The Lincolnshire Senior County Cup is a football competition for senior football clubs in Lincolnshire organised by the Lincolnshire FA. The competition can be traced back to the formation of the Lincolnshire FA at a meeting held at the Queens Hotel in Lincoln on Saturday 17 September 1881 and sixteen teams entered the inaugural Lincolnshire Cup competition with Spilsby the first winners in 1881—82. Spilsby would go on to win the first three competitions and consequently they were allowed to retain the initial trophy. When the competition first started it was treated as seriously as the FA Cup and the need for a Lincoln team to be successful in the competition following the initial victories by Spilsby, who defeated three Lincoln based teams - Lincoln Rovers, Lincoln Lindum and Lincoln Albion - in the 1883–84 competition, that led to the formation of Lincoln City on 26 June 1884. The elevation of Grimsby Town and Lincoln City to the Football League in 1892 and Gainsborough Trinity in 1896 saw the importance of the competition decline over time and the format has undergone a number of changes over time as has the type of trophies offered by the Lincolnshire FA. In this entry attention is focused upon the most senior trophy offered by the Lincolnshire FA which currently has the official title of "The Lincolnshire Football Association Ltd Senior County Cup Competition" and is competed annually by the four senior clubs of the county: Boston United, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City and Scunthorpe United. The current holders are Cleethorpes Town.
The first competition, 1881-1934
The final was not played in the 1887-88 season after finalists Grimsby Town resigned from the Lincolnshire FA.
The second competition, 1934-1949
The increasing dominance of the county's two Football League sides Grimsby Town and Lincoln City saw the inauguration of the 'Lincolnshire Senior County Cup' which was played between the other Lincolnshire teams. The trophy was, by now, a minor consideration for the two clubs. For example a crowd of just 2,334 gathered at Sincil Bank on 24 September 1934 to see Lincoln defeat Grimsby 5-0 compared to Lincoln's league average attendance of 5,227 for that season The competition was not held in either of the 1938-39 or 1939-40 seasons as the two clubs met in matches for the Football League Jubilee Fund, Lincoln coming out victorious in the first and Grimsby in the second. The senior non-league sides continued to play for the `Lincolnshire County Senior Cup' and this continued to attract strong interest for these sides with, for comparison, the 1934-35 final replay between Boston United and Grantham attracting an attendance of 5,500. The `Lincolnshire County Junior Cup' continued for those clubs playing at a more junior non-league level.
The third competition, 1949-1956
The Lincolnshire Senior County Cup continued to be played as a straight final between the two Lincolnshire league teams, Grimsby Town and Lincoln City. Scunthorpe United's elevation to the Football League saw them eligible to participate in the competition from 1951-52 onwards. One team received a bye to the final with the other two teams meeting in a semi-final. From season 1949-50 onwards the Lincolnshire County Senior Cup split into two sections 'A' and 'B' and was restricted to clubs nominated to compete.
In 1956 the Lincolnshire Senior Cup competition was expanded to four clubs with the leading county non-league side, Boston United, invited to join the three league teams. In their first season in the competition they would defeat Grimsby Town in the before going on to lift the trophy with victory over Scunthorpe United in the . Boston's demotion from the Southern Football League at the end of the 1960-61 season saw them replaced by Gainsborough Trinity for the 1961-62 competition.
Season
Winner
Runner-up
Final details
Senior 'A' Winners
Senior 'B' Winners
1956-57
Boston United
Scunthorpe United
11 May 1957; Scunthorpe United 1-3 Boston United
Skegness Town
Brigg Town
1957-58
Scunthorpe United
Grimsby Town
5 May 1958; Grimsby Town 2-3 Scunthorpe United
Gainsborough Trinity
Holbeach United
1958-59
Scunthorpe United
Lincoln City
8 December 1958; Lincoln City 1-2 Scunthorpe United
Gainsborough Trinity
Barton Town
1959-60
Boston United
Lincoln City
24 November 1959; Boston United 2-1 Lincoln City
Skegness Town
Grimsby Borough Police
1960-61
Scunthorpe United
Grimsby Town
6 March 1961; Grimsby Town 0-4 Scunthorpe United
Grantham
Bourne Town
1961-62
Lincoln City
Scunthorpe United
19 March 1962; Scunthorpe United 0-2 Lincoln City
Grantham
Lincoln Ruston Bucyrus
In the 1956-57 season, Scunthorpe United beat Lincoln City at Scunthorpe on 1 October 1956 in the first semi-final with a goal by Jones, and Boston United beat Grimsby Town 2-0 in the second semi-final with goals by Bloomer, on 16 October 1956. The final was played at Scunthorpe United's ground on 11 May 1957, with Boston United beating Scunthorpe United 3-1. Sharpe scored for Scunthorpe United, and the Boston goals were from Clarke, Dunn and Bushby. The next season, 1957–58, saw Grimsby Town beat Boston United 3-0 in the first semi-final on 8 October 1957, and Scunthorpe United beat Lincoln City in the other semi-final on 7 November 1957. In the final, Scunthorpe United beat Grimsby Town 3-2 on 5 May 1958. In 1958-59, Lincoln City beat Boston United in the first semi-final on 29 September 1958 and Scunthorpe United beat Grimsby Town in the other semi-final on 9 October 1958. Scunthorpe United went on to beat Lincoln City in the final on 17 November 1958. In 1959-60, Lincoln City beat Scunthorpe United in one semi-final and Boston United beat Grimsby Town 2-1 in the other semi-final played on 27 October 1959. Boston United went on to win the final, beating Lincoln City 2-1 on 24 November 1959. Grimsby Town beat Lincoln City in one of the 1960-61 semi-finals and Scunthorpe United beat Boston United 3-1 in the other semi-final on 3 October 1960. In the final, Scunthorpe United beat Grimsby Town 4-0 on 6 March 1961. Gainsborough Trinity's first appearance in the cup was a loss in the semi-final to Lincoln City in 1961-62. In the other semi-final, Scunthorpe United beat Grimsby Town on 17 October 1961. Lincoln City won the final, beating Scunthorpe United 2-0 on 19 March 1962.
The doldrum years, 1962-1968
This period was marked by a lack of interest in the trophy. The main competition was not held in either the 1962-63 season or the 1964-65 season. In two seasons of this period, the trophy was shared after the final failed to reach a conclusion. The Senior 'A' Cup was only played for once in this timeframe, Gainsborough Trinity defeating Boston United 2-1 in a replay on 15 April 1964.
14 February 1967; Lincoln City 3-0 Scunthorpe United
No competition
Brigg Town
1967-68
Grimsby Town
Lincoln City
26 March 1968; Lincoln City 2-3 Grimsby Town
No competition
Appleby Frodingham
In 1963-64, Scunthorpe United beat Grimsby Town in the first semi-final on 28 April 1964. In the final, held at Lincoln on 30 April 1964, the teams drew. In 1965-66, Lincoln City reached the final after a 1-1 draw with Grimsby Town, at Lincoln, on 29 March 1966. Scunthorpe United received a bye to reach the final. The final, played at Scunthorpe on 24 May 1966 was a draw. In 1966-67, Scunthorpe United beat Grimsby Town 3-2 at Grimsby on 7 November 1966 in the first semi-final. In the final, played week commencing 11 February 1967 at Lincoln, Lincoln City beat Scunthorpe United. In 1967-68, Lincoln City played Scunthorpe United in the first semi-final on 14 February 1968. Grimsby Town went on to win the cup.
Six team knock-out, 1968-1976
The Northern Premier League was founded in 1968 with Boston United and Gainsborough Trinity as founder members. At the same time they, along with Grantham, joined the three existing league clubs to form a six team knock-out competition played from the Quarter Final stage with two teams receiving a bye into the Semi Finals. The second tier of non-league sides competed for the Lincolnshire Senior 'A' Cup with the minor, mainly Lincolnshire league sides competing for the Lincolnshire Senior 'B' Cup.
Season
Winner
Runner-up
Final details
Senior 'A' Winners
Senior 'B' Winners
1968-69
Lincoln City
Scunthorpe United
3 May 1969; Lincoln City 4-1 Scunthorpe United
Skegness Town
Brigg Town
1969-70
Lincoln City
Boston United
4 May 1970; Boston United 2-3 Lincoln City
Skegness Town
Winterton Rangers
1970-71
Gainsborough Trinity
Grimsby Town
11 May 1971; Gainsborough Trinity 1-0 Grimsby Town
12 August 1975; Gainsborough Trinity 0-1 Grimsby Town
Brigg Town
Ross Sports
In 1968-69, Grantham Town and Scunthorpe United drew the first quarter-final at Grantham in October 1968. The replay was held in Scunthorpe on 10 May 1969, with Scunthorpe winning. The second quarter-final between Lincoln City and Grimsby Town needed three attempts to obtain a result, with Lincoln finally winning. The first semi-final was between Boston United and Scunthorpe United at Boston on 24 April 1969, ending in a 1-1 draw. Boston United then withdrew as they were not prepared to visit Scunthorpe after 2 May 1969, and as Scunthorpe had two Fourth Division games already arranged for the week prior, this could not be agreed. In the second semi-final, Lincoln City beat Gainsborough Trinity on 28 April 1969. In the final, Lincoln City beat Scunthorpe United on 3 May 1969 at Lincoln. In 1969-70, Lincoln City reached the final by beating Grantham 5-1 away and Gainsborough Trinity 3-0 at home after a 3-3 draw away. Boston United reached the final by beating Scunthorpe United 5-3 in the semi-final at Scunthorpe. Lincoln City went on to win the final, played on 4 May 1970 at Boston.
League versus non-League groups, 1976-1983
For the competitions in the seasons between 1976–77 and 1982–83, the three league teams were placed in one group with the three senior non-league teams in another. Each group member played the other members once with the two group winners meeting in the final.
20 September 1977; Scunthorpe United 3-1 Boston United
Boston United
Lincoln City
4 October 1978; Boston United 2-0 Lincoln City
1979-80
Grimsby Town
Gainsborough Trinity
16 October 1979; Grimsby Town 1-0 Gainsborough Trinity
Lincoln City
Grantham Town
14 October 1980; Lincoln City 3-0 Grantham Town
Lincoln City
Boston United
27 January 1982; Boston United 1-1 Lincoln City Lincoln City won 3-1 in penalty shoot-out
Grantham Town
Scunthorpe United
26 October 1982; Scunthorpe United 0-1 Grantham Town
Mixed formats, 1983-1986
The 1983-84 competition was played as a straight knock-out between the six competing clubs, the league sides Grimsby Town, Lincoln City and Scunthorpe United and the three senior non-league sides Boston United, Gainsborough Trinity and Grantham. The 1984-85 and 1985-86 competitions reverted to a group format, with two randomly drawn groups of three with the winners progressing to the final.
Season
Winner
Runner-up
Final details
1983-84
Grimsby Town
Gainsborough Trinity
14 May 1984; Grimsby Town 2-2 Gainsborough Trinity Grimsby won 5-3 in penalty shoot-out
1984-85
Lincoln City
Gainsborough Trinity
9 October 1984; Gainsborough Trinity 0-1 Lincoln City
1985-86
Boston United
Lincoln City
30 October 1985; Boston United 4-0 Lincoln City
Straight knock-out, 1986-1996
The competition was played as a straight knock-out. The three league sides Grimsby Town, Lincoln City and Scunthorpe United competed as did the three senior non-league sides Boston United, Gainsborough Trinity and Grantham Town. Spalding United's seasons in the Southern Football League saw them compete in the competition from 1989-1991. The 1995-96 competition reverted to a group format, with two randomly chosen groups of three with the winners of each group progressing to the final.
Season
Winner
Runner-up
Final details
1986-87
Grimsby Town
Scunthorpe United
11 November 1986; Grimsby Town 2-1 Scunthorpe United
1987-88
Boston United
Gainsborough Trinity
25 November 1987; Boston United 5-2 Gainsborough Trinity
1988-89
Boston United
Gainsborough Trinity
8 November 1988; Gainsborough Trinity 1-2 Boston United
's rise up the non-league pyramid saw them enter the competition in 1996-97. Scunthorpe United ended Grimsby Town's five year reign as champions, defeating them 5-4 on penalties in the 1996-97 final. Lincoln City did not enter the 1999-2000 competition. Stamford promotion to the Southern Football League Eastern Division saw them eligible for the competition and their victory in the 2000-01 competition meant they became the first club to lift of Lincolnshire Cup: the Junior Cup, Senior `B' Cup and Senior `A' Cup.
Season
Winner
Runner-up
Final details
1996-97
Scunthorpe United
Grimsby Town
10 December 1996; Scunthorpe United 3-3 Grimsby Town Scunthorpe won 5-4 in penalty shoot-out
1997-98
Lincoln City
Lincoln United
27 January 1998; Lincoln City 2-0 Lincoln United
1998-99
Scunthorpe United
Stamford
17 November 1998; Scunthorpe United 2-0 Stamford
1999–2000
Grimsby Town
Lincoln United
3 May 2000; Grimsby Town 3-3 Lincoln United Grimsby won 4-2 in penalty shoot-out
2000-01
Stamford
Boston United
31 January 2001; Boston United 1-2 Stamford
2001-02
Scunthorpe United
Grantham Town
1 August 2002; Grantham Town 0-3 Scunthorpe United
2002-03
Gainsborough Trinity
Grantham Town
29 April 2003; Gainsborough Trinity 4-0 Grantham Town
More changes, (2003-2012)
From 2003-04 onwards, following Boston United's promotion to the Football league, the Lincolnshire Senior County Cup has been competed for by Boston United, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City and Scunthorpe United and organised as a knock-out competition. Teams in levels 5-8 of the English football league system compete for the Lincolnshire Senior Shield while those in levels 9-11 compete in the Lincolnshire County Senior Trophy. As the draw for the 2007-08 Senior Cup was made before Boston United's double relegation they remained in this competition where they were knocked out by eventual winners Scunthorpe United. The 2008-09 competition was reduced to just the three Football League sides with Grimsby Town defeating Lincoln City in a semi-final tie before losing to Scunthorpe United in the final. The 2009-10 saw just three Football League sides again with Scunthorpe United defeating Grimsby Town in the semi-final 3-0 before defeating Lincoln City on penalties 4-2 after a 1-1 draw. In 2010-11, Grimsby beat Lincoln 4-2 at Blundell Park before losing at Scunthorpe 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Season
Winner
Runner-up
Final details
Shield
2003-04
Scunthorpe United
Grimsby Town
13 May 2004; Scunthorpe United 1-1 Grimsby Town Scunthorpe won 8-7 in penalty shoot-out
Grantham Town
2004-05
Lincoln City
Scunthorpe United
3 May 2005; Scunthorpe United 2-3 Lincoln City
Grantham Town
2005-06
Boston United
Scunthorpe United
10 April 2006; Boston United 2-1 Scunthorpe United
Lincoln United
2006-07
Lincoln City
Scunthorpe United
1 August 2007; Lincoln City 1-0 Scunthorpe United
Stamford
2007-08
Scunthorpe United
Lincoln City
30 April 2008; Scunthorpe United 5-0 Lincoln City
Gainsborough Trinity
2008-09
Scunthorpe United
Grimsby Town
2 August 2008; Scunthorpe United 4-0 Grimsby Town
Stamford
2009-10
Scunthorpe United
Lincoln City
30 July 2009; Lincoln City 1-1 Scunthorpe United Scunthorpe won 4-2 in penalty shoot-out
Boston United
2010-11
Scunthorpe United
Grimsby Town
3 August 2010; Scunthorpe United 1-1 Grimsby Town Scunthorpe won 4-3 in penalty shoot-out
Stamford
2011-12
Grimsby Town
Lincoln City
2 August 2011; Lincoln City 3-4 Grimsby Town
Grantham Town
2012-13
Grimsby Town
Lincoln City
31 July 2012; Lincoln City 1-1 Grimsby Town Grimsby won 5-4 in penalty shoot-out
Boston United
Extended competition (2013–2015)
At the beginning of the 2013–14 campaign, the changed to being played by Lincolnshire's top five sides, Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town, Lincoln City, Gainsborough Trinity and Boston United. Boston and Gainsborough would compete for a place in the semi-final while the other three sides would automatically be entered with the winner of that match. However the final despite always being a traditional pre-season event was now moved to October, with the semi-finals taking part in early August. The switch in date for the final meant that the sides began fielding a mixed team of youth and first team players as not to interrupt their domestic campaigns.
Season
Winner
Runner-up
Final details
2013–14
Lincoln City
Gainsborough Trinity
22 October 2013; Gainsborough Trinity 0-0 Lincoln City Lincoln City win 4-2 in penalty shootout
At a meeting of member clubs in April 2015 it was agreed that the format for the competition would be extended to enable ten of the county's most senior clubs to play in a revised structure.
Season
Winners
Runners Up
Score
2015-16
Gainsborough Trinity
2016-17
Lincoln United
2017-18
Gainsborough Trinity
Past winners
The table summarises the winners of the Lincolnshire Senior County Cup and its previous names. For the clubs in this category, victories in the lower level competitions are also summarised.
