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’.

13th May 1950 - Willoughby Cup Final: Horncastle Town vs Louth United - 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 of the Willoughby Cup on May 13th 1950. What is also remarkable, according to Jack Brader (club secretary at the time) 16 coaches took players and supporters to the game. What a sight that must have been on the way to the coast!

The Town had put up some fine displays that season, but none better than at Wainfleet on the Friday night when they defeated Louth United 1-0 and won the cup. It was a fine performance to beat the Lincolnshire League Side, and the Horncastle team delighted their bus loads of supporters.

When the final whistle blew at Wainfleet on the Friday night, the Town players were mobbed by the large crowd of supporters who had made the journey from Horncastle. 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 a breath-taking last fifteen minutes, the Town defence stood firm with Cook at centre half , inspiring his colleagues.

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 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 midfield 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.

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.

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 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.