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News round-up for Boston Town’s Eagle Bitter
United Counties League 2007-2008 campaign Click here to return to Boston Buzz HOME PAGE |
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FOR EARLIER WEEK TO WEEK SUMMARIES, SEE NEWS REVIEW SECTION APRIL 2008 Saturday April 19: Boston Town almost
certainly finish fifth in the Premier Division of the United Counties League.
The Poachers concluded their 2007-2008 fixture schedule with a fine 2-1 win
away to mid-table opponents Wellingborough. Paul Goodhand and Gary Bull were
the Poachers’ marksmen. It’s a win that took Town’s points tally up to 72 for
the campaign. The only side still able to dislodge them from the top five are
St Ives, but even then they will have to win each one of their three
remaining games, against St Neots, Sleaford and Blackstones, to achieve that
feat. Thursday April 17: Boston Town complete
their latest action campaign in the Eagle Bitter UCL on Saturday when they
travel to face mid-table rivals Wellingborough Town. The Poachers currently
lie fifth in the Premier Division and need maximum spoils to make sure they
remain strong contenders for a top five finish in what has been a season
where serious dips in fortunes during October and November arguably cost Bob
Don-Duncan’s side a genuine tilt at title honours. Saturday April 12: Boston Town kept a grip
on fifth place in the closing throes of the 2007-2008 UCL Premier Division
season by virtue of a 1-1 draw away to Raunds. The match saw the Poachers go
ahead via Gary Bull’s 28th league goal of the campaign (and 35th
in all competitions). But the home side levelled matters just before the
interval. The Poachers now have only one match left this term, their April 19
visit to Wellingborough Town. Thursday April 10: Just two matches now remain of the 2007-2008 UCL season for Boston Town. On Saturday the Poachers hit the road to tackle their penultimate challenge — an away Premier Division clash against lower-placed Raunds Town. Bob Don-Duncan’s men will hope to profit from the fixture to bolster their ambitions of a top five finish in the table. In the reverse fixture at Tattershall Road just before Christmas, Boston emerged 1-0 winners thanks to a late Gary Bull penalty. Tuesday April 8: Boston Town shared the spoils with county rivals Holbeach United when their UCL Premier Division fixture at Tattershall Road ended in a 1-1 draw. Gary Nimmo was Boston’s man on target while visiting keeper Nick Conroy excelled with a string of fine saves to make sure that Ross Nicholls’ late goal was enough to earn a point for the Tigers. Saturday April 5: Boston Town
saw their unbeaten eight-match UCL run come to an end in agonising fashion
away to mid-table rivals Newport Pagnell who snatched a dramatic injury time
winning goal. After replying twice with equalising goals by Gary Bull and
Paul Goodhand to strikes by the home side, Pagnell’s last-gasp third goal
gave the Poachers no chance to find another way back into the match. Boston
now look forward to a re-arranged home derby Premier Division match against
county rivals Holbeach United on Tuesday (April 8), kick-off 7.45pm at
Tattershall Road. Thursday April 3: Boston Town will be aiming to take their end-of-season unbeaten run to nine matches on Saturday when they travel to face mid-table Newport Pagnell. The Poachers have embarked on a run of five victories and three draws since early February as they seek to secure at least a top five finish. Earlier in the season, Town won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Tattershall Road with a goal from Jon Rowan. MARCH 2008 Saturday March 29: Two late goals deprived
Boston Town of maximum UCL points. The Poachers had taken a 2-0 lead over
visitors Northampton Spencer thanks to strikes by Matt Kennedy and Nathan
Collins. But Spencer rallied to snatch a point with two strikes inside the
final 12 minutes. Despite having to settle for a draw, though, the Poachers
still took their recent mini-run of unbeaten league matches to eight. Thursday March 27: Boston Town will bid to take their mini-unbeaten run in the UCL to eight matches on Saturday when they play host to mid-table Northampton Spencer. The Poachers go into the clash on the back of five wins and two draws from their action programmes in February and March — a run of form that has seen them maintain a lofty presence in the table, albeit some distance adrift of champions-elect Stotfold. Bob Don-Duncan’s men are fifth in the standings and still have realistic ambitions of ending the campaign as runners-up. Monday March 24: Boston Town’s derby UCL
encounter against Holbeach United scheduled for this afternoon has been
called off because of a waterlogged Tattershall Road pitch. No new date has
yet been agreed for the restaging. Saturday March 22: Boston Town chalked up
an emphatic UCL double when inflicting a 5-0 defeat on Premier Division
basement side AFC Kempston Rovers. Gary Bull led the way with two goals while
other strikes came from Matt Kennedy, Gary Nimmo and Paul Goodhand. The
Poachers’ next match is a home UCL clash against county rivals Holbeach
United on Monday (March 24, kick-off 3pm). Friday March 21: Boston Town are hot favourites
to pocket maximum UCL points when they entertain rock-bottom outfit AFC
Kempston Rovers tomorrow (Saturday). The Poachers, currently fifth in the
Premier Division table take on a side who have netted just 11 points so far
this term from 35 matches and who are leaking an average of 3½ goals per
game. Town boss Bob Don-Duncan hopes to have the majority of his senior squad
to call upon for an encounter where local bookie Lincs Racing lists Boston at
2/11 hot shots to win. Earlier in the season, Town won the reverse fixture
4-1. Saturday March 15: Gary Bull’s 31st
goal of the season in all competitions helped Boston Town to share the spoils
in their away UCL Premier Division clash against relegation-threatened
Wootton Blue Cross. The home side went ahead through Craig Daniel after 14
minutes, but levelled the scores six minutes later. No further goals
followed, though, but the Poachers could still reflect positively on taking
their mini-unbeaten run to six league games. Thursday March 13: Striker Gary Bull will
be hoping to add to his goal-grabbing prowess when Boston Town tackle their
next UCL Premier Division challenge. On Saturday the Poachers hit the road to
face next-to-bottom side Wootton Blue Cross. And Bull will be aiming to help
Bob Don-Duncan’s men to land maximum spoils as well as bolstering his
personal goal tally that currently stands at 30 for the season in all
competitions. Bull bagged both goals that sank S & L Corby last Saturday
after emerging from the bench as a late substitute, his bit-part role
enforced by a recent nagging calf injury. But hopes are high this week that
he will be fit to resume from the start. Saturday March 8: Boston Town rattled up
a fourth UCL victory in their last five unbeaten outings when accounting for
opponents Stewarts and Lloyds Corby in a 2-0 scoreline at Tattershall Road.
Veteran front man Gary Bull was the Poachers’ hero with the two decisive
strikes late in proceedings. Thursday March 6: Boston Town will aim to
make it five unbeaten matches on Saturday when they play host to mid-table
Stewart and Lloyds of Corby (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road). The Poachers
have recently bounced back to form after a testing winter. And three wins
plus one draw from their last four outings has lifted confidence in the camp.
Manager Bob Don-Duncan could also have his squad options boosted this week
with five key players likely to return into his selection thoughts — strikers
Gary Bull, Gary Nimmo and Dave Scotney, utility man Ollie Pinner plus keeper
Bart Griemink. Saturday March 1: Boston Town enjoyed a
spectacular away-day success when they travelled to face in-form St Ives —
and romped to a crushing 5-1 triumph. In the process, the Poachers gained
ample revenge for an earlier 1-0 home loss against the same opposition. The
result also gave Bob Don-Duncan’s men a third straight UCL victory and a
further welcome boost to confidence levels after a testing time during the
latter part of the winter. FEBRUARY 2008 Wednesday February 27: Another testing challenge faces Boston Town at the weekend.
Saturday sees the Poachers hit the road to face St Ives—a side lying outside
the top eight, yet still with a chance of figuring strongly in the UCL
Premier Division title chase due to the fact they have up to as many as seven
games in hand on many of the sides above them. Boston, still with squad
options limited for manager Bob Don-Duncan, will enter the fray on a mini-sequence
of three unbeaten games as they seek to gain revenge for a 1-0 home loss
against the same opponents in the reverse fixture back in October. St Ives
have pocketed 47 points from their 24 matches to date, their overall league
record featuring 14 wins, five draws and just five defeats. Saturday February 23: Boston Town prised out a hard-earned home UCL point against
high-riding rivals St Neots. The match ended in a 0-0 scoreline — only the
fifth time this term that the Poachers have shared the spoils in a Premier
Division game. Thursday February 21: Boston Town will strive to make it three UCL victories in a row
on Saturday. But the Poachers face a stern test when they entertain
high-riding rivals St Neots at Tattershall Road (3pm). The Poachers enter the
fray buoyed by a confidence-boosting midweek 3-1 friendly match success over
neighbours Boston united when the Town marksmen were Gary Nimmo, Neal
Spafford and Paul Goodhand. For the visit of St Neots, Poachers’ boss Bob
Don-Duncan will await fitness reports on a clutch of players — most
critically Gary Bull and Matt Price who both picked up knocks in the 4-1 win
at Kempston last Saturday. Wednesday February 20: Boston Town have a friendly match on their agenda tonight.
Neighbours Boston United will visit Tattershall Road for a 7.45pm kick-off.
For Town, it will give manager Bob Don-Duncan a chance to blood a few
youngsters, particularly with a couple of his senior squad suffering with
injury knocks and niggles. For the Pilgrims, the match will be part of a
double header on the night. Manager Tommy Taylor will be splitting his first
team and youth team squads for separate games at Town and away to Bourne with
the aim of giving most of the players at his disposal 90 minutes of action. Saturday February 16: Boston Town made it welcome back-to-back victories when they hit
the road to face bottom-placed Kempston Rovers and returned to Lincolnshire
with three valuable UCL points on the strength of a solid 4-1 victory. The
rewards gained enabled the Poachers to remain fourth in the Premier Division
standings, albeit with most of the teams around them having at least one
match in hand. Thursday February 14: One in, one out. That’s the scenario in playing squad terms this
week for Boston Town. The Poachers have secured the services of midfield
strong man Mbiyeye Medine who has recently been released by neighbours Boston
United. Travelling in the opposite direction, in a surprise switch, is
veteran front man Micky Nuttell. The 39-year-old has left Tattershall Road to
rejoin the Pilgrims for a fourth time. New recruit Medine is expected to go
straight into the reckoning for Saturday’s UCL trip to face bottom placed AFC
Kempston Rovers who have suffered some heavy losses this term. But Boston, still
hampered by injuries and suspensions, won’t be taking anything for granted
according to manager Bob Don-Duncan who has also recently handed debuts to
striker Gary Nimmo and midfielder Matt Kennedy in what is developing into a
considerably reshaped squad from the one that kicked off the campaign. Saturday February 9: Boston
Town registered a welcome and morale-boosting victory when they just got the
better of Wootton Blue Cross in a 3-2 scoreline at Tattershall Road. The
victory was the Poachers’ first in six competitive games and keeps them in
fifth spot in the Premier Division table, albeit 10 points adrift of leaders
Stotfold. Thursday February 7: Boston Town will be hoping to put a woeful sequence of
results behind them on Saturday when they seek to bolster a place in the
upper reaches of the UCL standings. The Poachers, still struggling to field a
full squad of senior first-teamers due to a variety of reasons, play host to
Wootton Blue Cross at Tattershall Road (3pm). Town’s fortunes have dipped significantly
of late — the team dropping down the UCL Premier Division table while also
bowing out of the FA Vase and the League Cup. Saturday February 2: Boston Town’s poor run of form and results
continued today when they were dumped out of the United Counties League Cup
by runaway Division One leaders Daventry. The Poachers tumbled to a 3-1
reverse to extend their sequence of woes to four defeats and a draw from
their last five competitive outings. JANUARY 2008 Thursday January 31: Boston
Town will be looking to get their season back on a winning track on Saturday.
And after faltering in their UCL title quest and being dumped off the FA Vase
trail, the Poachers will switch their attention to League Cup matters. This
weekend sees them hit the road to face Daventry in the quarter-final of the
competition. So far, Town have won through via home successes against
Holbeach and Bourne. But Saturday’s tie looks like being a tough assignment,
not least because Daventry are runaway leaders of UCL Division One (16 points
clear and two games in hand) with remarkable statistics of 17 wins, one draw
and no defeats from their 18 outings thus far. Boston go into the tie with
manager Bob Don-Duncan still struggling to field a strong unit, largely due
to a clutch of injuries and other non-availabilities. But midfielder Matt
Price should be involved again after making a welcome and long-awaited
comeback from injury in last week’s match against Long Buckby. Saturday January 26: Boston
Town lost more ground in the UCL title race and slipped to fifth place in the
Premier Division standings when suffering a 2-1 home reverse against in-form
Long Buckby. The result left the Poachers seven points adrift of leaders
Stotfold. And, having also played two games more than the table-toppers, the
prospects of Boston lifting the championship crown have receded somewhat. Thursday January 24: Boston
Town will hope to bounce back from the disappointment of their FA Vase exit
when they revert to Eagle Bitter UCL action on Saturday. The Poachers play
host to a Long Buckby side who, although a few places lower down the table
than Town, look to have plenty of title potential with a clutch of games in
hand on all the sides above them. Bucky have suffered only three defeats all
season — one of them in the reverse fixture against the Poachers. Boston go
into the match with manager Bob Don-Duncan able to call upon the services
again of striker Garath Pritchard following a one-game suspension. And there
could be a possibility that midfielder Matt Price will be included in the
squad after nearly a year on the sidelines due to a troublesome lower stomach
injury. Saturday January 19: The agonising combination of missed penalty
and a late own goal sent Boston Town tumbling off the FA Vase trail in a
slender 1-0 loss away to Hungerford. The Poachers had been bidding to reach
the last 16 of the contest for only the second time in their history. But
when leading scorer Gary Bull failed to convert a first half spot-kick Town
probably knew it wasn’t going to be their day. And that’s how things turned
out when the home side booked their passage through to the fifth round with a
fortunate 88th minute winner courtesy of Boston defender Shaun
Baker. Friday January 18: Boston Town will tomorrow (Saturday January 19) attempt to reach
the last 16 of the FA Vase for only the second time in their history. But a
tough assignment awaits with the Poachers pitched into an away fourth round
tie against high-riding Hellenic League outfit Hungerford Town. The home side
currently lie fifth in their Premier Division standings with 13 wins, five
draws and just three losses from their 21 league outings to date. Boston go
into the clash still without being able to call upon their full established
first choice squad. But manager Bob Don-Duncan hopes to be able to field a
side strong enough to give the Poachers a chance of taking another step
towards at least emulating their feat of 1993-94 when they reached the
semi-finals before losing on a two-legged aggregate to Taunton. Local
bookmakers Lincs Racing and Lincsbet are offering match odds on the fixture:
Hungerford 11/8, Boston 6/4, draw 13/5 (all 90 minutes prices). Saturday January 12: Boston Town were denied a return to pole position in the UCL
Premier Division table by a contentious equaliser netted by opponents
Stotfold six minutes into added second half stoppage time. The Poachers had
fought back from a goal down to lead through Paul Goodhand and Gary Bull
before the visitors maintained top spot courtesy of their last-gasp leveller. Friday January 11: Tattershall Road will host a top-of-the-table tussle tomorrow
(Saturday) when Boston Town play host to Stotfold. At stake will be three
important UCL points — and the right to hold pole position in the Premier
Division standings. Going into the clash the Poachers lie second in the
table, one point adrift of tomorrow’s opponents albeit having played three
matches more than Stotfold. But the leading positions are more congested than
has been the case for many years with just nine points covering the top 10
sides. Saturday January 5: Boston Town
surrendered top spot in the UCL Premier Division on the back of a slender 1-0
loss away to fellow high-flyers St Neots. The result represented Town’s first
loss after four straight successes. Stotfold have now taken over in pole
position, one point clear of the Poachers and with three games in hand. Thursday January 3: Boston Town
will be gunning for more important UCL rewards on Saturday as they seek to
strengthen their grip on top spot in the Premier Division table. But the
Poachers face a tough test away to fellow high-flyers St Neots, a side just
four points adrift of Bob Don-Duncan’s men. Boston go into the clash on the
back of four straight wins that have propelled them back to the summit after
an indifferent run of results from mid-November to mid-December. DECEMBER 2007 Saturday December 29: Boston Town made it four wins in a row with their second successive 3-2 away win over the festive holiday period. And with other sides in the upper reaches of the UCL Premier Division dropping points, the Poachers’ triumph at Potton led to Bob Don-Duncan’s men climbing back to the top of the table. Wednesday December 26: Boston
Town registered their third straight UCL victory to further boost their
position towards the top of the Premier Division table. The Poachers
extracted maximum points from their derby day visit to county rivals Holbeach
United in a 3-2 win. Boston now look ahead to their next challenge — an away
UCL encounter against Potton United on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Saturday December 22: A Gary Bull penalty one
minute from time helped Boston Town to secure a welcome home UCL victory over
Raunds. The veteran prolific marksman was on target for the 20th
time in all competitions for the Poachers this season to help his side follow
up positively on the previous week’s win at Cogenhoe. Boston will now seek to
make it three-in-a-row when they tackle a Premier Division derby clash away
to local rivals Holbeach on Boxing Day (kick-off 3pm). Friday December 21: Boston Town will be
gunning for maximum points tomorrow (Saturday) when they play host to lowly
Raunds Town (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road). The Poachers, still
struggling for squad depth and form consistency last weekend had to call upon
the services of debutant keeper James Doughty and midfielder Wesley Lewis.
Both played key parts in Town’s 4-3 success at Cogenhoe. It is not yet
certain whether manager Bob Don-Duncan will call upon either for this
weekend’s action. Town go into the clash sixth in the UCL Premier Division
table, just three points behind leaders Deeping. Raunds have toiled
throughout the early stages of the season and lie four off the bottom with
just five wins and 20 points to their credit from 23 outings. The Poachers
are quoted at odds of 4/9 at local bookmakers Lincs Racing and Lincsbet to
land the spoils. Saturday December 15: Boston Town got back to
winning ways in a real thriller of a game away to Cogenhoe United. The
Poachers pocketed maximum UCL points on the strength of a remarkable 4-3
success. The win ended a sequence of three straight defeats and helped
stabilise Town’s position in the upper reaches of the table — although,
having played more games than most of their rivals, they are still have a
fair amount of ground to make up in the championship chase. Thursday December 13: Boston Town go in
search of a much-needed upturn in UCL fortunes on Saturday (December 15) when
they travel to face Cogenhoe. The Poachers have suddenly hit a rough patch of
results — three losses in their last four Premier Division outings — and need
to reverse this trend if they are to retain any sort of interest in the title
race. But with confidence levels low and playing resources fully stretched —
notably with long-term injuries ruling out the likes of Liam Parker and Micky
Nuttell while Danny Steadman has returned to Gainsborough Trinity — manager
Bob Don-Duncan knows plenty of hard work lies ahead. Meanwhile, the Poachers
have learned that their FA Vase adventure will take them on a long haul trek
to the winners of the postponed tie between Plymouth Parkway and Hungerford
Town. Tuesday December 11: Boston Town tumbled to
another disappointing UCL defeat at Tattershall Road when table-topping
Blackstones emerged convincing 4-2 winners — the visitors effectively sealing
the spoils with an unprecedented four-goal blitz in the first 28 minutes. The
Poachers hit back with goals from Gary Bull and Paul Goodhand, but it was too
little to alter the overall outcome. Town, with playing resources fully
stretched, have now slipped to sixth in the Premier Division table. Sunday December 9: Boston Town booked
their place in the last 32 of the FA Vase with a hard-fought 1-0 away win
against Midlands Alliance side Causeway United. Garath Pritchard’s lone
strike on 26 minutes proved decisive and helped the Poachers to their
furthest progress in the competition since reaching the semi-finals in the
1993-94 season. In the process, victory also netted Town a prize sum of
£1,200 to add to the £1,700 already netted from their wins in rounds one and
two. The draw for round four will be made tomorrow (Monday, December 10). The
Poachers’ next game will be on Tuesday (December 11, 7.45pm) when they look
to revive their UCL Premier Division championship hopes with a home game
against table-topping Blackstones — a match that also offers Town the chance
to avenge an earlier 1-0 away loss against the Stamford-area side in the
reverse fixture. Thursday December 6: It’s back to the
business of trying to make progress on the FA Vase front for Boston Town this
weekend. And the Poachers will be hoping to redress the balance of some
indifferent league form of late when they travel to face midland Alliance
outfit Causeway United. Due to the host club sharing a ground, the tie won’t
take place until Sunday afternoon. But irrespective of the kick-off date,
Town boss Bob Don-Duncan hopes his squad can get back to winning ways. Any
supporters wishing to travel are advised that a coach will be leaving
Tattershall Road at 9.45am on matchday. Travel details are available from
(01205) 365470. Saturday December 1: Boston Town suffered
another blow to their UCL title aspirations when they succumbed 2-0 on their
travels against mid-table Yaxley. It was the third successive Premier
Division disappointment for the Poachers who lost 2-1 at Bourne in midweek
after previously having seen a 3-0 lead at Desborough frittered away in a 3-3
draw. NOVEMBER 2007 Friday November 30: Boston Town will go in
search of a return to winning form tomorrow (Saturday) when they hit the road
to face Yaxley in a UCL encounter. The Poachers are still top of the Premier
Division but need to show their character and powers of recovery after
tumbling to a shock 2-1 midweek loss away to lowly Bourne. Earlier in the
campaign, Boston defeated Yaxley (who lie just below mid-table) by a 2-0
margin in the reverse of tomorrow’s fixture, thanks to goals by Liam Parker
and Paul Goodhand. Tuesday November 27: Boston Town crashed to
a surprise 2-1 away loss against lowly UCL rivals Bourne Town. The Poachers
were not at their best in a match that saw Paul Goodhand on target either side
of a brace from new home signing Ian Cooper whose winning goal came in the
final minute. The result dealt a blow to Boston’s aspirations in the Premier
Division title race. They remain top, but Blackstones (four games in hand)
and Desborough (two) look capable of overhauling two-point deficits on the
Poachers. Tuesday November 27: More UCL points will be
targeted by Boston Town tonight. The Poachers make the short trip to face
county rivals Bourne Town (kick-off 7.45pm) looking to net maximum rewards in
their quest to protect their newly-regain status as Premier Division leaders.
Bob Don-Duncan’s men have already beaten the Wakes twice this term — 5-1 in
the league and 4-1 in the UCL Cup, both at Tattershall Road. Bourne currently
lie second from bottom in the table. Meanwhile, the Poachers have learned
their opposition in the third round of the FA Vase. They will travel to face
Causeway United on December 8, the latter winning through via a 1-0 replay
success over Alvechurch. Saturday November 24: Boston Town will
arguably be kicking themselves despite earning a share of the spoils against
one of their main rivals for the UCL Premier Division title. Ultimately the
Poachers shared six goals and the spoils in a topsy-turvy encounter away to
Desborough. But in reality, it should have been a maximum haul for Bob
Don-Duncan’s men who amazingly led 3-0 at one stage before seeing their
rivals battle back for a draw. Friday November 23: Boston Town will be
gunning for revenge tomorrow (Saturday) when they visit Desborough Town in a
key UCL Premier Division encounter. The Poachers will be hoping to atone for
a 3-1 home loss against the same opposition earlier in the campaign and in
the process consolidate their challenge for the championship. But Desborough
will be tough nuts to crack, having lost just once in the league so far this
campaign in 15 fixtures. Desborough lie fifth in the table, five points
behind second placed Boston with two games in hand. Monday November 19: Boston Town have been
handed an away draw in the third round of the FA Vase. The Poachers will
visit either Alvechurch or Causeway United on Saturday December 8. The latter
pair fought out a 1-1 draw and will replay tomorrow (Tuesday) for the right
to play host to Boston. Alvechurch and Causeway play in the Midland Alliance,
currently lying ninth and 10th respectively. Saturday November 17: Second half goals from
Gary Bull and Paul Goodhand fired Boston Town into the third round proper of
the FA Vase. The Poachers enjoyed a 2-0 home success over Northern Counties
East League outfit Long Eaton. Friday November 16: Boston Town will be
hoping to make progress on the FA Vase trail tomorrow (Saturday) when they
entertain Northern Counties East League side Long Eaton (kick-off 3pm). The
Poachers will be hoping to have most of their senior players fit and
available for selection in a bid to follow up their exciting 3-2 home midweek
derby UCL victory over Sleaford. Tuesday November 13: A last-gasp goal by
Garath Pritchard gave Boston Town a 3-2 derby victory over near neighbours
Sleaford Town in a combative UCL encounter at Tattershall Road. The
three-point haul ensured that the Poachers remained in top spot in the
Premier Division table. Pritchard had given Town a third minute lead before
Sleaford seized the initiative with a 2-1 interval lead. A Gary Bull penalty
levelled matters and the game looked like ending in a draw until Pritchard’s
stoppage time winner. Tuesday November 13: There’s a derby clash
awaiting Boston Town tonight when county neighbours Sleaford Town visit
Tattershall Road for a UCL Premier Division encounter (7.45pm). The Poachers
will be looking to consolidate top spot in the table while Sleaford are
battling hard to climb out of the basement zone in their debut season at this
level. Earlier in the season the sides met at Sleaford’s impressive new
Eslaforde stadium when a solitary Jon Rowan goal was enough to earn maximum
points for Bob Don-Duncan’s men. Saturday November 10: Boston Town pocketed a hard-earned
share of the spoils away to Stewart and Lloyds of Corby and in the process
bolstered their title challenge in the Premier Division of the United
Counties League. The Poachers and their hosts battled out a 0-0 draw, a
result good enough to take Town to the top of the table on a day when
previous leaders St Neots lost 3-1 at home to Long Buckby. Friday November 9: Boston Town will go in
search of a fifth straight win tomorrow (Saturday) when they hit the road to
face Stewart and Lloyds of Corby when more valuable UCL Premier Division
points will be at stake. The Poachers go into the match looking to build on
three straight league wins plus their midweek League Cup triumph over Bourne.
They will still be without long-term injury victim Micky Nuttell while the
likes of Ross Don-Duncan and Liam Parker are still struggling to regain
fitness. But new signing Danny Steadman is likely to be back in the fray
after being rested in midweek. Tuesday November 6: Two goals from Gary
Bull in addition to strikes by Neal Spafford and Mark Foster helped Boston
Town to secure a 4-1 passage through to round three of the United Counties
League Cup at the expense of county rivals Bourne. The Poachers struggled
somewhat in the first half, but after an interval dressing down by manager
Bob Don-Duncan the Poachers knuckled down to produce a dominant show in the
second half. Monday November 5: Progress on the United
Counties League Cup front will occupy the thoughts of Boston Town connections
tomorrow (Tuesday) when they play host to county rivals Bourne Town in a
second round tie (kick-off 7.45pm). The Poachers go into the clash buoyed by
three straight UCL victories and the knowledge that they defeated Bourne 5-1
in the league at Tattershall Road earlier in the season. Saturday November 3: Boston Town made it a
hat-trick of wins inside eight days when they got the better of title rivals
Wellingborough Town in a hard-fought and entertaining encounter at
Tattershall Road. The Poachers — complete with new midfield signing from
Gainsborough, Danny Steadman — ultimately emerged 1-0 winners thanks to a
lone strike by Gary Bull. The victory kept Boston right up with the pace in
the championship chase, in second place and now just goal difference behind
current leaders St Neots. Friday November 2: Boston Town
will be gunning for a hat-trick of victories tomorrow (Saturday) when they
play host to fellow high-flyers Wellingborough Town (kick-off 3pm at
Tattershall Road) in a fixture where more valuable UCL Premier Division
points are at stake. The Poachers go into the clash lying second in the table
and buoyed by successive wins over Stotfold and Yaxley. But manager Bob
Don-Duncan still has injury problems to ponder — notably with his son Ross
Don-Duncan picking up a first half knock against Yaxley to join Micky Nuttell
and Nathan Collins on the fitness sidelines. Local bookmakers Lincs Racing
and Lincsbet are offering the following odds on Saturday’s game: Boston 11/8,
Wellingborough 13/8, draw 9/4. OCTOBER 2007 Tuesday October 30: Goals from Liam Parker and
Paul Goodhand helped Boston Town to register a 2-0 win over Yaxley at
Tattershall Road. The three points netted from the keenly-contested encounter
ensured that the Poachers followed up on Saturday’s win at Stotfold and
maintained second spot in the Premier Division table. Saturday October 27: Boston Town got back to
winning ways this afternoon with an impressive 3-1 UCL victory away to
Stotfold. Garath Pritchard got his first goal in
Town colours to set the ball rolling and Paul Goodhand netted for a 2-0 lead.
Neal Spafford added a third before the home side netted a last minute
consolation. The match was marred, however, by the first half dismissals of
Mark Bryant and Town’s Ollie Pinner after an on-pitch altercation. Town’s
next match is at home to Yaxley in the UCL on Tuesday night. Thursday October 25: Boston Town will be
looking to get their UCL Premier Division title quest back on track. And two
matches coming up in the space of four days will have a big bearing on seeing
whether the Poachers can return to the points-piling form of the season’s
opening weeks. On Saturday, Town travel to face seventh placed Stotfold
(kick-off 3pm) and then next Tuesday (October 30) they entertain mid-table
side Yaxley. In both instances manager Bob Don-Duncan will be looking for his
squad to start improving on a run of just seven points harvested from the
team’s last seven league games. It is expected he will he have the bulk of
his squad available — including new strike signing Garath Pritchard who will
be looking to register his first goal for the club since his arrival from
Spalding United. Saturday October 20: There was
disappointment for Boston Town again when they suffered another home reverse
in what is rapidly becoming a sizeable spell of inconsistency for the
Poachers. Bob Don-Duncan’s men tumbled 1-0 on home soil against fellow
high-flyers St Ives who, by virtue of their success at Tattershall Road, now
climb to second in the UCL Premier Division table. Boston, on the other hand,
have now worryingly dipped to fifth on the back of collecting just seven
points out of the last 21 available. Tuesday October 16: Strikes from Gary Bull
(his 100th goal for the club) and Lee Orrey came within a whisker
of giving Boston Town a derby night triumph away to Deeping Rangers. However,
the home side twice came back from being a goal in arrears to claim a share
of the spoils in a 2-2 draw — their second equaliser arriving in the final
minute. The draw, though, kept the Poachers second in the UCL Premier
Division table, albeit five points behind St Neots but with two games in
hand. Monday October 15: Boston Town have
completed the signing of a new striker. Garath Pritchard has joined the
Poachers from Spalding United, having previously been on the books of AFC
Stamford. He arrives to bolster the Town squad after the departure of Jon
Rowan. Boston officials say the front make comes highly regarded but due to a
slight injury niggle won’t figure in tomorrow night’s (Tuesday) clash away to
Deeping Rangers — a match that looks like offering another stern test to a
Poachers’ squad still plagued by a clutch of fitness concerns. In addition,
Boston will now be without the services of midfielder Steve Appleby who has
moved on to become assistant boss at Wisbech. Saturday October 13: Boston Town suffered a
home UCL loss against a still-unbeaten Desborough side today when the
visitors waltzed off with maximum Premier Division points on the strength of
a 3-1 success. The Poachers succumbed despite striker Gary Bull netting a 14th
minute penalty equaliser. By virtue of the loss, Boston also surrendered lead
position in the table in advance of another tough-looking fixture, away to
reigning champions Deeping Rangers on Tuesday night (October 16). Thursday October 11: Boston Town will seek
to consolidate their place at the top of the UCL Premier Division when they
play host Desborough Town on Saturday (October 13, kick-off 3pm). The
Poachers, still with injury doubts surrounding several key players, know they
face a tough challenge as their visitors are handily placed in the table on
the strength of an unbeaten start to their league campaign — their seven
outings to date yielding four victories and three draws. Saturday October 6: An extra-time goal from
Lee Orrey gave Boston Town an excellent FA Vase first round win over county
rivals Holbeach. The Poachers eventually triumphed by a 3-2 margin despite
having depleted playing resources at their disposal. The sides had been level
at 2-2 at the end of 90 minutes, leading to the addition period of action in
which Orrey proved to be the Town hero. Friday October 5: Striker Jon Rowan has
left Boston Town to move into Blue Square North footballing life with
neighbours Boston United. The front man, who has bagged nine goals in 11
appearances for the Poachers this term, leaves Tattershall Road at a time
that Town lead the way in the UCL Premier Division. Manager Bob Don-Duncan
said: “Obviously we didn’t want to lose Jon. But all we can do is wish him
well and tell him there will still be a place with us if he should want to
return at some point.” In Rowan’s absence, the Poachers now have to prepare
for a home FA Vase first round tie against Holbeach tomorrow (Saturday). And
there are several injuries doubts facing boss Don-Duncan as he ponders his team
selection — the likes of Paul Goodhand, Micky
Nuttell, Ross Don-Duncan and Nathan Collins all major doubts. Tuesday October 2: Injury-ravaged Boston
Town suffered a slender 1-0 away loss against county rivals Blackstones and
saw three precious UCL points drift away. However, the Poachers still retain
their position at the top of the Premier Division table. A home strike midway
through the first half ultimately proved decisive and despite enjoying almost
constant pressure after the break, Boston (without the services of
half-a-dozen key first teamers) were unable to conjure up an equaliser. SEPTEMBER 2007 Saturday September 29: For
the first time this season, Boston Town were able to celebrate the scoring exploits
of a player other than Jon Rowan or Gary Bull. Defender Liam Parker was the
man in question when his 30th minute goal proved enough to land
maximum UCL points away to Northampton Spencer — the Poachers’ fifth Premier
Division win of the season by a 1-0 margin. The win keeps them well in charge
of affairs at the top of the table. Boston’s next mission is away to
Blackstones on Tuesday (October 2) when more UCL points will be at stake. Friday September 28: More important UCL
Premier Division points are at stake for Boston Town tomorrow when they
travel to face mid-table Northampton Spencer. The encounter looks like being
a testing one as Spencer, despite their present position, have lost only one
of their six games so far and have a miserly defensive record of just seven
goals conceded. Town go into the clash likely to be without midfielder Paul
Goodhand who picked up a hamstring strain in the midweek win over Bourne. And
striker Micky Nuttell is still fighting off the effects of a groin strain. Tuesday September 25: The Jon
Rowan and Gary Bull scoring show rolled on as Boston Town got back to winning
ways with an emphatic 5-1 destruction of lowly Bourne at Tattershall Road.
Rowan’s hat-trick took his Town tally this term to nine goals while Bull’s double
strike hoisted his return to seven so far — remarkably this pairing being the
Poachers’ only scorers in the club’s 11 competitive outings to date. The
victory over Bourne ended a mini-sequence of three straight defeats and kept
the Poachers at the top of the UCL Premier Division. Monday September 24: After crashing to three
straight league and cup defeats, Boston Town will tomorrow (Tuesday) be
hoping to get back to winning way when they play host to Bourne Town
(kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road). In particularly, the poachers will be
hoping to cast off the dismay of last Saturday’s shock 4-0 home UCL drubbing
by Potton. Opponents Bourne have endured a taxing start to the season, so far
netting just one win and four points from their opening six league matches. Saturday September 22: For
the second weekend in a row, Boston Town crashed to a 4-0 home defeat. A week
after tumbling off the FA Cup trail, the Poachers were blitzed by mid-table
outfit Potton United in a UCL Premier Division encounter. The defeat was a
major shock to the Town system, completed an unwanted hat-trick of losses
inside eight days (also going down in the Lincs Senior Trophy to Bottesford
on Monday) and brought to an end a sequence of 16 straight home league
triumphs stretching back to last spring. Thursday September 20: Boston
Town will be looking to put two successive knockout blows behind them on
Saturday when they switch back from cup football to the business of trying to
pocket United Counties League points. And in the process, the Poachers will
remarkably be striving to net a 17th successive Premier Division
victory (this record stretching back through the latter part of last season
when 11 straights wins were secured). Standing in their way at the weekend
will be Potton United, a side currently lying in the lower half of the table
with one win and six points from seven outings. Meanwhile, the Town
management team have this week received an official seven days’ notice of
transfer approach from neighbours Boston United for the services of
midfielder/striker Jon Rowan. Monday September 17: Despite taking a 29th
minute lead through Jon Rowan, Boston Town tumbled off the Lincolnshire
Senior Trophy Trail when going down to a 2-1 reverse away to Northern
Counties East League outfit Bottesford Town in a hastily-arranged tie. Saturday September 15: Boston Town crashed
out of the FA Cup when tumbling to a 4-0 home first qualifying round reverse
against Eastern Counties League side Soham Town Rangers. The reverse for the
Poachers ended a run of seven straight league and cup victories and Soham’s
breakthrough strike in the seventh minutes ended a record of more than 600
minutes without conceding a goal. Town’s next game is a home UCL encounter
against Potton United on Saturday September 22 (kick-off 3pm). Wednesday September 12: Boston
Town’s winning start to the season was maintained when a solitary Jon Rowan
goal nine minutes from time sealed a 1-0 UCL victory away to newly-promoted
local rivals Sleaford Town. The victory kept the Poachers at the top of the
Premier Division table and saw them stretch to 610 minutes the length of time
negotiated without conceding a goal. In a hard-fought contest, Sleaford
played for an hour with only 10 men after striker Micky Stones was dismissed
for two bookable challenges, both on Neal Spafford. Saturday September 8: A
sixth straight victory was notched up by Boston Town when they got the better
of visitors Newport Pagnell to pocket three more important UCL Points. A 1-0
success courtesy of a Jon Rowan goal was enough to send the Poachers to the
top of the Premier Division table and make it four straight league wins in
addition to two cup successes since the new season began. Boston have now
also gone more than eight hours without conceding a goal for added good
measure. Bob Don-Duncan’s men take their proud record to Sleaford on
Wednesday (September 12, kick-off 7.45pm) for their next challenge when more
UCL points will be at stake. Friday September 7: Boston Town
will tomorrow (Saturday) go in search of their fourth straight UCL Premier
Division victory of the season when they play host to Newport Pagnell
(kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road). The Poachers will be buoyed by their
midweek 2-0 UCL Cup victory over Holbeach, a match that followed hot on the
heels of a 1-0 FA Cup triumph away to Ely — all the goals in this brace of
encounters coming via ace marksman Gary Bull. Wednesday September 5: Reigning
UCL Cup holders Boston Town reached the last 16 of this season’s competition
with a 2-0 home success over county rivals Holbeach. The Poachers won through
via two second half goals from prolific marksman Gary Bull. Tuesday September 4: Boston Town
tonight switch their attentions to UCL Cup duty when they play host to county
rivals Holbeach United (kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road). Town lifted the
trophy last term and will be seeking to embark on a successful first step
towards their defence of the silverware. Saturday September 1: Goal
ace Gary Bull fired Boston Town into the first qualifying round of the FA
Cup. The prolific front man was on target with a 52nd minute
penalty to settle a close-fought preliminary round tie away to Eastern
Counties League side Ely City. Town now face Soham in the first qualifying
round at Tattershall Road on September 15. ***** AUGUST 2007 Thursday August 30: Boston Town
embark on the FA Cup trail on Saturday when they hit the road to face
Ridgeons Eastern Counties League Division One side Ely City in a preliminary
round tie. Progress through the initial stages of the globally-famous
knockout contest would generated much-needed prize money for the Poachers
whose manager Bob Don-Duncan said: “We have to be realistic in knowing we
aren’t going to go into the later stages. But the FA Cup is a competition
where everyone at clubs like ours dreams of landing a big tie. We want to do
well in every round we play and see where that gets us.” Saturday August 25: Boston Town
edged up to second spot in the UCL table on the back of a solid 1-0 success
away to improved Long Buckby. The Poachers have now pocketed a maximum nine
points from their three Premier Division outings to date and sit below
Stotfold only on goal difference — but with one match in hand. Prolific
marksman Gary Bull was Boston’s match-winner with a 10th minute strike. Thursday August 23: After a
week’s break in action, Boston Town are preparing for their next UCL Premier
Division assignment when they travel to face Long Buckby on Saturday
(kick-off 3pm). The Poachers go into the clash looking to maintain their 100
percent winning start to the season. But manager Bob Don-Duncan will be only
too aware of the testing nature of the challenge ahead, not least with Long
Buckby also unbeaten (albeit three straight draws), notably avoiding defeat
against reigning champions Deeping (1-1) and expected title challengers
Wellingborough Town (2-2). Tuesday August 14: A goal
midway through the first half by John Rowan gave Boston Town a magnificent
derby night 1-0 home UCL win over county rivals and reigning Premier Division
champions Deeping Rangers. The result enable the Poachers to keep up their
maximum points return in the embryonic campaign while it left Deeping on just
one point from their first two outings. Saturday August 11: One goal
from ace marksman Gary Bull and two by John Rowan helped Boston Town to net
three important UCL Premier Division points on day one of the new season.
They defeated Cogenhoe 3-2. But the simple scoreline hides the real drama of an
entertaining encounter in which Boston had to fight back from conceding two
early goals. Victory, though, will fuel the Poachers’ confidence levels ahead
of their next challenge — another home UCL clash on Tuesday (August 14) when
reigning champions and arch county rivals Deeping Rangers are the visitors to
Tattershall Road (kick-off 7.45pm). Friday August 10: Boston Town
are rarin’ to go. Tomorrow (Saturday) sees the Poachers kick off their United
Counties League Premier Division campaign at home to Cogenhoe (kick-off 3pm).
Town go into the season with manager Bob Don-Duncan having overseen a
positive warm-up campaign and with a squad showing virtually no significant
changes to the one that finished last season so strongly en route to securing
runners-up position. Town are hot fancies to go one better in 2007-2008 and
are quoted at odds of 7/4 with local bookmakers Lincsbet and Lincs Racing to
lift the title. Tuesday August 7: Boston Town
went down to a slender 2-1 home reverse in their concluding warm-up match to
the new UCL Premier Division season. The Poachers lost out to county rivals
Grantham Town. The visitors built up a 2-0 lead before Gary Bull halved the
home deficit. But Town were unable to force an equaliser. Saturday August 4: Boston Town
secured another excellent pre-season campaign victory when they defeated
Spalding United by a 3-2 margin at Tattershall Road. The Poachers went ahead
with a well-worked goal on 37 minutes by Chris Gray and built a 3-0 advantage
with early second half strikes from Paul Goodhand (47 minutes) and Neal
Spafford (50). Late in proceedings, with home boss Bob Don-Duncan making
experimental changes, Spalding managed to exploit moments of Town uncertainty
to pull two goals back. Boston’s final pre-season assignment comes on Tuesday
evening (August 7) when Grantham Town are the visitors to Tattershall Road
(7.45pm). Friday August 3: Boston
Town continue their pre-season preparations tomorrow (Saturday) with a home
friendly encounter against Spalding United (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall
Road). ***** JULY 2007 Tuesday July 31: A 72nd minute
header goal by Liam Parker gave Boston Town a confidence-boosting 1-0 home
pre-season victory over neighbours Boston United at Tattershall Road. On the
balance of play, the Poachers arguably deserved their triumph thanks to a
solid all-round team effort in which keeper Bart Griemink, defenders Neal
Spafford and Shaun Baker plus midfielder Steve Appleby and striker Micky
Nuttell were particularly eye-catching in front of a crowd of around 700. Teams: Boston Town (3-5-2): Bart
Griemink; Liam Parker, Shaun Baker, Neal Spafford; James Brader (Liam Ogden
58), Chris Gray, Jonathan Rowan, Steve Appleby (Matt Stares 85), Laszlo Lovas
(Paul Goodhand 73); Gary Bull, Micky Nuttell. Subs (not used): Luke Todd,
Dave Scotney. Town’s next pre-season assignment is at home to Spalding
United on Saturday (3pm). Monday July 30: There’s a high profile derby
look to Boston Town’s next pre-season encounter. The Poachers play host to
derby rivals Boston United tomorrow (Tuesday July 31) when kick-off will be
7.45pm at Tattershall Road. The match gives manager Bob Don-Duncan a chance
to pitch his full squad options into battle against a much-changed Pilgrims
side who have — since the close of last season — tumbled down two divisions
due to financial issues and who are now preparing for life just three steps
above Town in the football pyramid. Meanwhile, the Poachers have been drawn
away to Scunthorpe-area side Bottesford Town of the Northern Counties East League in the first
round of the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy. No date has yet been fixed for the
tie. Other first round matches are: Lincoln Moorlands Railway v Winterton
Rangers; Sleaford Town v Nettleham and Appleby Frodingham v Blackstones. Byes
have been handed to Bourne Town, Grimsby Borough, Holbeach United and Deeping
Rangers. Friday July 27: Boston Town had their
pre-season preparations hampered last night when their scheduled home clash
against Lincoln United was called off due to a waterlogged surface at
Tattershall Road. The Poachers will now switch their attentions to a Tuesday
July 31 home encounter against local neighbours Boston United (7.45pm). Thursday July 26: Boston Town tackle
their second pre-season build-up match to the 2007-2008 campaign when they
play host to UniBond League side Lincoln United tonight (kick-off 7.45pm at
Tattershall Road). The Poachers go into the clash with manager Bob Don-Duncan
expected to utilise most of the squad options at his disposal, including
recent recruit Steve Appleby whose arrival has added extra strength and
quality to the Town set-up that finished as UCL Premier Division runners-up
last term. Tuesday July 17: There’s a home start in
prospect for Boston Town in their 2007-2008 United Counties League programme.
The Poachers will play host to Cogenhoe on the August 11 opening day. For full
action schedule, see fixtures, results 2007-2008 link above. Meanwhile, the
Poachers tonight played host to Lincoln Moorlands and drew 2-2 in their first
pre-season friendly. Sunday July 15: Boston Town officials today
confirmed that their scheduled first pre-season match of the new campaign had
been called off. League Two club Peterborough United were due to visit
Tattershall Road on Tuesday July 17, a match Town saw as a potentially
money-spinning start to their campaign. But Posh connections called Town
officials to say they would be unable to fulfil the fixture — news that
Boston vice-chairman described as “hugely disappointing and unprofessional.”
Town duly brought forward a friendly with Lincoln Moorlands to tonight with
their build-up to the new term continuing on Tuesday July 24 with a home
fixture against Lincoln United followed on July 31 by a re-arrangement when
neighbours Boston United will be the visitors. Monday July 2: Boston Town have been drawn away to Eastern Counties League side Ely City in the preliminary round of the 2007-2008 FA Cup competition. The tie is to be played on Saturday September 1. If the Poachers win through this tie, they will host the winners of the Yaxley v March or Soham Town v St Neots combination on Saturday September 15. Meanwhile, in the FA Vase, Boston Town are not involved in either the first or second qualifying rounds and won’t come into the competition until Saturday October 6 when they have a first round proper home tie against Holbeach United or Hadleigh United or Godmanchester Rovers. ***** JUNE 2007 Wednesday June 27: League Two title
favourites Peterborough United will be one of several sets of opponents for
Boston Town as the Poachers begin plans for their 2007-2008 United Counties
League campaign. Posh, managed by Darren Ferguson (son of Manchester United
chief Sir Alex Ferguson) will visit Tattershall Road to kick-start a series
of pre-season friendlies for Bob Don-Duncan’s men on Tuesday July 17
(kick-off 7.45pm). Other matches so far scheduled (all at Tattershall Road)
are: Tuesday July 24 v Lincoln Moorlands (7.45pm), Tuesday July 31 v Lincoln
United (7.45pm), Saturday August 4 v Spalding United (3pm), Tuesday August 7
v Grantham Town (7.45pm). Thursday June 14: A new managerial partnership
will be in position for Boston Town Reserves’ second season in the
Lincolnshire League. And Lee Jackson and Tony Lyon (who have both coached
youth teams within the Poachers’ set-up) are already scouring for emerging
talent to add to the Reserves’ 2007-2008 squad. In addition to recruiting
talent from their own knowledge locally, the pair are also seeking
applications to join the fold from any young players (aged 16-18) who may
have been released from a youth academy or simply wanting to test their
skills at Lincs League level or above. Lee can be contacted on Boston 870387
or 07881 810265 (mobile) or Tony can be contacted on Boston 356149 for more
details. Tuesday June 5: Boston Town will play host to
Lincolnshire rivals Holbeach United in the first round of the 2007-2008
United Counties League Cup. A date has yet to be fixed for the tie which will
see the Poachers embark on their attempt to defend the silverware they won
via a penalty shootout success in last season’s final against Potton. Town
were handed a bye in the preliminary round of next term’s competition.
Meanwhile, manager Bob Don-Duncan received the 2006-2007 Baker Perkins Trophy
(awarded to the UCL side with the most goals to their credit) at the league’s
annual meeting, held at St Neots Town FC. Elsewhere on the UCL front,
Sleaford Town and AFC Kempston Rovers have been promoted to the Premier
Division. They replace the relegated Buckingham Town and Ford Sports, the
latter also now changing their name for the 2007-2008 season to Daventry
United. On a sadder note, Town officials have recently learned of the death
of former Poachers player John Rawdon at the age of 49. He was most recently
involved in youth coaching with Lincolnshire league club Horncastle Town. |