Lincoln United

Lincoln United were formed in 1938 as Lincoln Amateurs FC. However they signed a professional player in 1951 and changed their name to "United". They began in local league football before joining the Yorkshire League in the late 60's. Since then the club have had spells in the Northern Counties East and Central Midlands Leagues before progressing into the Northern Premier League in 1995.


United reached the FA Cup Round One in the 1991-92 season before they were on the wrong side of a seven goal beating at Leeds Road against Huddersfield Town. They reached the same stage in 1997-98. This time it was Walsall who ended their run with a 2-0 win at Bescot Stadium.

Lincoln United FC will play in the Northern Premier League Division One South in season 2014-15.

My visit

Saturday 22nd August 2009 was a glorious sunny day. I was in Lincoln to watch Scarborough Athletic play at Lincoln Moorlands Railway later in the day. I had already walked from the station to Sincil Bank, home of Lincoln City so I decided to set out to Ashby Avenue where United are based. It is a long walk from the city centre but I had bags of time and I was cheered up no end by listening to the England batsmen putting themselves into a winning position against their hapless Aussie opponents at The Oval.

I found my way easy enough because I pre planned and printed out a map. The ground is in a very pleasant location standing next to Hartsholme Cricket Club. As luck would have it the ground was playing host that afternoon top the Retford United v FC United of Manchester clash as Retford's home pitch wasn't ready owing to a mess up from the contractors. A large group of Mancunians were already at the ground using the clubhouse just outside the ground taking in the sun. They thought I may have been a club official of Retford or Lincoln but I soon put them right. They were good folk who genuinely wished my club all the best in our attempts to climb the leagues.

The ground itself is first class for the league the club plays in. I entered to the side of one goal. This end has the turnstiles, catering hut and club shop as well as the changing rooms. They have cleverly attached a lean to roof in front of the building so fans have covered standing accommodation at that end. Down the left side was a neat seated stand across the half way line with open standing either side. The far end had a smallish covered terracing all the way behind the goal. The other side had a small covered shelter towards the far end as well as the dug outs with an elevated press box in the centre.

The whole ground was neatly enclosed by tall trees and bushes. It was very pleasing on the eye and had all the facilities required.