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Spotlight on Boston Town Football Club

For all the latest news, reports and updates from Tattershall Road…

THE POACHERS

 

Click here for: Boston Town index

 

 

News round-up for Boston Town’s Eagle Bitter United Counties League 2006-2007 campaign

 

 

 

TOWN STATEMENT:

Boston Town’s chairman and board of directors have issued a statement relating to what they say is growing concern at the lack of news about planning proposals or otherwise for their Tattershall Road ground. Click the link here to read the full statement.

 

 

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APRIL NEWS

 

Sunday April 29: Striker Gary Bull was the toast of Tattershall Road when he swept the board in the club’s end-of-season honours hand-out. After netting two goals in the Poachers’ 3-2 win over Raunds that took his personal total to 57 for the season, Bull was on hand to pocket three accolades. He was voted players’ player of the year, supporters’ player of the year and also accepted a sporting achievement award from the Boston Standard newspaper in recognition of his goalscoring exploits during the season. And before kick-off against Raunds, Bull also accepted an inscribed silver salver to mark his record-breaking goal-grabbing campaign. The award, supplied by club officials, was handed over by former Town striker Carl Smaller who had previously set an individual scoring record for Boston of 48 goals in a season in 1994-95.

 

Saturday April 28: Two more goals from prolific front man Gary Bull took his personal total to 57 for the campaign and helped Boston Town to sign off the season with an 11th straight UCL victory and 13th in all competitions during an all-conquering run-in to the conclusion of the campaign. His double feat went a long way towards ensuring that the Poachers ended up — somewhat frustratingly — with an all-time club record UCL points tally of 95 but still two adrift of champions Deeping (1-0 losers at Newport Pagnell). On a positive note, Town’s remarkable unblemished record over the final few weeks will almost certainly yield another manager of the month accolade for Town’s long-serving boss Bob Don-Duncan.

 

Friday April 27: The UCL Premier Division campaign draws to a conclusion tomorrow (Saturday) for Boston Town when they play host to Raunds (kick-off 3pm). Although the result won’t have any effect on the Poachers’ claim to runners-up spot, manager Bob Don-Duncan still wants to see his side pocket maximum spoils. He said: “We have had a terrific run over the past few weeks with wins in each of our last 12 games, including a cup final. It would be brilliant if we can round things off with another victory and possibly make things look even closer at the top of the table.” The Poachers will be without the services of long-term injury victims Liam Parker and Matt Price and the likes of Micky Nuttell, Jamie Smith and Leigh Taylor all look like missing out after picking up knocks and strains. However, keeper Bart Griemink and midfielder James Brader are back in the fold. After the match, Poachers’ officials will host their annual end-of-season awards presentations.

 

Saturday April 21: Boston Town completed their away fixtures in the UCL Premier Division with a hard-fought 3-2 win away to Stotfold, striker Gary Bull netting his 55th goal of the season in the process. It was a result that maintained the Poachers’ hugely impressive results statistics over the past few weeks — now 12 wins in succession (including the penalty shoot-out win over Potton in the League Cup final). Bob Don-Duncan’s men are guaranteed of runners-up spot in the table despite accumulating their biggest-ever points tally. In the end, the relentless form of Deeping Rangers (apart from a 3-0 loss today at Desborough) has been the deciding factor in the title race.

 

Friday April 20: Boston Town will be striving to achieve a remarkable 12th straight success when their final away day of the UCL Premier Division unfolds tomorrow (Saturday). Including their penalties success in the final of the UCL Cup on Wednesday, the Poachers have been on a remarkable run of late and will endeavour to further consolidate their grip on second spot in the table when they travel to face lowly Stotfold. The Poachers expect to have most of their senior squad available for an encounter in which Town will be looking to complete a league double, having already defeated Stotfold 4-1 at Tattershall Road earlier in the month.

 

Thursday April 19: Boston Town officials have expressed anger at on-going issues that could see them evicted from their ground, seemingly without any consultation with them. The Poachers’ Tattershall Road base is at the centre of development proposals that, in theory, could generate financial salvation for cash-strapped League Two neighbours Boston United. Town’s landlords, Sportsfunds Ltd, have — it is understood — entered into an agreement with United for the purchase/development of the site for housing which should generate more than £2m profit, finance that is earmarked to help return the Pilgrims (currently £3m in debt) into solvency. These plans have been outlined in documents being distributed to United shareholders with a view to voting on April 25 on entering a company voluntary agreement that would see creditors offered 47p for each pound owed. But Town vice-chairman John Rose says he and his board of directors are furious at a lack of communication. He said: “It is beyond belief and totally disrespectful that people are discussing taking away the ground we have occupied for 40 years without any discussions with us. We have tried to speak to Boston United, Sportsfunds and the Standing Alone company we understand will be taking over at United. But no-one has had the decency to answer our inquiries. It really is scandalous the way we are being treated, particularly as we have been good tenants and run a successful semi-professional non-league club. It looks like Boston United are trying to bale themselves out at our expense. It’s totally unsatisfactory.” Previous moves by United in December to gain planning permission for housing at Tattershall Road as part of a complex four-site development met with refusal when presented to Boston Borough Council.    

 

Wednesday April 18: Strike ace Gary Bull and goalkeeper Bart Griemink were arguably the two main heroes of the night as Boston Town clinched silverware success in lifting the United Counties League Cup. The Poachers secured their moment of glory by conquering Premier Division rivals Potton United in a hard-fought final that needed a penalty shoot-out decider after the sides were locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-2 following extra time. Bull was Town’s two-goal hero in normal play when Boston twice led only to be legged back each time. He was also one of four successful spot-kick takers while Griemink made two splendid saves to cement a 4-2 success margin in the shoot-out. For full details see Reports 2006-2007 section.

 

Tuesday April 17: Boston Town will tomorrow (Wednesday) have the chance to land a coveted piece of silverware. The Poachers hit the road to the neutral venue of Blackstones FC to contest the final of the United Counties League Cup against Potton United (kick-off 7.45pm). The match will also offer Boston the chance to bury the memories of their two Premier Division encounters this term, the Poachers losing away 2-0 and then suffering a 2-1 home reverse later in the campaign. Boston currently lie second in the table with Potton in fourth spot. Local bookmaker Lincs Racing is offering the following odds on tonight’s match: 90 minutes only, Boston to win 11/8, Potton 13/8; to win the cup outright, Boston 8/11, Potton 1/1. 

 

Saturday April 14: Boston Town netted three more precious UCL points with a fine 3-1 away success against sixth-placed Northampton Spencer. In the process, the Poachers made it 10 competitive wins on the trot and maintained a solid grip on second spot in the Premier Division table. The match was notable for striker Gary Bull grabbing two penalties to take his personal tally to the season to 52 goals while the Poachers achieved their success despite having Shaun Baker sent off early in the second half. The overall UCL scenario showed no change, though, with leaders Deeping Rangers and third placed Wellingborough also enjoying 3-1 wins in their respective fixtures. It all means that, despite gaining more points than in their previous best championship-winning campaigns, Town are almost certainly destined to settle for runners-up spot.

 

Friday April 13: Boston Town will tomorrow (April 14) bid to make it 10 competitive wins in a row when they travel to face highly-placed Northampton Spencer in a United counties League fixture — the points at stake being vital to the Poachers’ ambitions of consolidating still further second place in the table while also keeping a degree of pressure on leaders Deeping Rangers who still look heavy odds-on certs to claim the title. Tomorrow’s match will also see striker Gary Bull hoping to add to his personal tally of 50 competitive goals this term while the Poachers will also be gunning to add to their prolific league tally of 101 goals so far — the best in the competition.

 

Monday April 9: Midfielder Paul Goodhand struck a hat-trick in the final 13 minutes of Boston Town’s Easter holiday trip to face county rivals Holbeach. The triple blow helped the Poachers to secure an impressive 4-1 away win. Their other scorer was John Rowan, with all the goals arriving in the second half. Town duly remain entrenched in second place in the UCL Premier Division still four points behind long-time leaders Deeping (1-0 winners against Blackstones), but even further clear of third placed Wellingborough (2-1 losers at Raunds).

 

Saturday April 7: Striker Gary Bull hit the 50-goal individual milestone as Boston Town bagged three more precious UCL Premier Division points via a fightback 4-1 success over lowly Stotfold at Tattershall Road. Bull’s landmark goal came courtesy of a late penalty with the Poachers eventually running out decisive winners against opponents who had two players red-carded. By virtue of their triumph, Boston bolstered second place in the table, four points behind Deeping who won 3-0 away to Ford Sports. Town’s next fixture is an Easter Monday (April 9) trip to face county rivals Holbeach United (kick-off 3pm). The Poachers will be seeking their third win this season against the Tigers, having won twice at home — 3-0 in the league and 3-1 in a UCL Cup encounter.

 

Friday April 6: Boston Town will be gunning for an eighth straight victory tomorrow (Saturday April 7) when they play host to lowly Stotfold in a UCL Premier Division fixture. The Poachers, now firmly entrenched in second place in the table also have an outside chance of pressing Deeping Rangers for the title. And manager Bob Don-Duncan wants to see his team keep up their recent buoyant form. He said: “All we can do is try to win our games and then see if Deeping slip up anywhere. We know it’s only an outside chance, but we certainly aren’t giving up all hope.” The Poachers go into the clash hopeful of having most of their squad fit, notably with Ross Don-Duncan (calf), Laszlo Lovas (groin), Bart Griemink (thigh), Leigh Taylor (toe), Neal Spafford (foot) and Micky Nuttell (ankle) all looking to shake off knocks of varying degrees of seriousness. Opponents Stotfold lie third from bottom in the table but have recently shown improved form with four wins and a draw from their last eight outings. And striker Gary Bull will be looking to hit the target with one goal needed to take his personal tally for the season to a remarkable figure of 50.

 

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MARCH NEWS

 

Saturday March 31: Striker Dave Scotney rolled back the years as he turned in a man-of-the-match hat-trick hero show as a stand-in striker for Boston Town today. The 44-year-old struck three times as stand-in front man for injury victim Micky Nuttell to help the Poachers to a decisive 4-0 victory away to St Neots in the UCL Premier Division. The goals were Scotney’s first for the club at UCL level since December 2005. Town’s other marksman was winger Laszlo Lovas as Bob Don-Duncan’s men registered their seventh straight victory and one which closed the gap on leaders Deeping to just four points with the latter being held to a 1-1 draw by Potton.

 

Thursday March 29: Another away fixture lies on Boston Town’s agenda this weekend as they seek to maintain a high-flying position — and still possible outside title shot — in the UCL Premier Division. In addition, Town will be looking to make it seven straight wins in succession. Saturday sees the Poachers hit the road to face mid-table outfit St Neots, an encounter that sees manager Bob Don-Duncan awaiting fitness reports on the likes of John Rowan, Micky Nuttell, Ross Don-Duncan and Liam Parker who all missed the midweek win at Raunds. In Saturday’s clash, the Poachers will be seeking a league double over St Neots having won the reverse fixture 6-0 at Tattershall Road earlier in the season. And the match sees striker Gary Bull looking to net the single goal that will take him to 50 in all competitions for the season.

 

Tuesday March 27: A solitary goal from Paul Goodhand was enough to earn Boston Town a 1-0 win away to Raunds Town and further tighten their grip of second spot in the UCL Premier Division table. The result took the Poachers’ winning sequence to six competitive matches. 

 

Saturday March 24: Boston Town consolidated their grip on second place in the UCL Premier Division table thanks to a 2-1 home success over Desborough. Highlight of this victory was striker Gary Bull netting his 49th goal of the season — a match-winner from the penalty spot three minutes from the end. At the same time, chief rivals for the runners-up slot, Wellingborough Town were being held 0-0 by basement side Buckingham.

 

Thursday March 22: Two more testing encounters lie on Boston Town’s agenda over a four-day spell. Saturday sees the Poachers play host to Desborough (just 10 days after knocking their rivals out of the UCL Cup) and then next Tuesday, Town hit the road to face Raunds. Manager Bob Don-Duncan said: “We’ve got a tough schedule ahead of us starting with these two games. But fresh from an excellent performance at Wellingborough, we will look ahead in confident mood and simply try to win all of the eight league matches we have left between now and the end of the season. If that happens, we might be able to put a little bit of pressure on Deeping at the top. Obviously it’s a long shot to think we have any chance of the championship. But we simply have to concentrate on striving to pick up maximum points as often as we can.” The Poachers go into action on Saturday awaiting fitness reports on Liam Parker (foot), Leigh Taylor (illness), Shaun Baker (back) and Jamie Smith (calf).

 

Wednesday March 21: Boston Town will play Potton United in the final of the United Counties League Cup. One week after conquering Desborough 3-1 in their semi-final, the Poachers learned of their opponents in the showpiece conclusion to the competition when Potton defeated Northampton Spencer 1-0 away from home on Tuesday March 20. It is understood that the final has been earmarked to take place on April 18 at Blackstones FC. Any Boston Town followers interested in travelling to support the Poachers that night should contact club officials for full details.

 

Wednesday March 21: Boston Town’s 100 Club fund-raising scheme has been re-launched. The latest winning number (drawn March 16) is 14. Click on 100 Club link (above) for full results to date.

 

Tuesday March 20: Gary Bull’s 48th goal of the season helped to pave the way for Boston Town to gain a hugely impressive 3-0 away UCL Premier Division victory against Wellingborough. In the process, the Poachers gained ample revenge for a 5-2 home loss against the same opponents less than three weeks earlier — and for added good measure, climbed above their rivals back to second spot in the table. Town’s other goals came from Paul Goodhand and Micky Nuttell.

 

Saturday March 17: Boston Town completed a UCL double over lowly Buckingham and in the process maintained their grip on third spot in the Premier Division table. The margin of victory mirrored for the Poachers mirrored the one they achieved in first beating Buckingham on away soil on February 17. The Poachers now look forward to their next challenge — that presented by a visit to Wellingborough Town on Tuesday (March 20, kick-off 7.45pm) when revenge will be sought for a 5-2 home loss sustained against the same opposition earlier in the month.

 

Thursday March 15: Boston Town get back on the UCL points trail on Saturday when they play host to the Premier Division’s basement club Buckingham (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road). The Poachers will be looking to build on their midweek success in reaching the final of the UCL Cup and manager Bob Don-Duncan hopes to be able to call upon the same squad of players who saw Tuesday night action. The major doubt is defender Liam Parker who picked up an ankle injury. Elsewhere on the UCL front, Tuesday evening also saw runaway Premier Division leaders Deeping Rangers suffer their first loss of the league season when tumbling 1-0 at home to lowly Yaxley. That ended a run of 29 unbeaten games. But they remain well clear in the title chase.

 

Tuesday March 13: Two goals from prolific marksman Gary Bull and one by John Rowan helped to propel Boston Town into the final of the United Counties League Cup. The Poachers secured a 3-1 win at Tattershall Road. They now await the outcome of the other semi-final (between Northampton Spencer and Potton United, next midweek) to see who they will play in the final.

 

Tuesday March 13: Boston Town will tonight strive to reach the final of the United Counties League Cup. They have a home semi-final clash with Desborough Town (kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road). The match sees the Poachers looking to follow up on their 1-0 weekend success against Northampton Spencer. Manager Bob Don-Duncan hopes to have most of his selection options available. The eventual winners will play either Northampton Spencer or Potton in the final. Their semi-final will be played next Tuesday (March 20).

 

Saturday March 10: A solitary Jamie Smith strike was enough for Boston Town to secure maximum UCL Premier Division points against Northampton Spencer. A 1-0 win enabled the Poachers to remain third in the table, behind unbeaten leaders Deeping Rangers and second–placed Wellingborough Town who enjoyed victories of 4-1 and 8-1 respectively.

 

Tuesday March 6: There’s a fixture change for the coming weekend for Boston Town. The Poachers were due to visit Northampton Spencer to contest UCL Premier Division points. But due to the recent heavy rains, the Spencer pitch has already been declared unplayable. And both clubs have agreed to reverse the fixture. It will now be played at Tattershall Road on Saturday March 10, kick-off 3pm. This means that the Poachers will now visit Spencer later in the campaign for the delayed and re-arranged away game, the clash replacing Town’s scheduled home date against Spencer. This Saturday’s revised home clash now offers Town a run of four successive matches at Tattershall Road, the others being a UCL clash against Buckingham and UCL and League Cup encounters against Desborough.

 

Saturday March 3: Boston Town’s last realistic chance of featuring in the UCL Premier Division title race effectively evaporated today when they crashed 5-2 on home soil against fellow high-flyers Wellingborough Town. Defeat left the Poachers third in the table and way off the pace being set by runaway leaders Deeping Rangers. All Town now have to set their sights on in terms of silverware is the UCL Cup in which they have a home clash with Desborough at the semi-final stage on Tuesday March 13 (kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road)

 

Thursday March 1: Boston Town are preparing for another UCL fixture on Saturday when they place host to third-in-the-table side Wellingborough Town (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road). Three more Premier Division points will be at stake as both clubs strive (seemingly in vain) to peg back the difference between themselves and runaway unbeaten leaders Deeping Rangers. The Poachers go into the clash with manager Bob Don-Duncan expecting to have most of his senior squad fit and available for action, apart from midfielder Matt Price whose troublesome groin/lower stomach strain shows no sign of improvement. Also ruled out of future selection options is another midfielder, Nathan Collins, who has decided to retire from the game after once again suffering a dislocated shoulder, an injury that has repeatedly plagued him in recent times. Collins, though will be on hand to advise from the sidelines in a coaching capacity for the remainder of the season. Boss Don-Duncan said: “It’s very sad to see Nathan deciding he’s got to quit the game. But he’s well liked and a good influence to have around, so his presence and input will still be a help to me.”

 

 

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FEBRUARY NEWS

 

Saturday February 24: Boston Town were left inactive today when their scheduled away UCL Premier Division clash with third-in-the-table Wellingborough Town was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. It was the second time this fixture had been called off for the same reason, the previously scheduled encounter on January 20 also falling victims to the elements. No new date has yet been fixed. But the sides are due to meet in the reverse fixture at Tattershall Road on Saturday March 3.

 

Friday February 23: It’s a case of pride restoration for Boston Town tomorrow (Saturday) as they seek to put behind them the torment of a second half blitz inflicted by unbeaten UCL Premier Division leaders on Tuesday. The Poachers, still smarting from their 4-1 midweek loss, make the trip to Wellingborough Town, a side currently third in the table separated from the second placed Poachers only by goal difference. Manager Bob Don-Duncan will be hoping to see his squad show the right sort of character and resolve to bounce back from their midweek setback — and hopes to have most of his senior players (including illness victim Paul Goodhand) available for selection.

 

Tuesday February 20: Boston Town’s title quest effectively ended at Deeping Rangers tonight. The Poachers crashed 4-1 away to the unbeaten UCL Premier Division leaders despite having held a one-goal interval advantage courtesy of Gary Bull’s 42nd strike of the campaign. But after the break the home side showed their championship credentials to good effect with a four-goal salvo that shattered the visitors and left Boston 12 points adrift of their rivals on level games played.

 

Sunday February 18: Manager Bob Don-Duncan reckons the week ahead could be a pivotal time for Boston Town. The Poachers face two tough games in only a few days, both of which will have crucial bearings on their ability to stay solidly in the UCL Premier Division title chase. First up is a Tuesday night (February 20) visit to unbeaten table-toppers Deeping Rangers. Then on Saturday’s it’s off to face third placed Wellingborough Town. Don-Duncan said: “If we can come through these games unscathed it will keep us right up there with every chance. If we don’t it will make life extremely difficult. But fair play to Deeping, who are having an exceptional season. We know the game at their place will be particularly tough.” The Poachers go into battle with Nathan Collins almost certainly ruled out due to a recurrence of a shoulder problem that plagued him earlier in the campaign. But striker Micky Nuttell is back from suspension and midfielder Paul Goodhand returns after illness. There are also hopes that Leigh Taylor (back), Ross Don-Duncan (calf) and Matt Price (groin) could also figure after injury. Town will also be hoping to redress the results balance after losing 2-1 on home soil to Deeping in October. And it remains to be seen if new signing Jarrod Smith (brother of midfielder Jamie Smith) will be involved again after signing on at the 11th hour and figuring prominently in Town’s 4-0 win at Buckingham on Saturday.

 

Saturday February 17: Boston Town secured three more precious UCL Premier Division points with a comfortable 4-0 victory on their travels against basement side Buckingham Town. The win, boosted by Gary Bull’s fifth hat-trick of the season, keeps the Poachers second in the table, nine points behind still unbeaten leaders Deeping (won 2-0 at St Ives) off level games and adds extra significance to the two sides’ meeting at Deeping on Tuesday (February 20, kick-off 7.45pm).

 

Wednesday February 14: Boston Town boss Bob Don-Duncan is hoping to have much stronger squad options at his disposal in readiness for the Poachers’ next UCL Premier Division challenge — a trip to Buckingham on Saturday (February 17). Ross Don-Duncan, Jamie Smith and Laszlo Lovas were all unavailable for the 2-0 win over Newport Pagnell last weekend while Nathan Collins was completing a three-game suspension. But all are now ready to figure in squad plans. Boss Don-Duncan said: “We were right down to the bare bones on Saturday, but everyone battled hard and we managed to give a few minutes’ action to a couple of youngsters from our reserve team as well. It wasn’t a spectacular win, but at this stage of the season, it’s all about getting points on the board. Hopefully we’ll have most of our senior players back and available this weekend for a game that we certainly won’t be taking for granted. Just because Buckingham are at the bottom of the table doesn’t mean a thing because we know from past experience they are a club who can struggle one week and then field a super side the next.” The only players definitely out are Matt Price (injured) and Micky Nuttell (suspended). Elsewhere on the Boston front, Town connections say that correspondence has been received from the Lincs FA stating that the Poachers will not be re-instated into the Lincs Senior Trophy after quarter-final conquerors Barton Town Old Boys were found to have fielded an ineligible played. Don-Duncan said: “It’s all hugely unsatisfactory. We don’t understand how such a decision has been made. It simply holds the whole competition up to ridicule.”

 

Tuesday February 13: A date has been fixed for Boston Town’s United Counties League Cup semi-final tie against Desborough Town (conquerors of Deeping in the previous round). The match will be played at Tattershall Road on Tuesday March 13 (kick-off 7.45pm. The victors will then go on play the winners of the S&L Corby or Yaxley v Northampton Spencer semi-final. Town boss Bob Don-Duncan said: “It’s a competition we have won in the past and now we are within touching distance of the final, it’s a piece of silverware we would love to get our hands on again.”

 

Sunday February 11: Boston Town officials today announced that tickets are available for the latest in their long sequence of celebrity sports dinners. Former England striker David Johnson, who played club football for Ipswich Everton and Liverpool, is the guest speaker for the event to be held at the Poachers Social Club on Thursday March 8 from 7.30pm. Tickets inclusive of a four-course meal are priced at £27.50 each. Details are available from Town vice-chairman John Rose on Boston 351501.

 

Saturday February 10: Boston Town recorded their fourth successive UCL Premier Division victory when emerging 2-0 winners in their home fixture against mid-table Newport Pagnell. By virtue of the result, secured by goals from Paul Goodhand and Matt Stares, the Poachers remain firmly in the championship race — edging up to second spot in the table on a day when all but two of the programmed matches were called off due to unfit pitches.

 

Thursday February 8: Boston Town are priming themselves for another important match as they strive to maintain a challenging presence in the UCL Premier Division title race. Saturday (February 10) sees them play host to an inconsistent Newport Pagnell side — but one that manager Bob Don-Duncan says is capable of proving a tough nut to crack on its day. In advance of the Tattershall Road clash (kick-off 3pm) he said: “Results suggest that Pagnell have come off the rails a bit lately. I hope we can are catching them at the right time, but matches like this can be unpredicatable. But we know we can’t afford to take them lightly and will have to be at the top of our game if we have hopes of winning.” The Poachers enter the fray with Matt Price, Nathan Collins and Mick Nuttell all suspended, Ross Don-Duncan troubled by a calf injury sustained in the warm-up at Desborough last Saturday and a couple of other players carrying knocks and niggles after that game. The Town boss said: “It looks like we will be down to the bare bones and I might even have to look at bringing in a new face or two.”

 

Monday February 5: Fixture adjustments have handed Boston Town a tough schedule through from the end of February and into early March. And manager Bob Don-Duncan isn’t too impressed by the forthcoming switches that see the Poachers handed a short-notice trip to unbeaten leaders Deeping on Tuesday February 20 followed by away and home clashes against second-in-the-table Wellingborough on February 24 and March 3. Then comes a tricky excursion to Northampton Spencer on March 10. Don-Duncan said: “It’s far from ideal to be given these matches straight after each other, particularly the one away to Deeping which has been included on the fixture list at quite a late stage when there are perhaps other midweek dates still open later in the season. And given the fact that we still have a lot of injury problems and suspension issues to contend with, it will be a tremendously difficult time for us if we have to undertake this schedule.” For all Town’s latest and updated fixtures see Town results summary 2006-2007 section (above).

 

Saturday February 3: Three more valuable UCL Premier Division points were added to Boston Town’s tally today on the strength of a vital 2-1 away-day success. The victory keeps the Poachers firmly in the championship chase, just three points behind second placed Wellingborough (lost today) and nine adrift of still unbeaten leaders Deeping Rangers (won again today). Town’s lofty position is far healthier that that of Buckingham Town who slumped to the bottom of the table after a crushing 12-0 loss away to Cogenhoe!

 

Friday February 2: Boston Town hit the road tomorrow (Saturday February 3) in search of more valuable United Counties League points in the race for honours in the Premier Division title chase. But for the trip to mid-table Desborough, the Poachers will be without suspended trio Matt Price, Nathan Collins and Micky Nuttell. However, manager Bob Don-Duncan hopes to have most of his other senior squad members fit and available for selection.

 

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JANUARY NEWS

 

Monday January 29: Boston Town officials are exploring avenues of appeal in the wake of what they say is a mystifying decision made at their expense by the Lincolnshire Football Association. Back on December 16, the Poachers were knocked out of the Lincs Senior Trophy (3-2 at Tattershall Road) at the quarter-final stage by Barton Town Old Boys who were subsequently expelled from the contest by the Lincs FA for allegedly using Gary Barlow in the match, the player having apparently earlier turned out for Gainsborough Trinity in another county FA competition. However, Town connections are bewildered as to why the Poachers have not been re-instated—information posted on the Lincs FA’s website (viewed January 28) indicating that Deeping Rangers have now been handed a bye into the final. Manager Bob Don-Duncan said: “We are dumfounded. It appears a decision without precedent has been made, even though we have not had any communication from the county FA. I think we have been really hard done by if this decision stands. In the FA Cup we’ve seen Chester re-instated after losing at Bury over the use of an ineligible player. We feel really hard done by and wonder what we have done wrong. We are exploring channels of appeal.” A Lincs FA spokesman, when contacted by www.bostonbuzz.co.uk about the issue said: “This was a decision reached at a council meeting in January when council members endorsed and ratified fully the decision taken by members of the cup committee.”

 

Saturday January 27: Three valuable points were added to Boston Town’s tally today on the strength of a 4-1 home United Counties League victory over lowly Long Buckby. The success, which notably featured a fine hat-trick by Paul Goodhand, kept the Poachers firmly in touch in the Premier Division championship chase, still hot on the tails of Deeping Rangers and Wellingborough Town.

 

Friday January 26: Boston Town will be hoping to profit from home advantage tomorrow (Saturday January 27). The Poachers play host to lowly Long Buckby when more valuable Eagle Bitter UCL Premier Division points will be at stake as Bob Don-Duncan’s side strive to maintain a solid interest in the championship chase. On the opening day of the season the sides battled out a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture. This time around, Town will be without the services of suspended trio Matt Price (also injured), Nathan Collins and Micky Nuttell. And new signing Bart Griemink will most probably be absent between the sticks due to a long-standing prior arrangement. Here Paul Buttery could deputise.

 

Wednesday January 24: Boston Town’s chairman and board of directors have issued a statement relating to what they say is growing concern at the lack of news about planning proposals or otherwise for their Tattershall Road ground. Click the link here to read the full statement.

 

Saturday January 20: Boston Town’s high-profile UCL match away to fellow title challengers Wellingborough Town was called off today due to the waterlogged state of the home club’s Dog and Duck Stadium pitch. No new date has yet been fixed  The Poachers’ next assignment is a home Premier Division match against Long Buckby on Saturday January 27. Meanwhile, the Poachers’ reserve team were also without a game today, their home Lincs League fixture against Skegness Town being postponed, again due to pitch conditions.

 

Friday January 19: Top of the table UCL Premier Division points will be at stake tomorrow (Saturday) for Boston Town. The third placed Poachers hit the road for a tough encounter away to Wellingborough Town in second spot. Both sides will target maximum spoils in their respective quests to keep tabs on unbeaten leaders Deeping. Poachers’ boss Bob don-Duncan said: “We know we need to get victories against the stronger sides in the league. But a trip to Wellingborough is as tough as they come, particularly on what will almost inevitably be on a heavy pitch. However, we have to be ready to show what we are capable of achieving on a regular basis between now and the end of the season. And I firmly believe our squad is one of the strongest seen at Tattershall Road in many years. And with a few suspensions building up we are going to need all our experience and qualities in the next few games.” Town go into Saturday’s action definitely minus injured duo Leigh Taylor (knee) and Matt Price (groin/stomach) while Carl Basker is not available.

 

Wednesday January 17: Boston Town fans can now take advantage of a regular chance to bet on the Poachers. Boston-based bookmakers Lincs Racing will, from today, offer prices on Town’s remaining fixtures this season in relation to outright match betting and correct scores. As a kick-off, match odds for Saturday January 20 away to Wellingborough are: Home win 11/8, draw 9/4, Poachers to win 13/8. Lincs Racing can be found at Artillery Row, Boston (off John Adams Way).

 

Saturday January 13: Boston Town kept in touch with the UCL Premier Division title race with a solid 2-0 home success against Cogenhoe United. Goals came from Ross don-Duncan and Micky Nuttell either side of the interval. The win ensured the Poachers remained third in the table, six points behind unbeaten leaders Deeping Rangers.

 

Friday January 12: Boston Town will seek more UCL Premier Division rewards tomorrow (January 13) when they play host to Cogenhoe (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road). The match comes hot on the heels of the Poachers’ 3-1 League Cup success over Holbeach in midweek. On the team news front, new goalkeeper signing Bart Griemink is likely to be unavailable and Ian Pledger is expected to fill in between the sticks. Injury doubts persist over Paul Goodhand and Matt Price while John Rowan, Nathan Collins and Matt Stares are expected to continue following their return from injury in midweek.

 

Tuesday January 9: Boston Town won through to the semi-finals of the Eagle Bitter United Counties League Cup on the strength of a 3-1 home victory over county rivals Holbeach United. Goals from Laszlo Lovas, Gary Bull and Nathan Collins were enough to ensure victory in a match played in torrential rain and in which both sides had a player sent off — Micky Nuttell for Town 32 minutes after Holbeach’s Darren Cundy got his marching orders.

 

 

Goalkeeper Bart Griemink made his Poachers’ debut (for full story see January 7 entry) in the fixture against Holbeach. The former Birmingham, Peterborough, Swindon and Southend goalie is seen above with Town boss Bob Don-Duncan before kick-off. (Photo: copyright www.bostonbuzz.co.uk)

 

 

And on the same rain swept evening, free-scoring striker Gary Bull collected the UCL Premier Division’s goalscorer of the month award for December. Bull netted eight league goals in the period under review plus one in the Lincs Senior Trophy. And to mark the receipt of the accolade he bagged one of Town’s three goals against Holbeach to take his season’s tally to 37. He is pictured here collecting his award from UCL management committee member Trevor Mitchell. (Photo: copyright www.bostonbuzz.co.uk)

 

Sunday January 7: Boston Town have today secured the services of a goalkeeper with substantial Football League experience. Former Birmingham City, Peterborough, Swindon and Southend custodian Bart Griemink has signed up for the Tattershall Road outfit as the club prepares for the second half of a busy United Counties League campaign. The 34-year-old custodian retired from top-flight football last summer after taking insurance pay-off on the diagnosis of a knee problem. But Poachers boss Bob Don-Duncan today confirmed he had met the Dutch-born player with a view to donning Town’s number one shirt in the weeks and months ahead. Don-Duncan said: “It’s quite a coup for us and in all honesty, the news is still sinking in. Bart has come to the area after retiring from the professional game. He’s set up his own chauffeur business and says he wants to get back to playing and enjoying football at a more local level. Dave Scotney and I spent a training session with him yesterday and we couldn’t believe how athletic Bart was. Hopefully he will be able to reproduce his work in match situations. Everyone at the club is looking forward to having him in the team.” Griemink is expected to make his debut in Tuesday’s (January 9) home UCL Cup quarter-final tie against Holbeach (kick-off 7.45pm). His senior career began with Dutch club WKE in 1994 before being snapped up by Birmingham City in November 1995. A loan spell at Barnsley in October 2006 then preceded a four-year stay at Peterborough United followed by a move to Swindon in July 2000 and then a switch to Southend in June 2004 before his enforced retirement seven months ago. All told he made more than 250 Football League and senior cup appearances during his professional career in the English game. Griemink’s arrival at Tattershall Road follows news that current loanee keeper Ian Pledger is hoping to move back up to Dr Martens League football — possibly with Corby — in the near future. Elsewhere on the Boston front, groin injury duo Jamie Smith and Jon Rowan are now close to full fitness and could also figure against Holbeach. But Matt Price (groin/stomach injury) will be out for some time. In addition, Matt Stares and Paul Goodhand (strains) are also rated doubts for the Holbeach game. Midfielder Price, meanwhile, is one of three Town players facing a suspension. He will miss the forthcoming games against Long Buckby, Desborough and Newport Pagnell while Nathan Collins is ruled out of the January 20 clash with Wellingborough followed by matches against Long Buckby and Desborough. Striker Micky Nuttell will have to sit out the Wellingborough clash. But there’s better news on the squad front with the prospect of Carl Basker, James Brader and stand-by keeper Paul Buttery all likely to be available on a more regular basis in the short-term to bolster the manager’s selection options. 

 

Saturday January 6: For the second time in three weekends, Boston Town were left kicking their heels due to a fixture postponement. The Poachers’ scheduled UCL Premier Division match away to St Neots fell victim to the elements when the host club’s pitch was left waterlogged following heavy recent rain. The match will now be re-arranged for a later date. Meanwhile, Town’s next mission is a home UCL Cup quarter-final clash against Holbeach United on Tuesday January 9 (kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road). Manager Bob Don-Duncan is hopeful of being able to name a strong squad in pursuit of a place in the last four of a contest that also features the midweek ties: Stewart & Lloyds Corby v Yaxley; Deeping Rangers v Desborough; Northampton Sileby Rangers v Northampton Spencer.

 

Thursday January 4: Boston Town will be hoping to get their UCL Premier Division title aspirations fully back on track on Saturday (January 6) when they hit the road for a trip to face St Neots, a side currently toiling next to bottom in the table. But, on the back of some inconsistent results of late, Poachers’ boss Bob Don-Duncan is expecting nothing less than a tough test. Town go into the clash hoping to have most of their senior squad fit and available, although injuries could rule out midfielders Matt Price and Paul Goodhand. Earlier in the season, Town defeated St Neots 6-0 at Tattershall Road, a game in which Gary Bull grabbed a hat-trick towards his current tally of 36 goals — just 15 short of the Poachers’ all-time individual club record of 51 in a season.

 

 

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DECEMBER NEWS

 

Saturday December 30: Boston Town’s title ambitions suffered a serious jolt when they tumbled to a 2-1 home UCL Premier Division reverse against Potton United. The result left them nine points off new leaders Wellingborough Town (albeit with four games in hand), but still six behind title favourites, unbeaten Deeping Rangers and now with plenty to do if they are to fully rediscover their championship credentials.

 

Monday December 26: Boston Town got back into the winning groove by virtue of a fine 3-0 derby day home success against Holbeach United, all the goal arriving in the second half. The victory gave Town three more valuable UCL Premier Division points in their quest to figure prominently in the title race. Laszlo Lovas opened the scoring and Gary Bull weighed in with two more, taking his overall tally for the campaign to 36 in all competitions — now just 15 short of Town’s all-time record for a single season.

 

Saturday December 23: A frozen pitch put paid to Boston Town’s hopes of contesting UCL Premier Division points away at Stotfold. The home side’s ground was deemed unfit to host the afternoon’s schedule. The Poachers will now switch their attentions to a home Boxing Day league clash against county rivals Holbeach United (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road).

 

Friday December 22: Boston Town will be gunning for more important UCL Premier Division points tomorrow (December 23) when they hit the road to face struggling Stotfold, a side with just four league victories to their credit all season. For the Poachers, the match represents a chance to bounce back to winning ways after successive losses—away in the UCL to St Ives and on home soil against Barton Town Old Boys in the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy. And manager Bob Don-Duncan will be eager to see his side deliver a much tighter defensive game as Town seek to plug a leaky rearguard that has conceded 14 goals in their last five outings.

 

Saturday December 16: There was no cup joy for Boston Town as they tumbled off the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy trail when suffering a 3-2 home loss against Barton Town Old Boys in a sometimes ill-tempered encounter that saw Poachers’ midfielder Matt Price red-carded for kicking out at an opponent. Boston held a 1-0 lead until just before the interval and then fought back to level things up at 2-2 before losing to a goal 15 minutes from time. Remarkably it was the fourth match in succession involving the Poachers to end in a 3-2 scoreline.

 

Friday December 15: Boston Town boss Bob Don-Duncan wants to see his side bury the memories of UCL defeat at St Ives last weekend when they chase a Lincs Senior Trophy semi-final spot via a home tie against Barton Town Old Boys tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm). And he hopes Jon Rowan (thigh problem) will be fit to take his place in the squad. Looking ahead to the tie, the Town boss said: “The County Trophy is a competition in which we haven’t really done too well in recent times. It’s not exactly our top priority this season, but at this stage, it’s one we would still love to win. And a win against Barton would give us a boost going into what looks like being a busy and tough Christmas programme. What we need to do is try to rectify the poor defending that has cost us 11 goals in our last four games. We have an attacking mentality and I don’t want to stop the players from expressing themselves going forward. But we need to drive home the message that we can’t afford to keep leaking goals so regularly.” The festive period sees Town visit Stotfold on December 23, have home clashes against Holbeach (December 26) and Cogenhoe (December 30) and then travel to St Neots on January 6. And in readiness for the schedule, hopes are high that long-term injury victims Jamie Smith and Nathan Collins will be fit for squad inclusion while Carl Basker and James Brader could be available away from their normal commitments during the festive holiday spell.

 

Thursday December 14: Boston Town are gunning for a place in the semi-finals of the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy. Saturday (December 16) sees them playing host to Central Midlands League Supreme Division outfit Barton Town Old Boys (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road). If successful, the Poachers will be at home to fellow UCL Premier Division high-flyers Deeping Rangers in the last four. The other semi-final tie (matches to be played by March 13) sees Lincoln Moorlands play host to Bourne Town. Quarter-final results so far: Deeping Rangers 2, Sleaford Town 1 (aet); Grimsby Borough 1, Lincoln Moorlands 4; Bourne Town 2, Bottesford 1.

 

Saturday December 9: Boston Town suffered a blow to their UCL Premier Division title ambitions when they lost 3-2 away to St Ives today. Their loss frustratingly came despite having held an early 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Micky Nuttell and Gary Bull. The results sees them drop one place to second and—to a degree-hands back a lot of title chase impetus to main rivals Wellingborough Town and Deeping Rangers. Town’s reserves, meanwhile, recorded a 3-0 Lincolnshire League victory over LSS Lucarly’s.

 

Friday December 8: Boston Town will tomorrow (Saturday) aim to maintain their position at the head of affairs in the Premier Division of the UCL when they travel to face St Ives. Manager Bob Don-Duncan is hopeful of having most of his senior squad fit and available, although doubts surround midweek injury victims Jon Rowan and Matt Stares. If Town can plunder maximum spoils it would give them a 10th straight league victory and enable the Poachers to complete a UCL double over their rivals having earlier won 2-1 at Tattershall Road in the reverse fixture with goals from Paul Goodhand and Jamie Smith.

 

Tuesday December 5: A second successive 3-2 home victory sent Boston Town to the top of the UCL Premier Division on goal difference from previous leaders Wellingborough Town. The Poachers got the better of county rivals Blackstones thanks to two more strikers by prolific front man Gary Bull and one from midfielder Matt Price. The Poachers, however, suffered two blows when Jon Rowan and Matt Stares had to be substituted due to injuries. Reports are now awaited on both in advance of Town’s next mission — Saturday’s (December 9) trip to face St Ives.

 

Saturday December 2: Boston Town maintained their title for top honours in the Premier Division of the UCL thanks to a hard-fought victory over Wootton Blue Cross in a match that also saw prolific front man Gary Bull dramatically grab his fourth hat-trick of the season, a feat that remarkably also took his personal tally for the campaign to 30 goals in all competitions. Bull’s treble, including two penalties, helped the Poachers to recover from a 1-0 interval deficit and then clinch the spoils with a last-minute winner after Wootton had tied the scores at 2-2. The Poachers are now well placed three points off the pace with three matches in hand over leaders Wellingborough. Reflecting on the win, manager Bob Don-Duncan said: “I thought we showed great resolve on what was quite a heavy pitch. And on a day when only two of the top 16 sides won, it was a hugely important three points for us. And Gary Bull keeps finding the net with some vital goals. He has been clinical with his finishing all season and showed great composure with our winner from the penalty spot in the last minute.” On Tuesday, Town play host to county rivals Blackstones (7.45pm at Tattershall Road) when more vital UCL spoils will be up for grabs.

 

 

 

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NOVEMBER NEWS

 

Wednesday November 29: Boston Town are gearing up for a key UCL Premier Division clash on Saturday December 2 when they play host to Wootton Blue Cross (kick-off 3pm). And manager Bob Don-Duncan is hoping that the enforced break in action caused by last weekend’s postponement away to Buckingham will enable some of his injured players to get fully on the road to recovery and be fit and available for this weekend — these names including Matt Price, Paul Goodhand, Laszlo Lovas and Tony Brooks. In addition, Don-Duncan confirmed he had put in seven days’ notice of approach for Yaxley midfielder Ian Edge. He said: “We are reaching a critical stage of the season and we don’t want to leave ourselves stretched over the festive period. I want to strengthen our squad if at all possible. And our inquiry for Ian is a step along this path.”

 

Saturday November 25: Boston Town were today left without a UCL Premier Division fixture when their scheduled match away to Buckingham fell victim to the elements. Rain washed out the Poachers’ hopes of adding points to boost their title charge — as it did the bulk of the day’s UCL action (only the 1-1 draw between Blackstones and Wellingborough Town beating the conditions). A drenched surface at Tattershall Road also put paid to Town Reserves’ hopes of hosting Hykeham in the Lincs League Supplementary Cup. Up next for the Town first team is a home clash with Wootton Blue Cross on Saturday December 2. Town’s scheduled midweek match at home to Blackstones has been put back from Tuesday November 28 to Tuesday December 5 (7.45pm kick-off).

 

Wednesday November 22: Boston Town will be looking to bounce straight back to winning form when they travel to face Buckingham on Saturday November 25. The Poachers met the same opposition only three weeks ago when a 5-1 win at Tattershall Road sent Bob Don-Duncan’s men into the quarter-finals of the UCL Cup. But the Boston boss is not taking anything for granted as his side seek to bury the memory of last weekend’s FA Vase loss at Wisbech. Of that match he said: “It really was difficult to accept we lost that tie. Obviously, you can’t take anything away from Wisbech because they got the victory. But they never had a shot on target in the first half while we dominated for long spells. Our general play was excellent throughout, but I felt we were undone by individual errors. Hopefully we can reflect on it being ‘just one of those days.’ I was as disappointed as anyone that we went out of the Vase. But I hope the experience doesn’t deflate the players. We have been playing so well recently and have beaten better sides than Wisbech over the past few weeks. Hopefully we can get back to winning ways because we need to keep our title ambitions on track.” Town go into Saturday’s UCL clash able to call on the services of Dave Scotney (unavailable last week) while fitness tests will be awaited on Nathan Collins (shoulder), Jamie Smith (groin), Matt Price (back) and Laszlo Lovas (knee).

 

Tuesday November 21: Boston Town are facing the prospect of a blank weekend next month. On Saturday December 9 they were due to play Northampton Spencer in a UCL game. But their scheduled opponents will now be on third round FA Vase duty. Town connections are waiting to see if UCL officials re-jig the day’s Premier Division programme to allocate Boston a revised fixture.

 

Saturday November 18: After 10 straight victories, Boston Town finally saw their colours lowered when tumbling off the FA Vase trail in a 4-0 reverse away to a strong Wisbech Town side at the second round stage, although the scoreline disguises the fact that Poachers had by far the better of first half exchanges. And it was a disappointing day all round as Town’s reserves lost 2-1 at home to Lincoln United Reserves in a Lincs League Challenge Cup tie settled in the visitors’ favour in extra time.

 

Thursday November 14: Boston Town are gearing up for an important FA Vase date on Saturday (November 18). They travel to face Ridgeons League Premier Division side Wisbech Town, a club managed by Dick Creasey who retains strong links with the town of Boston and whose playing staff include the likes of Liam Nimmo, Liam Harrold, plus ex-Boston United men Andy Lodge, Steve Appleby, Dane Harper, Mark Angel and keeper Nick Conroy. Town boss Bob Don-Duncan is hopeful of having most of his senior squad fit and available, although fitness doubts persist over knee-injury victim Laszlo Lovas. Don Duncan said: “Wisbech have made a disappointing start to their league season but have achieved some tremendous cup results this season. So we know it’s going to be a hugely difficult test for us. But we will go there in a positive frame of mind.”

 

Tuesday November 14: Boston Town boss Bob Don-Duncan collected the Eagle Bitter United Counties League manager of the month award for October in advance of the Poachers’ 3-0 victory over Yaxley. He is pictured above right accepting the accolade from Ian Hughes (secretary of Sleaford Town FC), a member of the UCL management committee. Bob secured the award by guiding Town to seven successive victories in the period under review.

 

Tuesday November 14: Boston Town claimed top spot in the UCL Premier Division on the strength of their 10th successive competitive win (seven of them in the league). Two goals from Matt Stares — his first strikes for the senior first team — and one by Jon Rowan saw the Poachers through to a decisive 3-0 triumph over Yaxley. 

 

Tuesday November 14: The United Counties League Premier Division manager of the month award for October will tonight be presented to Boston Town boss Bob Don-Duncan before the Poachers’ match against Yaxley at Tattershall Road (7.45pm kick-off). The Town chief secured the accolade on the back of an unrivalled seven straight wins for the Poachers.

 

Monday November 13: Boston Town will tomorrow (Tuesday) go in search of an amazing 10th successive competitive victory when they entertain Yaxley in a United Counties League fixture (kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road). A win would also see the Poachers take top spot in the Premier Division table with current leaders Wellingborough Town involved in UCL Cup action this midweek. Town boss Bob Don-Duncan will be without the services of on-holiday defender Liam Parker and knee injury victim Laszlo Lovas but expects most of his other senior squad members to be fit for duty, including Ross Don-Duncan, Nathan Collins and Matt Price who all came through comeback appearances in Saturday’s League Cup win over Buckingham with no recurrences of injury problems. Reflecting on that match, boss Don-Duncan said: “It was a comprehensive win and one where we could have won by more goals. We played a lot of good football and Gary Bull’s hat-trick goal had to be seen to be believed. It would have won any Match of the Day goal of the month competition.” Looking ahead to Yaxley’s visit, the Town manager said: “They have started to pick up well after leaking a few goals in the early part of the season. They have shored up their defence and a 1-0 win away to Wellingborough recently shows how well they are now doing. We want to keep our good run going, but we know we can’t afford any complacency.”

 

Sunday November 12: Boston Town officials have confirmed that winger Jamie Lawrence has left the club to join Ridgeon League Division One side Diss Town. Poachers boss Bob Don-Duncan said: “Jamie wants regular first team football. He’s had an offer from Diss and we wish him well for the future.” 

 

Saturday November 11: Strike ace Gary Bull helped to fire Boston Town into the next round of the UCL Cup when his third hat-trick of the season contributed towards the Poachers’ emphatic 5-1 demolition of Buckingham Town at Tattershall Road. The result also gave Boston a remarkable ninth straight win in all competitions. In the quarter-finals of the cup, the Poachers will be at home to either Holbeach or Cogenhoe on a date to be fixed. Boston Town Reserves drew 1-1 away to Grimsby Borough in a Lincolnshire League match.

 

Wednesday November 8: Progress on the United Counties League Cup front will be Boston Town’s aim at the weekend. Saturday November 11 sees the Poachers playing host to Buckingham Town (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road) in a second round tie. Manager Bob Don-Duncan is hopeful that Matt Price will show no after-effects to his 15-minute run-out at Ford Sports on Saturday following a hamstring injury. And hopes are high that Nathan Collins will be fit after a shoulder problem. Meanwhile, doubts remain on the likely involvement of Leigh Taylor (illness), Laszlo Lovas (knee), Jamie Smith (hamstring) and Ross Don-Duncan (calf). Looking ahead to the tie, boss Don-Duncan said: “Buckingham have a fairly decent history against us. But we want to keep our run of success going. Once you’re enjoying a sequence of results like we are at the moment, you want to keep it going. And we’ll be fielding a side strong enough to try to make sure that happens.” Reflecting on last Saturday’s 2-0 league win at Ford Sports, Don-Duncan said: “It was hard work on a pitch that didn’t really lend itself to flowing football. Ford Sports were quite well organised and clearly wanted to put on a better show than when they lost heavily at our ground a few weeks ago. We possibly weren’t at our best but the result was satisfying all the same.”

 

Tuesday November 7: Boston Town manager Bob Don-Duncan has cause for celebration after clinching the UCL Premier Division’s manager of the month award for October. His success followed a run of seven straight victories during the period under review. He said: “It’s nice to be recognised with this award, but credit has to go to the players for their performances that have enabled the team to go on such a good run. And it’s something we want to keep going.”

 

Sunday November 5: There have been a couple of changes announced to Boston Town’s up-coming fixture list. November 25 now sees the Poachers travelling to Buckingham in search of UCL Premier Division points instead of their originally scheduled trip to St Ives. And their second round Lincs Senior Trophy clash at home to Barton Town Old Boys will now be played on December 16, leaving the way clear for the already pencilled in league clash against Wootton Blue Cross on December 2 to remain unaltered.

 

Saturday November 4: Boston Town kept up the pressure at the top of the UCL Premier Division with a tidy 2-0 away success against basement side Ford Sports, even though they had to wait until the final 12 minutes for Gary Bull to strike twice. The success — remarkably the Poachers’ eighth in a row — enabled them to heighten the pressure on league leaders Wellingborough. Bull’s double goal haul took his season’s tally to 24 in all competitions.

 

 

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OCTOBER NEWS

 

Tuesday October 31: Second half goals from Jon Rowan, Paul Goodhand and Gary Bull fired Boston Town to a seventh straight competitive win when they enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 home UCL Premier Division triumph over Stewart and Lloyds. The success also gave the Poachers their second league double of the season and bolstered their position of second in the table. Town now set their sights on trying to prise more points from their next game, away to Ford Sports on Saturday in advance of which manager Bob Don-Duncan will await fitness updates on injured quartet Matt Price, Jamie Smith, Nathan Collins and Ross Don-Duncan while Jamie Lawrence should be available again after missing the win over Stewart and Lloyds.

 

Monday October 30: Boston Town go in pursuit of more valuable UCL points tomorrow night (Tuesday) when they play host to Stewarts and Lloyds of Corby (kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road). The Poachers will be chasing a Premier Division double over their opponents having won 5-1 in the reverse match earlier in the campaign. However, manager Bob Don-Duncan is expecting a much tougher assignment this time around. He said: “They have strengthened their squad considerably by signing three players from Grantham and another from Stamford. So we cannot afford to underestimate the challenge. We know we will have to be at our best to get the points we need to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.” Town go into the clash minus Ross Don-Duncan who suffered a calf injury recurrence in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Newport Pagnell. Meanwhile, late fitness checks will be made on Jamie Smith (groin), Nathan Collins (shoulder), Matt Price (hamstring) and Jon Rowan (ankle) in advance of the match. Town also hope to have defender Liam Parker available again providing he shows no after-effects to his return from injury as a substitute on Saturday.

 

Saturday October 28: Boston Town maintained a grip on second place in the UCL Premier Division with a welcome 2-1 away success against Newport Pagnell. That made it six successive competitive victories for the Poachers who now look forward to a home clash with Stewart and Lloyds of Corby on Tuesday (October 31), kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road. Meanwhile, Town’s reserves side defeated LSS Lucarly’s 2-0 in the first round of the Lincs League Supplementary Cup.

 

Friday October 27: Boston Town connections have learned their United Counties League Cup second round tie at home to Buckingham will be played on Saturday November 11, replacing the scheduled Premier Division game against Wellingborough that will now be played on a date to be arranged.

 

Tuesday October 24: For only the second time this season Boston Town have a blank midweek. And manager Bob Don-Duncan is hoping to use the break as a chance for players to relax from what has been an unrelenting action schedule. He said: “It’s a rarity for us to be without a midweek game but hopefully it’s one where some tired limbs can be rested and where we can work to try to get some injury problems eased.” Among these knocks are problems affecting Ross Don-Duncan (calf), Nathan Collins (shoulder) and Liam Parker (groin) who will all be in a race to be fit for Saturday’s (October 28) trip to face mid-table Newport Pagnell. This match, though, will be contested with Town definitely minus the services of hamstring injury victim Matt Price who could be out for at least two more weeks. One man almost certain to keep figuring, though, is utility man Jamie Smith who has netted five goals in his last three outings — a statistic that doesn’t surprise boss Don-Duncan, though. He said: “We brought Jamie in as an attacking midfielder, but so far haven’t really be able to play him in the position that best suits him. But he’s doing well wherever he’s asked to play. And his goals are a big help as well.”

 

Monday October 23: Boston Town have been drawn at home to Barton Town Old Boys in the quarter-final of the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy, the tie to be played on Saturday December 2. The originally scheduled UCL Premier Division match at home to Wootton Blue Cross has been postponed to an alternative date. Boston reached the last eight via a 4-2 away win against Appleby Frodingham in the previous round. Full quarter-final draw (all December 2) is: Deeping Rangers v Sleaford Town; Grimsby Borough v Lincoln Moorlands; Bourne Town v Bottesford Town; Boston Town v Barton Town Old Boys.

 

Sunday October 22: Manager Bob Don-Duncan was wholly satisfied with the fightback character shown by his players after Boston Town conquered St Ives with a last-gasp goal by Jamie Smith. The Poachers boss said: “We knew from the outset it was going to be a really tough game and that’s exactly what we got. It wasn’t a particularly free-flowing match. There were a lot of niggly infringements and things became a bit heated at times. But I was really pleased with the character and resolve we showed as a team. Towards the end we had only two players at the back, such was the way we were pressing. It was gung-ho stuff, but we got our rewards right at the death. And the result certainly rounded off a great week. Nine points from three league games was a huge boost for us and keeps us right up there in a position to make sure our championship challenge rolls on.”

 

Saturday October 21: Boston Town pouched three more valuable UCL Premier Division points via a hard-fought 2-1 Tattershall Road success over St Ives. The result, achieved with a late fightback (two goals in the final 12 minutes) kept Bob Don-Duncan’s side firmly in the championship hunt, now sitting second in the table, seven points behind leaders Wellingborough Town 2004 with a match in hand. Town’s Reserves achieved an impressive 1-1 away draw against Hykeham Town in the Lincolnshire League, the Boston goal coming in the first half through Leon Kita.

 

Friday October 20: Boston Town will tomorrow (Saturday) go in search of more UCL Premier Division points when they entertain St Ives at Tattershall Road (kick-off 3pm). The Poachers are still likely to be without Liam Parker and Matt Price (both injured). But Jon Rowan is back after suspension.

 

Wednesday October 17: Boston Town kept up their formidable goalscoring record when they travelled to face derby rivals Bourne Town and dished out a 4-0 drubbing to their hosts. The result kept the Poachers right up with the pace in the UCL Premier Division title race and took their goal tally to 61 in 19 competitive matches so far this term.

 

Monday October 16: A derby trip to face county rivals Bourne awaits Boston Town on Wednesday (7.45pm). More vital UCL Premier Division points will be at stake. Bourne lie in the lower reaches of the table and have already lost twice to the Poachers at Tattershall Road this term — 2-0 in the league and 6-0 in the FA Vase. But despite these perceived advantages, Boston boss Bob Don-Duncan is not expecting an easy time. He said: “It’s a match we are capable of winning and our previous results will give us plenty of confidence. But it’s a fresh start to a fresh game and we can’t afford any complacent thoughts.” Town go into the clash hopeful that midfielder Nathan Collins won’t show any after-effects to his earlier-than-anticipated return from an ankle injury at Cogenhoe on Saturday. But injuries are still likely to sideline Liam Parker and Ross Don-Duncan while the final game of a three-match ban also rules out Jon Rowan. Town, meanwhile will be looking to maintain a remarkable scoring rate that has seen them bag 57 goals in all competitions this term (18 games). Boss Don-Duncan said: “We approach each game with positive and attacking thoughts. It’s amazing to think we have already gone past half a century of goals so soon. If we keep it up we must be on course for some sort of club record.”

 

Sunday October 15: Manager Bob Don-Duncan today reflected on Boston Town’s latest on-pitch success, but felt the Poachers three-point haul at Cogenhoe should have been achieved with less anxiety towards the finish. Reflecting on the 4-3 win, he said: “We played what I considered was some of our best football of the season in the first half and were still well in charge when we were 4-1 ahead going into the final quarter of an hour. But when pressure was exerted on us at a time when we should have been looking to control the game and close things out, we didn’t seem to adjust too well to what needed to be done. And I think it’s something we have got to try and take on board. Things got a bit tense, but we came through and the victory keeps us going in the right direction.”

 

Saturday October 14: Boston Town pocketed three more precious UCL points in their bid to remain among the Premier Division championship chasing high flyers. The Poachers emerged 4-3 winners in a real thriller away to Cogenhoe United. In-form strikers Gary Bull and Micky Nuttell netted one goal apiece while Jamie Smith notched the other two. Meanwhile, Town’s second string lost 3-0 on home soil to Lincoln United Reserves in their latest Lincolnshire League outing.

 

Friday October 13: Boston Town will be looking to get their UCL Premier Division championship charge fully back on track tomorrow (Saturday) when they hit the road to face Cogenhoe — a side currently lying in mid-table but who are definite title contenders with matches in hand on virtually all the sides above them. Poachers boss Bob Don-Duncan is again likely to be without ankle injury victim Nathan Collins and defender Liam Parker (groin) while Jon Rowan is still suspended. But Ross Don-Duncan should have shaken off a calf strain to come into selection consideration. 

 

Tuesday October 10: Two goals from Micky Nuttell and one by Gary Bull fired Boston Town into the second round of the United Counties League Cup when they got the better of Division One side Peterborough Northern Star in a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Tattershall Road. The Poachers will be at home to Buckingham in round two, a date for which has yet to be arranged. Town connections also learned they will face an FA Vase second round trip to Wisbech on November 18 when the latter defeated Ely 2-1 (after extra time) in their first round replay.

 

Tuesday October 10: A home United Counties League Cup tie is on Boston Town’s agenda for this evening when they play host to Division One high-flyers Peterborough Northern Star in a first round clash (kick-off 7.45pm at Tattershall Road). Manager Bob Don-Duncan is without ankle injury victim Nathan Collins and Liam Parker who picked up a groin strain in Saturday’s FA Vase win over Bourne. Meanwhile Jon Rowan is out while serving a three-match suspension. The Town boss also said he was waiting to hear confirmation from 6ft 4in utility man Ben Chambers as to whether he will be available for inclusion. Boston have already secured his transfer from Wootton Blue Cross, but it is understood he is also registered with Retford Town, currently lying mid-table in the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League. And Poachers’ connections are hopeful he will opt for regular UCL action rather than turn out for the Nottinghamshire outfit.

 

Monday October 9: Boston Town were handed an away tie in the second round of the FA Vase when the draw was made today by the Football Association. November 18 will see them travel to face the replay winners of the still-to-be-resolved first round clash between Ely City and Wisbech Town. The eventual winners into the third round will receive £1,000 in prize money. Town’s progress has already netted them £600 for winning their second qualifying round tie against Haverhill and £700 for beating Bourne on Saturday.

 

Saturday October 7: Boston Town made progress into round two of the FA Vase with a decisive 6-0 demolition of county rivals Bourne at Tattershall Road. Two goals apiece from striker Micky Nuttell and Gary Bull complemented by other efforts from Shaun Baker and Leigh Taylor contributed to the triumph. Town’s Reserves, though suffered a 5-1 away Lincs League defeat against Louth United Reserves. Tony Brooks was their scorer.

 

Thursday October 5: A place in round two of the FA Vase is at stake for Boston Town on Saturday when they play host to county rivals Bourne Town (kick-off 3pm at Tattershall Road). The Poachers will be looking to bounce back after their midweek UCL loss against Deeping Rangers with manager Bob Don-Duncan hoping to have most of his players available — possibly including Nathan Collins who is expected to have a fitness test on his injury problem. On the same day, Town reserves are in Lincolnshire League action away to Louth United.

 

Tuesday October 3: Boston Town tumbled to a 2-1 home derby defeat against Deeping Rangers in their latest UCL Premier Division match. The loss dealt an early-season blow to the Poachers’ championship hopes, particularly as the result left their opponents still with an unbeaten record. Paul Goodhand’s 61st minute goal wasn’t enough to overturn two goals in four minutes at the start of the second half for the visitors.

 

Monday October 2: