Lincs Senior Cup

1988/9


George Kerr's Boston United side began their Lincs Senior Cup campaign in 1988/9 as reigning champions having thrashed Gainsborough Trinity 5-2 in the previous season's final. Kerr had been given £50,000 to strengthen his squad over the summer. This led to the signings of England semi-professional right back Paul Shirtliff from Frickley Athletic for £12,500 and centre-back Martin Hardy from Worksop Town for £10,000. Shirtliff's transfer fee was a record for both Boston and Frickley. Midfielder Gary Simpson was tempted back to Boston from Stafford Rangers for £7,000 – three years after being let go for nothing. Midfielder David Mossman arrived on a free transfer from Lincoln City after being released by the Imps. Allen Crombie also joined from the Imps but the move required payment of a £2,500 fee. Other arrivals included Glenn Beech from Grantham, Stuart Hamill from Scarborough and former Sheffield Wednesday, Southend, Millwall and Doncaster defender Dave Cusack. Goalkeeper John McKenna had also recovered from surgery on his thigh following an injury picked up the previous Easter in the local derby against Lincoln City. The club also signed a major three year sponsorship deal with local independent brewers Batemans.

The 1988/9 Boston United Squad

Boston United Squad - 1988/9

BACK ROW: Ted Goddard (Physiotherapist), Alex Coupland, Lee Hurford, Gary Baines, Glenn Beech, Don Robinson (Trainer). MIDDLE ROW: Martin King, David Vaughan, Martin Hardy, John McKenna, David Cusack, Billy Millar, Allen Crombie, Warren Ward, Gerard Creane. FRONT ROW: Paul Shirtliffe, Chris Cook, Gary Simpson, George Kerr (Manager), Ron Reid (Team Manager), Paul Wilson, David Beavon, Stewart Hamill.
Photo courtesy of Roy Hackford

The tournament began in pre-season after Boston had impressed with a 1-1 friendly draw against former player-manager Howard Wilkinson's Sheffield Wednesday side. Boston progressed into the semi-final with a comfortable 1-0 home win against Fourth Division title favourites Scunthorpe United. Parading seven new faces, Boston always held the upper hand. The winning goal was scored by Crombie who met a cross from Shirtliff at the near post after good build up play by a sharp looking Chris Cook.

Boston reached the final courtesy of a dramatic penalty shootout against Fourth Division Grimsby Town after the game had remained scoreless after 90 minutes of normal time and 30 minutes of extra time. Gary Simpson impressed and he was unlucky not to open the scoring on the half hour when his snap shot rattled the bar. Chris Cook also saw a shot hit the post in extra time. Grimsby missed the first kick in the penalty shootout. Beech, Simpson, Hardy and Hamill all scored for the Pilgrims so it was all over for Grimsby when McKenna saved Grimsby's fourth kick from Cunnington.

Boston now faced a repeat of the previous season's final because Gainsborough won their semi-final against Grantham 4-3 on penalties after drawing 3-3. This time the final was played at the Northolme rather than York Street. Boston retained the trophy in dramatic fashion with a winner in extra time. A 15th minute goal by Tony Simmons gave Trinity the hope that they could win the County Cup for only the second time in their history. Simmonds dummied Shirtliff and Cusack before chipping the ball over McKenna. Boston equalised in the 85th minute from the penalty spot. A free kick was lofted into the penalty area by Simpson and Gainsborough defender Phil Jones inexplicably palmed the ball away with his hand. Hamill tucked away the spot kick. Skipper Simpson settled the match in extra time when he set off on a 30 yard run that took him past four defenders before slotting the ball past Gainsborough 'keeper Redfern.

The Lincs Senior Cup was the only trophy won that season despite the high spending in the summer. Boston finished in third place in the GM Vauxhall Conference behind champions Maidstone United and Kettering Town. The club also had an embarrassing exit in the FA Cup going down 3-4 at home to Hinckley Town.


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