Lincoln Claytons’ success this season has happened somewhat under the radar. Having gone 16 games unbeaten in all competitions, they find themselves firmly in the West Lindsey League’s title race.
In addition to the stern test they clearly pose oppositions, the Lee Road side have been playing some impressive football, with a crisp, passing style.
Despite injuries taking their toll on their small squad, midfielder Tomas McClements – whose uncle Sean is the club head coach – is delighted with his side’s performance this season.
“We’re in one final and two semi-finals at the moment and I think we have a chance of winning the majority of them. If we keep playing the way we’re playing then I think we definitely have a chance of winning the league.
It has been an interesting journey for Tomas. As an 18-year-old in his native Northern Ireland, he signed for IFA Premiership side, Glentoran.
“Unfortunately, I never played for them in the Champions League,” jokes Tomas, “but I played for their reserve team and scored a few goals. I actually scored a hat-trick from midfield in my first game, but after injuries I eventually had to leave.”
After the disappointment of injuries, the fine art degree the University of Lincoln was next for Tomas, where he joined Lincoln Moorlands FC before leaving them at the end of last season to join Claytons.
“I was at Lincoln Moorlands, but never really settled in, so I was still looking for a club. I went to watch Claytons in a final at Moorlands and was impressed. They seemed totally different.
“We don’t have anyone who is one outstanding player. We’re more of a team and it’s not just about one or two players. We do have one or two players who can have a big influence on the game, but it’s more of a team performance.
“The main thing is we all get along and socialise together. Everyone gets along, and because of the closeness we have, everyone works as a team.”
Tomas also believes that the team spirit in the Claytons side is helping them cope with their current injury problems.
“We actually have quite a few injuries at the moment. A few of the lads have ankle problems, but our strikers are in great form and both of them are the top scorers in the league. They’ve had injury problems themselves, but because people have been out, we’ve all pulled together and filled in the spaces. We are very limited at the moment, but we work around it.”
With their match against bottom club Library Bar FC postponed this weekend, Claytons must wait until March 13th to face their next opponents — an away fixture with Market Rasen Town.