As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, we continue our series of nostalgic articles in which former players look back at their most memorable matches, favourite moments off the pitch and team-mates they enjoyed playing with most.
In the 1970s and 80s, Boston FC boasted a strong contingent of Sheffield-based players, who made a huge contribution to the club’s success. Paul Bownes vividly recalled his days at Tattershall Road in our book ‘To Be A Poacher’. Here, Doug Atter and Pete Barker pick out some of their highlights of a slightly later era.
Doug Atter
What was your most memorable match playing for the club?
Mexborough away, losing 2-0, came back to win 3-2, I scored and made one for Harry Rhodes. Billy Whitehurst was up front for them and he ran amok for 45 mins. They ran out of steam and we won comfortably in the end.
Any other favourite moments off the pitch?
Favourite moments off the pitch would always be the travelling to the games. What a laugh we had with Beatson, Daley, Rhodes and Scothorne. The 80 miles flew by – never to be forgotten times!
Who was the best player you played with at Boston?
I could name a few but I have to say the one that impressed me most when I first joined the club was Martin Johnson, such an elegant player who seemed to always have time and space. Loved playing with Curly (Himsworth) and Pete Barker, both always wanting the ball off you. Dennis Beatson was our organiser and brilliant at it and Mick Daley became a bit of an enforcer when he went to left back. The 1980-81 team was full of good footballers and character and it really showed that season. We battered teams like Ashby, Spalding and Sutton – not forgetting drubbing Skegness in the Lincs Cup.
Mick Daley
What was your most memorable match playing for the club?
My most memorable game is obviously the Barnsley FA Cup game in 1976. What a feeling that was to put us 1-0 up. After the game, though we eventually lost we as a team entered their supporters’ clubhouse to a standing ovation – tremendous day out.
Any other favourite moments off the pitch?
How can you forget travelling to and from games with the Sheffield lads? I’m sure this played a big part in the fabulous team spirit enjoyed during my time at the club. Special memories of a great team which was amongst the best non-league teams of its era.
Who was the best player you played with at Boston?
The best players that I had the pleasure with are too many to mention but, if I had to choose one for his complete professionalism, it would have to be goalkeeper John McPherson – best in the leagues over my time at Boston.
*Read part 2 of the Sheffield connection*
- If you’re an ex-player and would like to contribute your memories to our 60th anniversary archive, do get in touch. You can email club historian Simon Ashberry using this address: sashberry@hotmail.com
More news about our 60th anniversary
You can buy our most recent book ‘To Be A Poacher’ online for only £15 plus postage
Boston Town FC 