Horncastle Town win again to progress in County Cup
Horncastle Town continued their good form on Saturday with a 2-0 away win at Lincolnshire League Premier Division rivals Cleethorpes Town Reserves to reach Round Three of the Lincolnshire County Junior Cup.
It followed two huge league wins, in which the Wongers scored 20 goals, and keeps confidence high ahead of a return to league action this weekend.
In horrific weather conditions, Town dug in and led at half-time through Toby Cotton’s overhit cross.
In the second half they played into the wind and were under pressure at times but defended resolutely, with Man of the Match Alec Enderby especially on top form.
The result was put to bed when Toby Cotton burst forward from midfield and set up Aiden Willerton, who curled a fine effort past the home goalkeeper.
Town go into the next round, due to be played on 21st November.
“It was never going to be a pretty game with the wind and rain, but it helped that we played on 3G so the surface wasn’t affected by the weather,” said joint boss Lewis Burchnall.
“We knew it was going to be a different test to what we’ve faced recently and we stood up to it from the start.
“Cleethorpes tried to make it a physical game but we’re more than happy to mix it with any side, and we’ve got quality on the ball to go with that battling spirit.
“We were disciplined with our defending and reduced them to only one shot on target, so that kind of solidity always gives you a chance of winning games.
“Aiden Willerton had a quiet first half by his standards, but he really came to life after the break and got his third goal in as many appearances to put the game to bed.
“At the other end Alec Enderby was brilliant. His leadership and organisation is vital to how we play.”
The win capped off another great weekend for the club as both senior teams won for a third Saturday in a row, the reserves beating Bradley 3-1 in their County Cup tie.
“We’ve strengthened the first team with a few signings and that’s had a knock-on effect on the reserves,” said Burchnall.
“We feel like we’ve got two teams capable of doing well in their respective league and cup competitions this season.”
On Saturday the Wongers head for 10th-placed Fulbeck United and Burchnall said: “Our next game is away at Fulbeck, which is always a tough place to go. But after four wins on the bounce we want to keep that winning feeling going.”