confidence amongst the players that needs to return quickly if they are to end the season with improved results. That will certainly not be easy this coming Saturday when they travel to play Harvest who are challenging strongly for the league title.

Town side: 

Lee Edwards, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Jamie Lamming (Tony Edwards), Richard Jackson, Jack Baxter, Erik Rawdon (Luke Shelbourn), Matty Low (Carl Smith

Horncastle Town 3 Sleaford Town Reserves 4 

20-02-2010  

This was the proverbial game of two halves as Town's determined second half showing enabled them to emerge with some credit from the game following a dreadful first period. Town found themselves three goals in arrears at the break as the away team totally dominated proceedings but a spirited fight back in the second half almost brought Town a share of the spoils.

Town started the game nervously and they were soon on the back foot as Sleaford dominated the early stages. Keeper Andy Cotton came to clear a cross but in the process kneed Alec Enderby in the back and he had to be withdrawn with only five minutes played. Moments later Andy Cotton made an excellent save to keep the teams level but the reprieve was short lived and two minutes later Sleaford took a deserved lead. Stones and Gordon combined to set up Wilson who fired unerringly into the corner.

Worse was to follow for Town when Sleaford doubled their advantage five minutes later. Andy Cotton had pulled off another fine save to deny Stones but from the resulting corner Gordon was allowed a free header inside the six yard box and he took full advantage of Town's poor defending.

Town were struggling to get a foothold in the game with only Richard Jackson getting on the ball but they were gifted a way back into the game midway through the half. Tom Phillips was fouled on the edge of the box and the resulting free-kick somehow eluded the Sleaford keeper to give Chris Johnson his seventh goal of the season. Town then enjoyed a much better spell when they looked to be getting back into the game but two further goals for Sleaford looked to have put the result beyond doubt before half-time.

Firstly Rawdon took full advantage when Sleaford were awarded a free-kick to curl a fine shot over Town's defensive wall into the corner and moments later a Sleaford player stooped to flick on another free-kick and the ball looped over everybody into the net.

Town Manager Paul Johnson asked for a response from his players after the break and to their credit they duly obliged with a much improved second half showing. Town reduced the arrears almost immediately when Erik Rawdon flicked on Chris Johnson's free-kick for Michael Harness to slide in at the far post. This seemed to galvanise Town who played with greater belief throughout the second half. Richard Jackson and Ollie Johnson were seeing much more of the ball in midfield and with Erik Rawdon leading the line well Town looked far more threatening. Substitute Carl Smith provided width down the right and with Matty Low using his pace to good effect down the left Town looked to take the game to the visitors. Stones and Gordon were well marshalled by Steve Brown and Chris Johnson but keeper Andy Cotton still had to be alert and he pulled off three fine saves to keep Town in contention.

Jack Baxter was introduced for the final twenty minutes and his pace caused the Sleaford defence problems and with ten minutes remaining Town pulled another goal back to set up a tense finish. Matty Low was bundled over in the box and Ollie Johnson kept his nerve from the spot to register his fifth goal of the season. As Town pushed forward for a late equaliser Richard Jackson just failed to pick out Carl Smith and a far post defensive header just went wide but the closest Town came was in the dying moments when Jamie Lamming's fine volley drifted just past the upright.

In fairness Sleaford were worthy winners as they dominated Town in the first half but Town can take heart from a spirited fightback that showed a lot of character and almost brought them a share of the spoils.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Steve Brown, Luke Shelbourn, Alec Enderby (Matty Low), Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Tom Phillips (Carl Smith), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness (Jack Baxter), Jamie Lamming. Subs: Scott Spooner  

Lincoln United Reserves 1 Horncastle Town 0 

13-02-2010

This was a vastly improved performance from Town who contributed a huge amount in an entertaining game of football but once again they had nothing to show for their efforts and fell to their fourth successive defeat.

The home side started brightly and Town were second best for the opening fifteen minutes. Andy Cooling did well to deny the hosts an early scoring opportunity but on five minutes Lincoln United took the lead in somewhat controversial circumstances. Town were waiting for an offside decision to be given in their favour when the referee's assistant raised his flag but when the referee did not acknowledge him the assistant put his flag down and the game continued with a throw-in to the home side. The ball was thrown down the left wing and with Town caught unawares their winger ran to the byline before pulling the ball across for a simple tap-in at the near post.  

Conceding early goals has been Town's achilles heel in recent weeks and they almost went two behind when a looping header came back off the bar into the grateful arms of keeper Andy Cotton. Lincoln United's front pairing were causing Town's defence real problems in the early stages but Town gradually came into the game and began to take control of proceedings with Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson prominent in midfield. Luke Shelbourn headed just wide of the far post from a free-kick as Town looked to get back on level terms and Tommy Chalk and Richard Jackson both fired just wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Town were enjoying a lot of possession and another fine move ended with Erik Rawdon curling a shot just wide of the upright. Town went into the break a goal in arrears but continued in a positive manner at the start of the second half and they looked to have equalised early in the half. An Andy Cooling corner was headed goal wards by Ollie Johnson but Michael Harness's shot on the turn somehow went wide of the post. Town continued to press and Tommy Chalk again went close after another determined run.

Tom Phillips replaced Jamie Lamming with thirty minutes remaining as Town looked to press home their territorial advantage but the home side had a couple of great opportunities to extend their lead but they failed to hit the target. Andy Cotton then came off his line to pull off a fine save to keep Town in the game as Lincoln United exploited the space at the back as Town pushed players forward in search of an equaliser. Steve Brown was getting forward whenever he could down the right as often as he could and he combined well with Erik Rawdon who put in a fine cross that just eluded Michael Harness. Ollie Johnson then combined cleverly with Richard Jackson who fired just wide of the far post but Town's best opportunity fell to Michael Harness in the final minutes. Skipper Chris Johnson picked him out with a superb pass from the back but Michael's fine effort just failed to clear the keeper who palmed the ball away.

Town were ultimately to be denied and the early goal from the home side was to prove decisive but Manager Paul Johnson was pleased by the attitude and commitment shown by the players but will be concerned that once again Town failed to get on the scoresheet.

This coming Saturday Town are at home to second placed Sleaford Town - kick-off 3.00pm on The Wong.

Town side: Andy Cotton, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Jamie Lamming (Tom Phillips), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Erik Rawdon, Tommy Chalk. Subs: Ben Johnson

Horncastle Town 0 Lincoln Moorlands 3 

30-01-2010

This was a desperately disappointing performance from a strangely out of sorts Town side who capitulated far too easily against an improving Moorlands side. Town struggled to play with any fluency or cohesion and only Tommy Chalk and Alec Enderby could really be satisfied with their efforts on the day.

Despite being without Andy Cooling, Danny Daubney and Luke Shelbourn, manager Paul Johnson was able to name a familiar looking Town line-up but a lethargic showing was summed up by the manner in which Town conceded the opening goal inside two minutes. A misplaced pass from Tommy Chalk was picked up by a Moorlands player and with Town stretched at the back their centre forward ran onto a fine through ball to fire past a helpless Andy Cotton in Town's goal.

To his credit, Tommy worked tirelessly to amend for his mistake and an excellent individual run was ended when his pass just eluded the overlapping Matty Low. Town did try to respond to the early setback and skipper Chris Johnson headed over from an Ollie Johnson free-kick before Michael Harness saw his volley blocked by a defender. Matty Low then crossed to the far post only for Jamie Lamming to collide with the upright as he tried to turn the ball in. Unfortunately Jamie injured his leg in the process and had to be replaced by Will Carter with Jack Baxter moving to the right.

Town failed to play their usual passing game but Tommy Chalk went close on a couple of occasions but narrowly missed the target. Matty Low's low shot was well saved by the keeper before Richard Jackson fired just over but it was Moorlands who doubled their lead ten minutes before the break. Ollie Johnson conceded a throw in when his pass failed to find Steve Brown and when the ball was thrown to their left winger he turned cleverly before putting in a superb cross that was turned in at the near post.

Problems continued to mount for Town as Ollie Johnson suffered an injury and had to be replaced by Tom Phillips before half-time. This meant another reshuffle as Town looked to get back into the game but although the injuries to Jamie and Ollie were unfortunate they could not be used as an excuse for Town's poor first half showing.

Town appeared to come out with more resolve after the break and a strong challenge from Alec Enderby immediately after the restart demonstrated his determination to try and turn things around. However, any chance Town had of getting back into the game virtually disappeared within five minutes of the restart when keeper Andy Cotton failed to gather a ball at the near post and it ran loose to their centre forward who gratefully completed his hat-trick.

Michael Harness was unlucky not to reduce the deficit immediately when his shot squeezed through the keepers legs but went just wide and moments later Michael fired wide of the far post after good work from Tommy Chalk. Will Carter almost got on the score sheet when he ran onto a fine ball from substitute Ben Johnson and rounded the keeper but his route to goal was blocked and the ball was cleared. Town had a ball scrambled off the line and Tommy Chalk fired just wide of the post as they tried to salvage something from the game but in truth they didn't really deserve anything following such a poor overall display.

Hopefully Town can put this game behind them very quickly as they have some difficult fixtures in February, beginning with a trip to play Cleethorpes Reserves on Saturday - kick-off 2.00pm.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Steve Brown (Ben Johnson), Matty Low, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson (Tom Phillips), Jamie Lamming (Will Carter), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Jack Baxter, Tommy Chalk. Subs: Erik Rawdon

Horncastle Town 0 Skegness Town 2 

23-01-2010

Despite the scoreline there was little to choose between the two sides during an evenly contested game but Skegness emerged as worthy winners with a goal in each half proving decisive.

Town looked to have a strong squad available prior to the game but with Steve Brown and Luke Shelbourn struggling with injury selection was difficult. This was compounded by an inury to Tom Phillips that meant he could only play for ten minutes before being replaced by debutant Will Carter. However, by the time the change was made Town were already a goal in arrears as Skegness opened the scoring six minutes in. They broke down Town's right and although Alec Enderby and Chris Johnson both got across to cover, the ball broke to a visiting player inside the penalty area and despite a fine block from keeper Andy Cotton the ball ran square for Starkey to fire home.

Skegness dominated the first fifteen minutes but once Town settled down they enjoyed a lot of possession and played some decent football. Tommy Chalk and Matty Low linked well down the left and their pace was a constant threat. Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson were seeing a lot of the ball in midfield but Town were finding it difficult to break down a well organised Skegness defence and clear scoring chances were at a premium. Michael Harness saw his low shot comfortably saved and Richard Jackson fired just over as Town pressed for an equaliser.

Skegness were also playing some decent football and Andy Cotton was called upon to deal with a couple of decent efforts from outside the area. However, it was Town who went closest to scoring at the end of the half when Chris Johnson headed Ollie Johnson's cross back across goal before Jack Baxter fired just wide.

Town started the second half brightly and when Will Carter flicked on Andy Cotton's long clearance, the Skegness full-back sliced his attempted clearance against the inside of the post before it somehow rebounded to safety. Town continued to press and when Matty Low broke clear on the left his cross shot just eluded the incoming Jack Baxter. Town were working the ball well down their right between Jack and Jamie Lamming and Will Carter almost capitalised on the balls played in on a couple of occasions.

However, Town seemed to run out of ideas as the game entered the final quarter and Skegness took advantage to add a second goal with twenty minutes remaining. Town lost possession in midfield and despite the efforts of Alec Enderby to get across and cover, a low cross was turned in by Howard to secure the three points.

To their credit Town continued to push forward and keeper Maddison was tested by two fine strikes from Jamie Lamming and Tommy Chalk. He was also called upon when Jack Baxter picked out Will Carter with a fine cross but his header was well saved. Michael Harness went close on a couple of occasions towards the end of the game but in truth Town failed to open upa resilient Skegness defence and although Town played some decent football at times they could not make the breakthrough they needed.

Town will be hoping to get back to winning ways next week when they entertain Lincoln Moorlands at home on The Wong - kick-off 3.00pm.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Jamie Lamming, Matty Low, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Tom Phillips (Will Carter), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Jack Baxter, Tommy Chalk. Subs: Steve Brown, Luke Shelbourn, Ben Johnson.

Heckington 3 Horncastle Town 1

16-01-2010

Despite the score line, Town played some of their best football of the season but a series of missed chances was to prove costly as the home side took advantage of Town's poor finishing to take all three points. Town had been without a game for six weeks but they started brightly and took the game to their hosts. Tommy Chalk and Matty Low were a constant threat down the left throughout the first half and with Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson dominant in midfield Town quickly took control of the game. Michael Harness and Danny Daubney were paired up front and their movement was causing the home defence problems as Town looked to gain the ascendancy.

There was an early setback when Steve Brown had to come off injured but Jamie Lamming filled in at fullback and did an excellent job. Town thought they had taken the lead when Luke Shelbourn fired home from close range after an Ollie Johnson free kick had fallen to Danny Daubney but Luke was adjudged to be offside. Matty Low then broke into the box but he elected to square the ball instead of shooting and the ball was cleared.

Town's defence was having to work hard against a useful Heckington front line but with Chris Johnson in fine form keeper Andy Cotton was rarely troubled and Town continued to press. They duly took the lead on the half hour when they were awarded a penalty. Michael Harness clipped a superb ball over the Heckington defence for Matty Low to run onto before being felled in the box. The referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Ollie Johnson stepped forward to give Town a deserved lead. Town continued to press and Tommy Chalk, Michael Harness and Ollie Johnson all went close as Town looked to increase their lead. However, Town had to settle for a solitary goal lead at half time but all of their good work was undone within two minutes of the restart. Keeper Andy Cotton pulled off a superb save low to his right at the expense of a corner but the resulting cross was poorly defended and the ball was forced in from close range to bring the teams level.

To their credit Town responded positively and with Jamie Lamming and Tom Phillips linking well down the right they looked to regain the initiative. Tom saw a dipping volley drop just wide after good work from Richard Jackson and Danny Daubney had a shot blocked from close range after good work from Michael Harness. Town were passing the ball confidently and looking dangerous going forward but it was Heckington who took the lead twenty minutes into the second half. A long ball down the middle caused confusion between keeper Andy Cotton and Luke Shelbourn and a poor clearance fell to Collin who lifted the ball beyond a stranded Cotton into the Town net.

Town could have been forgiven for feeling sorry for themselves but they forced their way back into the game and Michael Harness fired wide after being played in by Richard Jackson. Richard then saw his effort blocked as Town pressed and they thought they had equalised when a Tom Phillips cross fell to Chris Johnson on the edge of the six-yard line but his shot was superbly turned away by the Heckington keeper.

Town continued to enjoy a lot of success down the right and when Michael Harness broke clear he squared the ball to Danny Daubney who somehow screwed the ball wide of the far post from two yards with the goal gaping. This was virtually Danny's last contribution as he cramped up shortly afterwards and was replaced by Ben Johnson. With time running out a fine crossfield ball found Michael Harness in space and his excellent first touch took him into the penalty area but the keeper pulled off another superb save when Michael seemed certain to score.

As Town pushed forward it was inevitable that Heckington would have chance to exploit the space and in the final moments they capitalised on a defensive error to add a third and decisive goal to secure the points. However, Town can take a lot of heart from their overall performance but will know that they cannot afford to waste chances in forthcoming fixtures if they want to progress up the table.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Steve Brown (Jamie Lamming), Matty Low, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Tom Phillips, Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Danny Daubney (Ben Johnson), Tommy Chalk.

Boston Town Reserves 0 Horncastle Town 1 

05-12-09

An Andy Cooling free-kick on the stroke of half-time was all that separated these sides following a fairly drab affair at Tattershall Road. Neither side created much in the way of clear scoring opportunities but Town probably edged proceedings and just about deserved the three points despite not playing anywhere near their best.

The home side started the brighter and Town were forced to defend a number of corners in the opening minutes. Chris Johnson did well to intercept a low cross as Boston looked for an early opening but Town defended resolutely throughout. Luke Shelbourn covered well when Boston's winger looked to have broken clear down the right and keeper Andy Cotton came off his line smartly to deny another goal scoring opportunity.

Having survived the early pressure Town went on to dominate proceedings for much of the first half but they lacked any real quality in the final third. Ollie Johnson and Jamie Lamming were working hard in midfield and Jamie's intelligent ball forward almost found Michael Harness but the chance went begging. Jack Baxter then turned sharply and eluded two challenges before firing just wide as Town pressed. Tommy Chalk worked tirelessly down the left and offered Town's most attacking threat but Boston responded towards the end of the half and Andy Cotton made a fine save low to his right to keep Town on level terms.

With the half drawing to a close Town got the all important goal when Andy Cooling curled a left footed shot over the home sides defensive wall after Town had been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Matty Low. This should have set Town up for a better second half showing but they still found it difficult to get foward with any real purpose. Ollie Johnson saw an early strike blocked and Chris Johnson's free-kick was spilled by the keeper as Town searched for a second goal.

Matty Low was forced to come off injured following a heavy challenge with Richard Jackson taking his place and Danny Daubney replaced the hard working Jack Baxter as Town looked to consolidate their position. They were dealt a further blow when keeper Andy Cotton had to come off with a bad back on the hour but youngster Liam Smith took over in goal and did well, making one fine save from a header low to his right. Town were forced to defend towards the end of the game as Boston pushed players forward and when Luke Shelbourn deflected a goal bound effort wity his head, Town were relieved to see it bounce to safety off the crossbar.

Town saw out the final minutes fairly comfortably with the back four defending well as a unit and on the balance of play the win was just about merited but Town were far from their best and they know they will have to perform much better when they travel to play Humberthern next Saturday - kick off 2.00pm.

Town side:

Andy Cotton (Liam Smith), Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Matty Low (Richard Jackson), Jamie Lamming, Michael Harness, Jack Baxter (Danny Daubney), Tommy Chalk Subs: Tom Phillips, Ben Johnson.

Horncastle Town 1 Humbertherm 1 Supplementary Cup - Town win 5-4 on penalties

28-11-09

It took the drama of a penalty shoot out to settle this keenly contested quarter final tie but Town final emerged as winners thanks to an inspired showing from keeper Andy Cotton who saved three successive penalty kicks from the visitors. In fairness, Town will feel that they were worthy winners and will have been disappointed not to have secured victory in ninety minutes after turning in arguably their best performance of the season.

Manager Paul Johnson chose to leave regular starters Michael Harness, Richard Jackson and Tom Phillips on the bench but the eleven players in the starting line-up fully justified their selection. Town took a while to settle but they soon began to play some fine football with Tommy Chalk prominent. Good link up play between strikers Jack Baxter and Danny Daubney enabled Danny to pull the ball back to Tommy but his effort was comfortably saved by the keeper. Tommy then went close again when his long-range effort got a slight deflection before striking the top of the crossbar. Danny Daubney had to retire injured midway through the first half with Michael Harness replacing him but Town continued to press and both Matty Low and Luke Shelbourn went close.

Humbertherm posed little attacking threat in the opening period but when Town failed to close down a short corner keeper Andy Cotton reacted well to tip the ball over the bar. Town continued to look the more threatening of the two sides with Ollie Johnson and Jamie Lamming dominating in midfield and Town deservedly took the lead on the half hour when Tommy Chalk cut in from the right before firing a low shot into the bottom corner for his third goal in recent weeks. Chris Johnson's low free-kick almost doubled Town's advantage but the keeper did well to push the ball away before getting to the loose ball to block from Jack Baxter.

Town deservedly went into the interval in front and having defended stoutly at the start of the second period they pushed forward in search of a second goal. Ollie Johnson and Chris Johnson both fired wide as Town pressed and when Jack Baxter's curling shot deceived the keeper he reacted quickly to deny Michael Harness as he seemed certain to score. Town's defence of Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Chris Johnson and Luke Shelbourn looked solid throughout with keeper Andy Cotton in fine form but with ten minutes remaining Humbertherm capitalised on a defensive error to draw level. Substitute Richard Jackson was dispossessed on the edge of the penalty area and a neat interchange of passes enabled their midfield player to place the ball wide of Andy Cotton in Town's goal.

Town had done enough over the ninety minutes to have won the game but had to face another thirty minutes of extra time if they were to progress in the competition. There was little to choose between the sides with the defences on top as the game drew to a close and penalties seemed an inevitability.

After six penalties it was 3-3 with Ollie Johnson, Chris Johnson and substitute Tony Edwards scoring for Town but when Richard Jackson's effort went just wide of the upright Humbertherm took the advantage despite Andy Cooling replying for Town. The visitors needed to score their final penalty to go through but keeper Andy Cotton pulled off a fine save to keep Town in the game. He then repeated the feat after Jack Baxter had seen his effort saved but when Luke Shelbourn restored Town's advantage, Andy's final penalty save proved decisive and Town progressed to a semi-final against Lincoln United Reserves at Ashby Avenue.

This coming Saturday Town return to league action when they visit Boston Town Reserves - kick-off 3.00pm.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Matty Low (Tony Edwards), Jamie Lamming (Richard Jackson), Jack Baxter, Danny Daubney (Michael Harness), Tommy Chalk. Subs: Tom Phillips  

Grimsby Borough 2 Horncastle Town 2

21-11-09

Given the unavailability of several first team regulars, a point away from home was a decent result for Town but they will feel somewhat disappointed having dominated the game for long periods. However, to come from a goal behind twice showed a lot of character and extended Town's unbeaten run in the league to four games.

The home side started brightly but it was Town who had the first opportunity to open the scoring inside ten minutes. A long clearance from keeper Andy Cotton ran through to debutant Danny Daubney but he fired just wide with the keeper beaten. Tommy Chalk then saw his shot deflected over as Town pressed and from the resulting corner Jack Baxter's header was gathered by the keeper.

An unfortunate injury to Erik Rawdon early in the game hampered him in midfield but Town were still looking the more likely side to score. However it was the home side that opened their account half an hour in when hesitant Town defending allowed their midfield player to fire a shot beyond Andy Cotton from close range. This encouraged the home side and Town were fortunate not to concede a second goal when a header from a corner bounced off the top of the bar.

Matty Low and Tommy Chalk were combining well down Town's let and when Matty linked well with Jack Baxter his low shot was cleared off the line just before Danny Daubney to apply the finish. Tony Edwards replaced the unlucky Erik Rawdon at the end of the half with Jamie Lamming reverting to a central midfield position and he did well in the second half as Town responded positively. Ollie Johnson fired wide seconds into the half as Town took the game to the home side and Chris Johnson, Daniel Daubney and Jack Baxter all went close before Town equalised on the hour. A fine ball from Ollie Johnson found Tommy Chalk wide on the left and his excellent cross was volleyed in by Jamie Lamming.

Town were totally dominating proceedings and Jamie Lamming almost added a second from another Tommy Chalk cross but he failed to get a good enough contact on the ball. A Chris Johnson free-kick just eluded Jack Baxter as Town looked to force the issue but with fifteen minutes remaining the home side scored a second goal completely against the run of play. A long clearance from the keeper eluded everyone and with no-one covering at the back their midfield player ran on to beat Andy Cotton comfortably for his and Grimsby Borough's second of the game.

This was tough on a Town side that had defended well throughout the second half with keeper Andy Cotton only being called upon to make one save low to his right. However, Town responded almost immediately with another fine goal that was almost a carbon copy of the first. This time it was Jamie Lamming who swept the ball out wide to Matty Low and his driven cross as chested over the line from close range by Jack Baxter for his second goal in two games.

Having drawn level Town pushed forward for a winning goal and Daniel Daubney headed wide from another Matty Low cross. Ollie Johnson fired wide after good work from Jack Baxter and Tony Edwards and the impressive Steve Brown combined cleverly down the right before Tony saw his effort blocked. With time running out Town had to settle for a point but they could easily have taken all three following a very spirited second half performance. They will be hoping to continue their recent good run when they entertain Humbertherm at home on Saturday in the Supplementary Cup - kick-off 2.30pm.

Town side:

Andrew Cotton, Steve Brown, Matty Low, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Jamie Lamming, Erik Rawdon (Tony Edwards), Jack Baxter, Daniel Daubney, Tommy Chalk Sub: Ben Johnson  

Horncastle Town 3 Plough Skellingthorpe 2

14-11-09

Despite the dreadful playing conditions both sides contributed to an entertaining encounter on The Wong with the visitors coming back from a two-goal deficit at half time. However, Town finally prevailed to record their third successive league victory thanks to a superb last minute strike from Tommy Chalk. There seemed little danger when Tommy picked the ball up just inside the opposition half but having advanced with the ball he hit an unstoppable shot from fully thirty yards that went in off the underside of the crossbar.

The opening twenty minutes of the game were something of a lottery given the atrocious weather but when the conditions improved Town started to play some good football with Tommy Chalk and Richard Jackson prominent. Town took the lead on twenty-five minutes when a sixty-yard cross from skipper Chris Johnson eluded everyone and found the corner of the net. Better was to follow when Town scored their second goal ten minutes later following the best move of the game. Richard Jackson's first time ball found Matty Low wide on the left and he beat the fullback before crossing first time for Jack Baxter to volley in at the far post.

Plough offered little threat going forward in the first half and Tom Phillips almost added a third after more good work from Tommy Chalk. Luke Shelbourn also went close when he threw himself forward at the far post to try and convert Andy Coolings excellent cross as the half drew to a close.

The conditions worsened at the start of the second half and Town knew they would be under pressure from the long ball but they made the worst start to the half when Plough pulled a goal back inside ten minutes. Centre forward Shane Beesley was a handful all afternoon and when he received a throw with his back to goal he turned Chris Johnson before firing across Andy Cotton to reduce the deficit.

Despite this setback Town responded positively and they thought they had restored their two-goal advantage within minutes. Jack Baxter and Tommy Chalk combined cleverly inside the penalty area and although Tommy's effort was blocked by the keeper the loose ball was hammered into the net by Tom Phillips but a curious offside decision was to deny Town a goal. Town continued to push for a third goal and when Matty Low pulled the ball back to Tom Phillips he looked to be bundled over in the penalty area but the referee ignored Town's appeals for a penalty.

Matty Low then had a great chance to score when he raced clear but he shot straight at the keeper when a goal seemed certain. At the other end Town's defence were defending strongly with Luke Shelbourn outstanding at the heart of the back four. Keeper Andy Cotton comfortably saved a couple of long range efforts as Plough pressed but he could do nothing about the visitors equaliser fifteen minutes from time when Beesley rose highest to power in a header from a corner.

At this stage it looked as though Plough were more likely to go and claim all three points but Town rallied well with substitute Erik Rawdon driving them forward from midfield. Erik and Richard Jackson both saw shots go wide as Town searched for a winner but with a draw seeming inevitable, Tommy Chalk secured another valuable and deserved win with seconds remaining.

A late red card shown to Ben Johnson for dissent was extremely harsh but did not detract from what had been a determined performance from an under strength Town side and manager Paul Johnson will be hoping for more of the same when Town travel to play Grimsby Borough next Saturday.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Jamie Lamming (Erik Rawdon), Tom Phillips, Richard Jackson, Jack Baxter, Matty Low, Tommy Chalk. Subs: Ben Johnson, Olle Johnson  

Friendship 5 Horncastle Town 1 (Lincs Junior Cup)

07-11-09

Town knew that this was always going to be a tough encounter against a strong Friendship side that are difficult to play against, particularly away from home. Manager Paul Johnson chose to make a number of changes to the starting line-up but put out a starting eleven that he thought would be well equipped to stand up to the physical challenge the home side would present. However, too many players showed a lack of determination or commitment on the day and whilst the second half showing was much improved, Town were deservedly well beaten on the day.  

Friendship quickly imposed themselves on the game and took an early if somewhat fortuitous lead. When a long ball was flicked on into Town's penalty area their seemed little danger but as keeper Andy Cotton came to claim the ball he slipped and their striker poked the ball beyond him. Michael Harness had a chance to reply immediately for Town but he sliced his shot across the face of the goal. Within minutes Town were two down when hesitant defending allowed their centre forward to get in a strike which deceived keeper Cotton.

Town were struggling to get a foothold in the game as Friendship were the more committed of the two sides but Matty Low and Luke Shelbourn both had chances to reduce the deficit midway through the half. Just as Town looked to have settled Friendship punished them with a third goal before the break when a half clearance from Ben Johnson fell to their striker and he fired a low shot beyond Andy Cotton for his second of the game.

At half-time Town were forced into a change when Luke Shelbourn had to come off injured. Steve Brown reverted to centre-half with Ollie Johnson coming on in midfield and Town looked a much better outfit after the break. Matty Low thought he should have had a penalty after he ran onto Andy Cooling pass before being brought down by the keeper but the referee waved the appeals away. Town continued to enjoy their best spell of the game with Richard Jackson able to get further forward to support Michael Harness and Town got their rewards midway through the half. Ollie Johnson played a fine ball forward to Michael Harness who cut inside before floating a delightful chip over the keeper into the far corner to keep up his recent good form in front of goal.

Erik Rawdon fired just over as Town continued to press but it needed a fine save from keeper Andy Cotton to keep Town in the game. Tom Phillips replaced Jamie Lamming as Town looked to maintain control in the second half but Friendship resorted to some strong tackling to put Town under pressure and they scored a fourth goal with fifteen minutes remaining with a fine strike from twenty yards.

Town were still playing some decent football and Tom Phillips saw his speculative effort come back off the bar after good work from Ollie Johnson and Michael Harness but by now Town were a beaten side and Friendship rubbed salt in the wounds with a fifth goal near the end. There was no doubting that on the day Friendship were worthy winners but Town's second half showing suggested that they could have competed on equal terms had they shown more commitment and desire in the opening period of the game.

Of concern to Manager Paul Johnson was injuries to Luke Shelbourn and Ollie Johnson and he will be hoping that they will be fit to retain their places in the squad when Town entertain Plough Skellingthorpe on The Wong this coming Saturday - kick off 3.00pm.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Ben Johnson, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn (Ollie Johnson), Chris Johnson, Erik Rawdon, Jamie Lamming (Tom Phillips), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Steve Brown, Matty Low. 

Horncastle Town 2 Cleethorpes 1

Town followed up their narrow away win against Louth Utd with another welcome three points against an improving Cleethorpes side. Town were deserved winners but had to come from a goal down before sealing victory with a brace of goals from the in-form Michael Harness.

Cleethorpes started the game brightly and indecision at the heart of Town's defence almost proved costly but the visitors centre forward lifted the ball over keeper Andy Cotton but wide of the far post. Town responded well and Tom Phillips did well to beat his marker before pulling the ball back to Michael Harness but he fired over. Luke Shelbourn just failed to get his head on a free-kick from Chris Johnson as Town took control but it was the visitors who took a surprise lead midway through the half. Michael Harness chased down a through ball and forced their keeper to hack the ball clear but with Town looking for an offside flag their centre forward benefited from a dubious decision to score with a low shot past Andy Cotton following a cross from the left.

This was a cause of frustration for Town who struggled to regain their composure but with Tommy Chalk prominent down the left they forced their way back into the game and right on the stroke of half-time they got their rewards when Michael Harness did well to convert a deep Chris Johnson cross at the far post.

Cleethorpes started the second half with a succession of corners but having survived the early pressure Town took control of proceedings with Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson dominating midfield. They pushed Town forward at every opportunity and on the hour Michael Harness reacted quickly in the penalty to poke the ball over the line after his initial shot had been saved. Having gained the lead Town continued to press and Michael almost completed his hat-trick but a fine save from the Cleethorpes keeper denied him.

Matty Low and Jamie Lamming replaced Tommy Chalk and Tom Phillips as Town looked to consolidate their position and Cleethorpes were given little opportunity to get back into the game. Steve Brown and Andy Cooling both had fine games at full-back and the centre back pairing of Chris Johnson and Alec Enderby were solid throughout. The only scare came with ten minutes remaining when a speculative long range effort forced Andy Cotton into a fine save but Town played out the game without any further scares. Cleethorpes were reduced to ten minutes in the final minutes when one of their players questioned the girth of the assistant referee but Town were worthy winners on the night and will be hoping to maintain their league form in the forthcoming weeks.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Tom Phillips (Jamie Lamming), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Luke Shelbourn, Tommy Chalk (Matty Low) Subs: Ben Johnson. 

Louth United 0 Horncastle Town 1 

31-10-09

Town deservedly got back to winning ways with a hard fought victory against mid-table Louth United. There was little to choose between the sides in an entertaining game but Town sealed the three points when Ollie Johnson smashed a volley past the home keeper midway through the second half.

Town started the game on the back foot and Louth were in the ascendancy for the first fifteen minutes but a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending kept the scores level. Town soon began to play some decent football with Michael Harness and Luke Shelbourn linking well up front. Tommy Chalk saw his low shot from a tight angle cleared off the line and moments later Tommy fired just wide after good approach play from Ollie Johnson. Tommy then turned provider as he picked out Michael Harness with a fine ball but Michael's effort was blocked.

Town continued to threaten and Luke Shelbourn saw his header cleared off the line from an Andy Cooling corner. Ollie Johnson then fired just past the far post as Town pressed and Luke Shelbourn forced the keeper to make two sharp saves. However, Town had to be alert at the back as Louth turned defence into attack very quickly and the back four of Steve Brown, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson and Andy Cooling defended well throughout in front of a very composed Andy Cotton in Town's goal.

As the half drew to a close Town should have taken the lead when Andy Cotton's long clearance found Michael Harness in space but he lifted the ball just over the bar as the keeper advanced. The teams remained level at half-time which was a fair reflection of the game but in the second half Town began to assert themselves with Tommy Chalk and the hard working Tom Phillips seeing a lot of the ball in wide areas. Tommy fired over on a couple of occasions after being picked out by Michael Harness and Richard Jackson saw his low shot superbly saved by Louth's keeper.

The keeper again kept his team on level terms when he saved a Michael Harness shot with his legs but Town were not to be denied and they took a deserved lead twenty minutes into the half. Tommy Chalk again caused problems with his direct running down the left and when the ball broke to Ollie Johnson he chested it down before firing an unstoppable shot beyond the keeper for a fine individual goal. At this stage Town looked as though they could go on to get more goals and both Chris Johnson and Michael Harness had efforts blocked. Erik Rawdon replaced Tom Phillips as Town looked to consolidate their position but Louth rallied well in the later stages and pushed for an equaliser. Alec Enderby was defending strongly at the heart of the defence but keeper Andy Cotton pulled off a couple of good saves to maintain Town's lead.

With time running out Louth forced a corner but a goalbound header was blocked on the line by Andy Cooling with Alec Enderby completing the clearance. This proved to be the last effort of the game and Town ended up worthy winners following a determined performance. They will be hoping to pick up more points when they entertain Cleethorpes on Wednesday evening - kick-off 7.45pm - but the visitors are a much improved side and should provide stiff opposition

Town side:

Andrew Cotton, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Tom Phillips (Erik Rawdon), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Luke Shelbourn, Tommy Chalk

Horncastle Town 1 Ruston Sports 3

24-10-09

Despite being without Andy Cooling, Tommy Chalk and Alec Enderby, Town went into the game with a reasonable degree of confidence following last weeks performance against the same side. However, despite once again giving a good account of themselves Town had nothing to show for their efforts but they will feel aggrieved that Rustons second goal should have been disallowed for offside.

Town began the game playing into a strong wind but they coped well and played some fine football throughout the first period. Michael Harness was enjoying his best game of the season and he was linking up well with Tony Edwards as Town dominated the early stages. Ollie Johnson wasted a good chance when he fired a free-kick well over but Richard Jackson and Michael Harness both tested the keeper with decent strikes. Matty Low's pace was a constant threat down the left and he drove in a cross which was well cleared by the Ruston's defence. Luke Shelbourn and Chris Johnson were looking solid at the heart of Town's defence and Scott Spooner deputised admirably for the injured Cooling. When Ruston's did get forward Andy Cotton commanded his area well and towards the end of the half he made a fine low save to smother a curling shot.

Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson were seeing a lot of the ball in midfield and when Ollie fed Tony Edwards he ran through and rounded the keeper but his shot from a tight angle was cleared off the line. Town would have been well satisfied with their first half showing and they came out with renewed confidence after the break and Matty Low's cross was taken off the head of Tony Edwards as he seemed certain to score.

However, Rustons enjoyed their best spell of the game early in the second half and they had missed a couple of good opportunities before they took the lead on the hour with a sharp header from a near post corner. Town were then forced to make a change as Steve Brown was caught very late in a challenge and Ben Johnson came on to take his place but Town responded positively and within five minutes they were level with a fine goal. The hard working Tom Phillips picked out Michael Harness who cut inside his marker before drifting the ball beyond the Ruston's keeper into the far corner of the net.  

At this stage Town looked the better of the two sides and although Rustons always posed a threat going forward it was Town who were in the ascendancy. However, with twenty minutes remaining Richard Jackson was dispossessed in midfield but when the ball was played forward everyone looked for the assistant referee's flag but inexplicably he waved play on and the visiting forward ran clear to finish confidently. This was really harsh on a Town side that had been playing well and Erik Rawdon and Jamie Lamming were introduced as Town looked to get back on level terms.

Ben Johnson saw his driven shot rebound to safety off the keeper and Micheal Harness unselfishly tried to find a colleague when he could have gone for goal himself. Erik Rawdon's ball into the box just failed to pick out Ollie Johnson as Town continued to press but they were always vulnerable to a break from the away side and with five minutes remaining Rustons were awarded a penalty when Luke Shelbourn was harshly adjudged to have fouled an opponent. Justice was done when Andy Cotton dived to his right to turn the ball round the post and within minutes Town had a great chance to equalise when the ball fell to Chris Johnson in the Ruston's penalty area but he fired just wide with the keeper beaten.

In the final moments Rustons broke away to add a third as Town threw everyone forward but even the visitors themselves were honest enough to acknowledge that they had been very fortunate on the day with the dubious second goal proving crucial. However, Town have now gone six league games without a win and they need to rectify this quickly if they do not want to drop further down the league table.

This coming Saturday Town travel away to play Louth United - kick-off 2.00pm.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Steve Brown (Ben Johnson), Scott Spooner, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Tom Phillips (Erik Rawdon), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Tony Edwards (Jamie Lamming), Matty Low.

Horncastle Town 0 CGB Humbertherm 3

21-10-09

This was a disappointing result for Town against last seasons league champions even though the final scoreline flattered the visitors. Humbertherm were certainly deserving of their victory but not by such a large margin against a Town side who enjoyed a lot of possession over the ninety minutes.

Tom Phillips and Jamie Lamming were restored to the starting line-up in place of Andy Cooling and Tommy Chalk and Town started the game confidently. Ollie Johnson was prominent throughout and Town looked to have settled the better of the two sides. However, it was the visitors who took the lead on fifteen minutes with their first attack. A loose ball enabled Humbertherm's winger to evade the challenges of Steve Brown and Chris Johnson before delivering a  ball into the box which was despatched past keeper Andy Cotton with confidence.

Despite this setback Town should have been level almost immediately when Matty Low played in Richard Jackson but his effort drifted just wide of the far post when he seemed certain to score. There was little to choose between the teams for the remainder of the first half but Town are having no luck of late and Humbertherm doubled their advantage when a volleyed clearance from Chris Johnson hit their striker full in the face before going into the net.

The visitors were happy to sit back in the second half to preserve their lead and although Town enjoyed a lot of possession they failed to create many clear scoring opportunities. Matty Low and Richard Jackson both went close but it was the way side who added a third goal in the final moments to secure a valuable three points as they continue to move up the table.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Steve Brown, Luke Shelbourn, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Tom Phillips (Tony Edwards), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Jamie Lamming (Ben Johnson), Matty Low. 

Ruston Sports 4 Horncastle Town 2

17-10-09

Town must be beginning to wonder what they have to do to win a game at present as the scoreline belies the fact that Town completely dominated this game for long periods. Indeed, Town were two goals to the good at the interval following an excellent first half showing.

Manager Paul Johnson changed his usual formation for this game and it appeared to have paid dividends as Town made a really positive start to the game. Steve Brown headed an early Andy Cooling corner just wide as Town pushed forward and they got their reward on five minutes. The industrious Matty Low was brought down outside the area and Andy Coolings fine cross was turned in at the far post by skipper Chris Johnson for his fifth goal of the season.

Town continued to dominate with Tommy Chalk and Matty Low both forcing the keeper into saves low down. Michael Harness and Richard Jackson were working hard further forward and when Michael fired in a low shot, Richard was on hand to take advantage of poor goalkeeping to add Town's second with only twenty minutes gone.

The home side rarely threatened in the first half with Alec Enderby and Luke Shelbourn dominant at the heart of Town's defence. Ollie Johnson and Steve Brown were controlling the midfield and Ollie almost added a third goal with a strike from twenty yards. Keeper Andy Cotton was rarely troubled but he reacted well to turn away a goal bound header as Rustons looked to get back into the game. However, it was Town who continued to look the more likely scorers in the opening half and Chalk and Low again went close to adding a third goal.

Town were never going to dominate the second period in the way they had the first and Rustons went route one in the after the break to try and get back into the game. They put Town's back four under pressure early in the half but just as Town looked to have weathered the pressure Rustons got a goal back on the hour. Another long ball forward caused indecision between keeper Andy Cotton and Luke Shelbourn with their centre forward being the beneficiary as he lifted the ball over Cotton to reduce the deficit.

Despite this setback Town responded positively and went on to take control of the game for the next fifteen minutes. During that period Town created a number of clear scoring opportunities and they should have finished the game off but a lack of sharpness in front of goal kept the home side in the game and Town were duly punished with fifteen minutes remaining when the ball broke kindly in the penalty area for their full-back to fire past Andy Cotton. This seemed very harsh on Town given that the Rustons player was lucky to still be on the pitch following a number of poor challenges earlier in the game.

Town tried to rally and Chris Johnson saw a fierce volley tipped over after good approach play from Richard Jackson. However, all the momentum was now with Rustons and two late goals condemned Town to a defeat that seemed an impossibility at half-time.

Manager Paul Johnson reflected on the fact that combinations of poor finishing and hesitant defending in the second half had ultimately proved costly and as in previous weeks, Town have only had themselves to blame for their profligacy in front of goal. They will be hoping to rectify this when they entertain last seasons champions Humbertherm on the Wong on Wednesday evening - kick-off 7.45pm.

Town side:

Andy Cotton, Chris Johnson, Andy Cooling, Alec Enderby, Luke Shelbourn, Ollie Johnson, Matty Low, Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Steve Brown, Tommy Chalk. Subs: Ben Johnson, Jamie Lamming, Tom Phillips, Erik Rawdon.

Horncastle Town progressed through to the next round of the Lincs Junior Cup when their opponents, The Red Lion from Bourne, were unable to raise a side on Saturday 10-10-09.

Horncastle Town 1 Grimsby Borough Reserves 1 

07-10-09

Town turned in arguably their best performance of the season to date against a strong Grimsby Boro side on Wednesday evening. Both sides played some attractive football on the night but Town created the clearer scoring opportunities and will feel aggrieved not to have come away with all three points.

Town started sharply with Matty Low's pace a constant threat down the left and they forced a number of early corners. Ollie Johnson saw his fierce drive deflected over and Steve Brown tried his luck from range as Town applied all of the early pressure and they were rewarded for their efforts when Richard Jackson's corner was flicked on by Alec Enderby for Michael Harness to volley in at the far post. Michael put in a good performance all game and deserved to open his account for the season.

Town continued to press with Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson dominating in midfield and Terry Marshall fired in a low cross, which was gathered by the keeper. Matty Low was having a lot of success down the left but Town were unable to capitalise on his final ball when a little more composure inside the penalty area could have brought greater rewards.

The away side were playing some good football from the back but they rarely threatened in the first half as Town's defence looked very solid. The only real scare came when keeper Lee Edwards misjudged a high ball but Alec Enderby reacted quickly to clear the danger.

Town started the second half brightly with Michael Harness and Tommy Chalk combining well to set up Richard Jackson but his low shot was well saved. Terry Marshall fired in a fierce shot that was deflected wide and Tommy Chalk went close as Town looked for a second goal.

Grimsby Boro were seeing a lot more of the ball in the second half but despite their good approach play they were struggling to get behind a resilient Town defence with Luke Shelbourn dominant in the air. Keeper Lee Edwards came off his line sharply to gather a couple of crosses under pressure but it was Town who looked the more likely to score and when Tommy Chalk raced clear of a static defence he seemed certain to add a second but he drove the ball just wide. Town then survived a scare at the other end when a far post header just cleared the bar but the best chance of the game fell to substitute Tony Edwards who had an empty goal to aim at but his shot rebounded back off the bar to Tony who fired over at the second attempt. Erk Rawdon was introduced in place of the hard working Ollie Johnson as Town looked to see out the last fifteen minutes but they were to be denied the victory they deserved when the visitors equalised with four minutes remaining. A corner from the left was flicked on at the near post before being forced in from close range. Town's players felt there had been a clear handball in the penalty area but this would have been immaterial had they taken their chances earlier in the half.

Town side:

Lee Edwards, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling, Alec Enderby, Luke Shelbourn, Ollie Johnson (Erik Rawdon), Terry Marshall (Tony Edwards), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Tommy Chalk, Matty Low. Substitutes: Ben Johnson, Tom Phillips.  

Horncastle Town 1 Lincoln Moorlands 3 

Challenge Cup 1st round

03-10-09

Town's recent poor run of form continued as they exited the Challenge Cup at an early stage for the second season in succession. A combination of poor defending and profligate finishing is certainly no recipe for success and Town could hardly complain about the eventual outcome of the game against a Moorlands side who they beat comprehensively in the league only three weeks ago.

The game was played in testing conditions but it was the visitors who settled the quickest and they took the lead on ten minutes. Keeper Andy Lowe scrambled a low shot wide of the post but the resulting corner was played out to the incoming full-back who fired the ball into the corner to give Moorlands an early lead. Town responded well and throughout the remainder of the first half they created a number of clear scoring opportunities.

Matty Low's clever pass released Terry Marshall but his low shot hit the keepers legs. Matty himself then went close as Town continued to press and they were rewarded with an equaliser midway through the half when Tommy Chalk hit a fine shot across the keeper into the far corner. Andy Cooling and Ben Johnson were using the ball well from full-back as Town played some neat football in the conditions and when Tommy Chalk fed Matty Low his low cross found Michael Harness but he failed to convert the chance. Tommy Chalk was seeing a lot of the ball down the left and he was a constant threat with his pace and he almost added to his earlier strike but fired just wide. Further chances fell to Michael Harness and Matty Low but it was the visitors who regained the lead when hesitant Town defending allowed their right midfielder to fire a low shot wide of Andy Lowe to restore their lead.

Town continued to look threatening and Terry Marshall had a great chance to bring them level after more good work from Tommy Chalk but he lifted the ball over from close range. Town were left to rue those missed opportunities as they struggled to break down a resilient Moorlands defence after the break. Town started brightly and a Michael Harness cross should have been converted to restore parity. Skipper Chris Johnson fired a free-kick into the defensive wall and Terry Marshall appeared to have clear grounds for a penalty after being brought down in the box but Town failed to play with any real cohesion in the second half. Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson worked hard but with little joy and with time running out manager Paul Johnson introduced Jamie Lamming, Tom Phillips and Erik Rawdon in a bid to take the game into extra time. Tommy Chalk fired just wide after another fine run and Michael Harness was bundled over in the penalty area as he closed in on goal but it was Moorlands who secured the win when they broke away to score a third with five minutes remaining.

At the end of the game Town were left to reflect upon a series of missed chances in the first half but in truth they did not really deserve to get anything from the game following a somewhat lacklustre performance. They will hope to bounce back when they play Grimsby Boro at home on Wednesday evening - kick off 7.45pm on The Wong.

Town side:

Andy Lowe, Ben Johnson (Tom Phillips), Andy Cooling, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Terry Marshall (Jamie Lamming), Richard Jackson (Erik Rawdon), Michael Harness, Tommy Chalk, Matty Low.

Hykeham Town 6 Horncastle Town 0

26-09-09

To coin a familiar footballing cliché this really was a game of two halves as Town undid a fine first half performance within six minutes of the restart. Having worked hard in the opening period to turn round on level terms at half-time, Town conceded three goals in the opening minutes of the second half to ruin any chance they had of getting something from the game.

Town were again without the services of keeper Andy Cotton but Andy Lowe continued to deputise with Luke Shelbourn reverting to the centre of the defence in place of Alec Enderby. Apart from that it was a familiar looking Town line up with Michael Harness returning after injury. Town started brightly and when Chris Johnson found Terry Marshall wide on the right he cut inside his marker before seeing his fierce shot beaten away by Hykeham's keeper. Michael Harness then delivered a great ball to the far post for Tommy Chalk but he tried to bring the ball down and his shot was blocked.

Hykeham were always a threat with their direct style of football but Town's defence held out well in the first half and keeper Lowe was rarely troubled unduly. Town defended resiliently at set pieces and denied the home side any clear scoring opportunities with Luke Shelbourn dominant in the air. Steve Brown was having a fine game at right back and covering well when needed but Town were fortunate to survive a scare midway through the half when a low shot just shaded the post with Andy Lowe well beaten.

Town's midfield of Terry Marshall, Ollie Johnson, Richard Jackson and Matty Low were not having a lot of ball at their feet but they worked hard in front of the back four and at half-time Town fully deserved to be on level terms. Jamie Lamming replaced the injured Andy Cooling at the break and manager Paul Johnson had to make several positional changes but this could not account for Town's dismal start to the second half. Hykeham came out with renewed determination and when their centre forward held off several challenges he was able to deliver a fine cross into the area for their striker to head confidently past Andy Lowe.

Two minutes later their winger turned Luke Shelbourn before firing in a low cross that was swept past Town's keeper from close range. Worse was to follow as Town conceded a third goal when poor defending allowed their centre forward time to lift the ball over a helpless Andy Lowe for Hykeham's third in less than five minutes.

This effectively ended the game as a contest but Town to their credit Town kept working hard and a low shot from Ricard Jackson tested the Hykeham keeper after a forceful run from the hard working Tommy Chalk. Terry Marshall then reacted quickly to intercept an intended header back to the keeper but he lifted the ball just over the bar. Any chance of Town getting back into the game ended when Ollie Johnson was dispossessed just outside the penalty area enabling the Hykeham player to run clear to add a fourth goal. Substitute Ben Johnson replaced his brother midway through the half as Town looked to restore some pride and Terry Marshall forced the home keeper to save with his legs after a clever one-two with Steve Brown. Michael Harness saw a shot deflected over after Luke Shelbourn flicked on a Jamie Lamming corner but two late goals from the home side ended a miserable second half for Town.

In truth Town did not deserve to get beaten by such a margin but after an encouraging opening period they were certainly second best after the interval. This coming Saturday Town will be hoping to return to wining ways when they entertain Lincoln Moorlands at home on The Wong in the Challenge Cup - kick off 2.30pm.

Town side:

Andy Lowe, Steve Brown, Andy Cooling (Jamie Lamming), Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson (Ben Johnson), Terry Marshall, Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Tommy Chalk, Matty Low.

Horncastle Town 2 Boston Town Reserves 2

19-09-09

Boston Town secured their first point of the season despite trailing by two goals after only fifteen minutes but in truth, the away side deserved to take all three points against a strangely out of sorts Town side. It was simply one of those days that are best forgotten as Town struggled to find any fluency in their play and apart from a Terry Marshall brace, failed to trouble the opposition keeper.

Luke Shelbourn and Tommy Chalk were restored to he starting line-up in place of the unavailable Andy Cooling and Micheal Harness but Town looked as though they were going to carry on their form from last Saturday as they took an early lead. Tommy Chalk did well to flick the ball for Terry Marshall to beat the defender to the ball before rolling it wide of the advancing keeper. Minutes later Town extended their lead when Richard Jackson's corner was volleyed back across goal by Chris Johnson for Terry Marshall to turn it into the net from close range.

Town could not have made a better start but they failed to capitalise and as Boston got a foothold in the game Town's play became increasingly ragged. Town defended with little conviction and Bell and Medina caused the back four problems throughout the game. The midfield quartet rarely got on the ball and Town failed to utilise the pace of Matty Low down the left. Terry Marshall fired wide after a good through ball from Olllie Johnson and then tried a spectacular overhead kick after good work from Jamie Lamming but Town failed to create any clear scoring opportunities and it was the visitors who looked more threatening.

With thirty minutes gone they reduced the deficit when poor Town defending resulted in Luke Shelbourn conceding a free-kick which Morgan fired into the net past keeper Andy Lowe.

Town held onto their lead at the interval and must have been hoping to improve in the second period but despite looking more assured at the back they still created very little going forward. Richard Jackson and Ollie Johnson worked a clever free-kick to play in Tommy Chalk but he failed to get in a strike and a Chris Johnson free-kick almost fell to substitute Jack Baxter but the keeper reacted quickly to smother the ball. Boston continued to play the better football throughout the second half but Town looked as though they were going to maintain their lead until ten minutes from time. Richard Jackson was dispossessed in midfield but the ball forward seemed harmless enough until substitute Scott Spooner missed his touch and allowed Wilson to run clear before scoroing past Lowe in Town's goal.

Town were indebted to Andy Lowe in the final minutes as he made fine saves from Morgan and Medina to deny the away side what would have been a deserved victory. Town were relieved to hear the final whistle as the players were honest enough to acknowledge that this had been a really poor performance and one that must not be repeated when they visit Hykeham this coming Saturday.

Town side:

Andy Lowe, Steve Brown, Luke Shelbourn (Scott Spooner), Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Jamie Lamming, Richard Jackson, Terry Marshall, Tommy Chalk (Jack Baxter), Matty Low. Subs: Ben Johnson, Sean O'Kelly.

Lincoln Moorlands 1 Horncastle Town 3

12-09-09

Following last weeks disappointing performance against Harvest FC, Town were looking to return to winning ways at Lincoln Moorlands and they duly secured all three points with goals from Ollie Johnson, Matty Low and Terry Marshall.

Town began brightly and Terry Marshall flashed a shot wide of the far post after good work from Matty Low. Richard Jackson's near post corner was then flicked goalwards but the keeper scrambled the ball away before Michael Harness could turn in the rebound. Town continued to press in the early stages and took a deserved lead on fifteen minutes. Michael Harness held the ball up well before finding Richard Jackson and his through ball was won bravely by Steve Brown to provide Terry Marshall with a clear scoring opportunity before he was brought down in the penaly area. The resulting penalty kick was fired past the keeper by Ollie Johnson to bring him a second goal of the season.

At this stage of the game, Town were dominating proceedings but they were rocked when Moorlands equalised midway through the half despite their striker appearing to be well offside. Town's play became a little ragged for the remainder of the half but they felt aggrieved not to be awarded a second penalty when Matty Low was pulled down in the box. Richard Jackson and Terry Marshall both fired in shots from the edge of the box but the teams were on level terms at the interval.

Town started the second half with renewed purpose and Terry Marshall raced clear onto Richard Jackson's pass but was harshly ruled offside. Terry then received a short pass from Ollie Johnson before firing past the keeper but the assistant referee's flag denied him again. Despite their dominance, Town could not make the breakthrough and Moorlands went close on a couple of occasions. Firstly skipper Chris Johnson did well to clear a low cross from the left and then keeper Andy Low pulled off a superb fingertip save to turn a goal bound effort onto the post before it was cleared.

Town introduced substitutes Ben Johnson and Luke Shelbourn and they both did well as Town regained the initiative and when Ollie Johnson found Matty Low he turned cleverly before firing low into the corner to restore Town's lead with fifteen minutes remaining. Within five minutes Town added a third when Ollie Johnson was again the provider for Terry Marshall who raced clear before rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into the unguarded net.

Youngster Sean O'Kelly was introduced in the final minutes for his enior debut and he almost made an immediate impact but was unable to convert Matty Low's excellent cross. Matty was a constant threat down the left and Luke Shelbourn fired over after another fine Town move in the final moments. Nevertheless, this was a very satisfactory Town performance and they will be hoping to carry this form forward into next weeks game at home to Boston Town on The Wong.

Town side:

Andy Lowe, Steve Brown (Ben Johnson), Andy Cooling, Alec Enderby, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Jamie Lamming (Sean O'Kelly), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness (Luke Shelbourn), Terry Marshall, Matty Low.

Horncastle Town 0 Harvest 3 

05-09-09

On Saturday Town were hoping to get back to winning ways but came up against a very strong Harvest side who ran out worthy winners on the day. However, Town did little to help themselves as for the third game in succession they conceded early in the game. Matty Low was unlucky not to win the ball in midfield but when the ball ran loose Harvest's right winger was allowed to run through unchallenged before firing across Lee Edwards in the Town goal.

Town were clearly unsettled by such a poor start and never really got a foothold in the game. They almost equalised when Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson combined well to find Michael Harness on the right and his cross fell to Matty Low who fired wide. A Matty Low corner was then headed just over by Chris Johnson as Town looked to get on level terms. Despite their efforts it was the visitors who looked most threatening and when a ball came in from the left their centre forward headed wide when he seemed certain to score.

However the visitors were not to be denied and ten minutes before the break a misplaced header from Luke Shelbourn fell invitingly for their forward to run clear and fire past Lee Edwards.

To their credit Town made a game of it in the second half and enjoyed a lot of possession. Tony Edwards replaced Steve Brown as Town looked to get more players forward and they did ask more questions of the visitors defence. Ollie Johnson and Richard Jackson were seeing more of the ball in the centre and Matty Low's pace was a constant threat down the left but clear scoring opportunities were at a premium. Harvest seemed content to sit back and look to hit Town on the break and keeper Edwards made two fine saves to keep Town in the game.

With ten minutes remaining Town should have reduced the deficit when a great ball in from substitute Ben Johnson found an unmarked Michael Harness at the far post but he headed just over. With time running out Town pushed Chris Johnson up front and Harvest took advantage of the space left at the back to grab a third goal in the final minute of the game. The margin of victory perhaps flattered the visitors but they were well deserving of the three points and would look to have a good chance of challenging for honours this season.

Town side v Harvest:

Lee Edwards, Alec Enderby, Scott Spooner (Ben Johnson), Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Steve Brown (Tony Edwards), Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Jamie Lamming, Matty Low.

Subs: Ollie Kisby, James Stephenson, Andy Cotton.

Skegness Town 1 Horncastle Town 0

On Tuesday evening Town travelled to local rivals Skegness Town and despite a decent team effort came away with nothing to show for their efforts as a consequence of an early goal for the home side that proved decisive.

Town side v Skegness:

Lee Edwards, Alec Enderby, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Carl Smith (Jamie Lamming), Richard Jackson, Terry Marshall, Steve Brown, Matty Low.

Subs: Ben Johnson, Jack Marshall.

Horncastle Town 6 Louth Town Res 2

Town ended an encouraging first week of the season with a deserved three points at home to league newcomers Louth Town on Saturday. Despite the score line the result of the game was in doubt until midway through the second half but Town played some fine football in the final third of the game to win convincingly.

Town got off to the perfect start when Tommy Chalk intercepted an attempted pass straight from the kick-off and Terry Marshall ran through to score with a low shot which he guided past the keeper. However the lead was short lived as the visitors responded immediately to draw level with only two minutes played. Louth enjoyed a lot of possession in the opening twenty minutes and Lee Edwards did well to save with his legs as the visitors threatened. As the half went on Town created chances of their own and Terry Marshall was denied by a brave save from the keeper. Terry then provided a chance for Tommy Chalk but he dragged his shot wide of the far post. Minutes later Tommy almost scored a superb individual goal but after beating several players in a mazy run he was denied by the keeper when he seemed  certain to score.

Town continued to press towards the end of the half and they got their reward when Ollie Johnson fired in a great shot from twenty five yards to restore Town's lead. Once again they failed to hold onto it and at the start of the second half poor defending allowed Louth to score a second to bring the teams level. However, within minutes Town had regained the lead when Terry Marshall played in Matty Low who rounded the keeper before scoring.

Town were now playing some good football and when Tommy Chalk found Terry Marshall on the hour he fired home Town's fourth goal of the afternoon. Town continued to press and a brace of goals from skipper Chris Johnson concluded the scoring.

This was a pleasing result for Town who created a lot of scoring opportunities during the game and they will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten start in the league.

Town side:

Lee Edwards, Alec Enderby, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn (Ollie Kisby), Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Jamie Lamming (Steve Brown), Richard Jackson, Terry Marshall, Tommy Chalk, Matty Low.

Horncastle Town 2 Hykeham Town 2

Despite the dreadful conditions on The Wong on Wednesday evening, both sides played some decent football in what proved to be a very entertaining game. The visitors looked as though they were going to take the three points until substitute Alec Enderby unleashed a terrific shot into the top corner of the Hykeham net from fully thirty yards with fifteen minutes remaining.

Town played into the wing and driving rain during the first half but acquitted themselves well despite being under considerable pressure at times. However, Town threatened first when Michael Harness shot just wide. Keeper Lee Edwards then came out bravely to save with his feet and minutes later Town took the lead. Tommy Chalk was fouled on the left and from the resulting free-kick Chris Johnson fired an unstoppable shot past Sizer into the far corner.

Hykeham were a constant threat from set pieces and when Terry Marshall was harshly penalised, the free-kick was fired in before taking a deflection to beat Lee Edwards in Town's goal. Despite this setback Town continued to work hard with Ollie Johnson, Richard Jackson and Tommy Chalk were putting in a determined shift in midfield and the back four of Andy Cooling, Chris Johnson, Luke Shelbourn and Jamie Lamming defended stoutly throughout. Hykeham went close on a couple of occasions but the best chance fell to Terry Marshall after good work from Matty Low and Richard Jackson but Terry lifted his shot over the bar from close range.

Town were pleased to go into the break on level terms and almost took the lead immediately after the restart when Matty Low just failed to divert Richard Jackson's shot on target. But it was the visitors who took the lead when a low cross was poked under Lee Edwards. Town looked to respond and Ollie Johnson fired just over after more good work in midfield. Andy Cooling headed a goal bound effort off the line to keep Town in the game and Lee Edwards made a fine fingertip save as the game entered the final quarter. Alec Enderby then replaced Jamie Lamming and when Ollie Johnson played the ball into his path Alec fired a tremendous shot past Sizer to record an outstanding individual goal with his first touch of the ball.

Hykeham continued to prove a threat and Terry Marshall cleared the ball off the line from a corner but the best chance fell to Michael Harness from Andy Cooling's corner but he fired just over in the final minutes. A draw was a fair outcome with both sides contributing a lot over the ninety minutes and Town will have been satisfied with a solid performance against a strong Hykeham side who are likely to be pushing for honours this season.

Town side:

Lee Edwards, Jamie Lamming, Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Terry Marshall, Richard Jackson, Michael Harness, Tommy Chalk, Matty Low

Subs: Alec Enderby, Ben Johnson, Jack Baxter, Carl

Horncastle Town 1 Heckington 1

Town began their league campaign against league newcomers Heckington in front of a sizeable crowd on The Wong and salvaged a deserved point thanks to a last minute equaliser from skipper Chris Johnson. The game was evenly contested throughout with both sides trying to play attractive football and a draw was a fair outcome at the end of an entertaining ninety minutes.

The visitors started brightly and Town took a while to settle but a couple of long range efforts from Jamie Lamming gave Town cause for optimism. However it was Heckington who had the best chance of the half when they broke down Town's left but desperate defending and a fine save from keeper Lee Edwards kept the scores level. This seemed to galvanise Town who went on to dominate the remainder of the first half and they should have scored on at least one occasion.

Jack Baxter went close after being played in by Ollie Johnson and Michael Harness saw his close range effort blocked by the keeper. Chris Johnson then went close on a couple of occasions as Town pressed and no-one was on hand to convert Matty Low's superb cross as the half drew to a close.

The opening minutes of the second half were again evenly contested but an injury to Steve Brown caused Town to change things round and Heckington took advantage of this to take the lead on the hour. Town were caught out of position and when the ball was crossed in from the right Musson rose highest to head home from close range. Heckinton were enjoying their best spell of the game but to their credit Town responded positively and went close to equalising on several occasions. Tommy Chalk volleyed just over and then the same player headed wide after great work from Andy Cooling. Luke Shelbourn's low shot was comfortably saved and Michael Harness headed wide at the far post.

Town looked to have forced a break through when Tommy Chalk ran onto a through ball from Jack Baxer but after rounding the keeper his shot was deflected away from goal for a corner. With time running out Town looked as though they were to remain goalless but when Jamie Lamming was brought down in the last minute, Andy Cooling curled a great ball to the far post for Chris Johnson to head across the keper into the far corner.

Both sides will have been satisfied with their performance on the day and Town will hope to build on this when they entertain Hykeham Town on Wednesday evening - kick-off 7.45pm.

Town side v Heckington

Lee Edwards, Steve Brown (Richard Jackson), Andy Cooling, Luke Shelbourn, Chris Johnson, Ollie Johnson, Jack Baxter, Jamie Lamming, Michael Harness, Tommy Chalk, Matty Low. 

Sub: Ben Johnson.

Horncastle Town despite a brave and valiant effort lost to an impressive Lincoln City junior side in the annual Sid North Memorial Trophy 6-1 on Wednesday 5th August 2009.  It was estimated that there were in the region of 350 supporters in attendance. Below are a few pictures from the evening.