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Spotlight on Boston Town Football Club

Reports from the 2005-2006 season at Tattershall Road

THE POACHERS

SEASON NOW COMPLETE
Saturday April 22, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	2	Stotfold	1
Bull 21 Nuttell 90		Thomas 23 (pen)
Boston Town signed off their 2005-2006 United Counties League season with an impressive victory over Stotfold in what was a surprisingly combative encounter for one where neither side had too much to play for. In the end, it was the Poachers who came out on top to guarantee themselves sixth place in the final Premier Division standings. In the early stages both sides had an even share of possession. Boston went close when Ross Don-Duncan rattled the bar with a 25-yard shot. But in the 21^st minute Town went ahead when Jon Rowan delivered a cross for Gary Bull to rise and head home his 33^rd goal of a productive campaign — but surprisingly his first since March 11. Two minutes later, though, Stotfold answered and Jay Thomas blasted home a penalty, awarded after a handball offence by Liam Parker. Boston had the better of the second half with Paul Goodhand (twice) and Matt Stares both going close. Bull also had two firm efforts well saved by Stotfold keeper Nigel Blower. In reply, visiting winger Paul Harrington looked dangerous but was twice guilty of wayward finishing. In the 85^th minute Stotfold scorer Thomas was sent off for kicking out at Rowan. And the in stoppage time Boston got their winner when Bull cut in from the left and fed a ball in for Micky Nuttell to guide into the net. Poachers: Buttery, Parker, Basker, Don-Duncan (Nuttell 73), Baker, Reeson (Stares 55), Brader (Lawrence 66), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price.
Monday April 17, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	2	Holbeach United	0
Basker 29 Goodhand 32
Boston avenged their heaviest defeat of the season when two first half goals saw them to extend their unbeaten run to five matches—and continue an impressive home sequence which now stands at seven wins and two draws in UCL outings at Tattershall Road since the turn of the new year with four successive clean sheets now as an added bonus. In the 29^th minute Town broke the deadlock. Basker burst down the left before cutting inside and testing Kevin Cross with a firm strike. The United keeper, though, could only parry the ball back into the same player’s path and he knocked it into the net. Three minutes later the Poachers were awarded an edge-of-the-box free-kick. And as soon as the referee had marked out the required 10 yards for the defensive wall, Goodhand curled the ball beyond an unsighted Cross. After the break Boston kept up the tempo. But Holbeach also raised their game, notably going closest when Ian Dunn saw a shot smack down off the underside of the home bar before being scrambled away. Despite further half chances in both goalmouths, there was no addition to the scoreline. Poachers: Buttery, Parker, Basker, Don-Duncan (Lawrence 78), Baker, Reeson, Brader, Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Thompson, Stares.
Saturday April 15, 2006 (UCL)
Woodford United	1	Boston Town	1
Pearman 65		Goodhand 61
Paul Goodhand’s 25^th goal of the season earned Boston Town a fully merited share of the UCL spoils away to championship-chasing Woodford. The result kept the Poachers on target for a top six finish in the Premier Division and toppled Woodford off pole position with their nearest rivals Potton climbing above them on the back of victory in their game. This match was an excellent advert for UCL football with both sides producing good performances. Woodford opened brightly and won an eighth minute penalty when Collins was adjudged to have knocked over Nicky Gordon. But Paul Buttery dived full length to expertly save former Boston United full-back Jason Burnham’s spot-kick. Boston had to work hard to contain a home strike force of Gordon and Russell Dunkley (61 goals between them) but they achieved the feat with tremendous application, not least with a couple of good saves by Buttery. And on the counter attack Jon Rowan and Gary Bull always kept the home rearguard on their toes. Boston went ahead on 61 minutes when Goodhand delivered a low free-kick into the area. Woodford failed to fully clear the danger and the ball broke back to the edge of the box where the Town midfielder followed up to fire low into the net. But Boston’s joy was short-lived as Woodford levelled four minutes later — Craig Pearman steering in at the far post from a right wing cross. Late on Boston might have snatched maximum spoils but Rowan saw two good efforts parried by the keeper, the loose ball just evading Town players looking to follow up. But overall, a point each was a fair outcome. Poachers: Buttery, Parker, Basker, Don-Duncan, Baker, Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Stares, Reeson, N Lovelace.
Saturday April 8, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Yaxley	0
Rowan 22
Striker Jon Rowan was Boston Town’s match winner with his eighth goal since joining the Tattershall Road outfit. On a day when the top billing suggested the encounter would be all about the UCL Premier Division’s top scorers — Gary Bull (Boston, 32 goals) and Mark Paul (Yaxley, 39 goals, albeit surprisingly starting on the subs’ bench) — it was Rowan whose exploits overshadowed the pair. His goal on 22 minutes cemented Town’s grip on a top six position and kept alive outside hopes of a possible top four finish. The all-important strike came when a forward punt by Ross Don-Duncan had Yaxley keeper Lee Jordan hesitating and Rowan nipped in to slot into a vacant net. In the second half Bull missed out in a straight confrontation with Jordan, two good crosses from Carl Basker eluded Town’s front men and Rowan rattled another effort against the bar. Later on Yaxley tried to respond with Paul brought on to partner ex-Rushden attacker Dale Watkins. But Shaun Baker and Matt Price combined well with 20-year-old debutant keeper Karl Stinchcomb (from RAF Coningsby) — the seventh different goalie used by Town this term — to ensure a third straight home clean sheet. Poachers: Stinchcomb, Stares (N Reeson 78), Basker, Don-Duncan, Baker, Collins (Nuttell 68), Brader (Parker 45), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price.
Saturday April 1, 2006 (UCL)
Stotfold	1	Boston Town	1
McIlroy 44		Rowan 27
Boston Town earned another away-day UCL Premier Division point. But in truth, it should have been a greater return. The Poachers produced a fine display in an encounter plagued by a troublesome swirling wind. In the first half, Town went close on several occasions with efforts from Carl Basker, a Paul Goodhand free-kick and two openings for Gary Bull. But each time either off-target finishes or good saves by Nigel Blower kept Town at bay. In addition, the Poachers had strong calls for a penalty turned down when Goodhand appeared to be fouled. But they went ahead on 27 minutes with a forceful shot from distance by Jon Rowan. However, just before the interval Dean McIlroy equalised from a 20-yard free-kick. In the second half, Boston again held the upper hand and with Bull twice going close. Stotfold’s only reply was an effort from Neil Talbot which Paul Buttery tipped over the bar. Poachers: Buttery, Stares, Basker, Don-Duncan, Baker, Collins, Goodhand, Rowan, Nuttell, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Lawrence, Brader.
Saturday March 25, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Buckingham Town	0
Goodhand 63
Boston Town bounced back to winning ways after two straight away losses when they conquered Buckingham by a slender margin—but with the major plus point of a welcome clean sheet into the bargain. Hero of the hour against Buckingham was midfielder Paul Goodhand whose second half strike (his 24^th goal of the season) ultimately proved the difference between the sides in a keenly-contested UCL Premier Division encounter. His 63^rd minute goal was fired in directly from a 20 –yard free-kick, the player expertly curling the ball around the visitors’ defensive wall. Boston had enjoyed arguably the better of a generally tight first half, their best moments seeing Buckingham keeper Will Gourlay save well from a Gary Bull shot and an awkward back-header from his own defender Andy Prescott. After the break, the tempo was lifted. And after going ahead, the Poachers might have put victory beyond doubt with both Jon Rowan, Bull and Micky Nuttell all missing fairly good chances. Buckingham threatened a response later on, but their best moment ended with a Stuart Blaik header being well saved by Paul Buttery. Poachers: Buttery, Stares, N Reeson (Basker 46), Don-Duncan, Baker, Rowan, Collins, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Thompson, Brader.
Tuesday March 21, 2006 (UCL)
Yaxley	2	Boston Town	0
Acton 24 Challinor 41
Striker Jon Rowan and midfielder Ross Don-Duncan were sent off in the closing stages as Boston Town tumbled to a two-goal reverse away to Yaxley. The pair got their marching orders in a controversial final 10 minutes of an encounter where the Poachers were already trailing to a 24th minute goal by Simon Acton and a second home strike four minutes before the break via Richard Challinor. Town battled hard to try and retrieve the interval deficit. But once reduced to nine men, their challenge faded as they drew a scoring blank for the second match in a row and only the fourth time in UCL matches this term. However, it wasn’t for lack of effort as two efforts rattled back off the Yaxley goal frame, frustratingly following on from a fifth minute shot by Paul Goodhand which also rebounded off a post. The result, though, did nothing to lift Town’s prospects of a top five finish with the likes of Yaxley and St Neots well placed beneath them — only a few points behind but each with a clutch of games in hand. Poachers: Buttery, Stares, Basker, Don-Duncan, Baker, Nuttell, Lawrence (N Reeson 61), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Collins, Thompson.
Saturday March 18, 2006 (UCL)
Northampton Spencer	1	Boston Town	0
Frost 38
Boston Town slipped to their 10^th UCL defeat of the season when losing by a solitary goal away to fellow high-flyers Northampton Spencer. The home club secured a 1-0 win courtesy of Darren Frost’s 23^rd goal of the season netted in the 38^th minute with a run at goal and chip over the advancing Paul Buttery. The Poachers battled hard to try and get back into the match but were unable to turn a few chances into an equaliser, the best of which saw Paul Goodhand see a fierce shot well saved by home keeper Wayne Hamill. It was only the third time this season that Town had failed to score in a UCL fixture. The result left them in fifth place in the table and gave Spencer a degree of revenge for a 5-1 beating at Tattershall Road earlier in the campaign. Poachers: Buttery, Stares, Basker, Don-Duncan, Baker, Nuttell, Brader, Goodhand, Rowan (N Lovelace 68), Bull, Price. Sub (not used): Collins.
Saturday March 11, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	4	St Ives Town	0
Goodhand 10, 39 Rowan 36 Bull 89
Goal-happy Boston Town kept up their recent UCL scoring spree by thumping St Ives at Tattershall Road. By virtue of their sizeable victory margin, the Poachers took their goal tally from their last three Premier Division matches to 13. Midfielder Paul Goodhand got the Poachers’ victory charge rolling in the 10^th minute with a tidy finish. After that Boston created several untaken chances while visiting keeper Aaron Bannie also made a trio of fine saves. Eventually, Boston put the destiny of the points beyond doubt with two more goals just before the break. First, on 36 minutes Jon Rowan hit the target when heading in from a Gary Bull cross and three minutes later Goodhand doubled his personal return, scoring direct from an inswinging corner. Boston kept up their pressure and work rate after the break and restricted their rivals to few clear openings. At the other end, Boston — despite having to reshuffle due to three injuries — put a cap on a fine result when the prolific Bull netted in the final minute when rounding off good build-up work by Goodhand. Poachers: N Maddison, Stares, Basker (Thompson 56), Don-Duncan, Baker, Collins (Lawrence 50), Brader (Nuttell 60), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price. Sub (not used): Reeson.
Saturday March 4, 2006 (UCL)
Cogenhoe United	4	Boston Town	4
D Collins 2, 33, 85 Diggin 87		N Collins 15 Bull 75 Rowan 83 Goodhand 89
Five goals in the final 15 minutes gave a dramatic twist to this meeting of fourth versus fifth placed teams. And after the late scoring spree honours ended even with both sides claiming a point apiece from what was a real UCL Premier Division see-saw thriller. Darren Collins put Cogenhoe ahead on two minutes only for Town namesake Nathan Collins to level on the quarter-hour mark. Darren Collins, though, restored the home advantage before the break. It wasn’t until the 75^th minute that Gary Bull pulled Boston level. And then the mayhem set in. Jon Rowan put the Poachers ahead for the first time only for Darren Collins to complete his treble and then Steve Diggin netted to tip the scales back in the favour of the home side. But in the 89^th minute Paul Goodhand rescued Boston with a last-gasp free-kick 20-yard equaliser. Poachers: Maddison, Don-Duncan, Basker, Stares, Baker (Thompson 84), Collins, Brader (Nuttell 85), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price.
Tuesday February 28, 2006 (Lincs Senior A Cup semi-final)
Boston Town	1	Bourne Town	3
Bull 25		Gray 3, 77 Horwood 9
Boston Town missed out on a place in the final of the Lincolnshire Senior A Cup when tumbled to UCL rivals Bourne Town on a bitterly cold night at Tattershall Road. The visitors made a blistering start with fast and lively movement in the opening stages. And they caught the Poachers with a brace of early goals. After just three minutes Chris Gray drilled in from the edge of the box and six minutes later one-time Boston player Tommy Horwood found himself unmarked when rising to meet a free-kick from the left and his header flew past Nick Maddison. Boston gradually got to grips with proceedings and halved the deficit in the 25^th minute when Micky Nuttell produced some good work in controlling a lofted free-kick and neatly setting up strike partner Gary Bull for his 30^th goal in all competitions this term as he fired past ex-Poachers’ custodian Martyn Lakin. Boston tried to find a way back into the tie in the second half and almost drew level through Nathan Collins. But their fate was sealed in the 77^th minute when Gray toe-poked in from a corner. Poachers: Maddison, Thompson (Harris 78), Basker, Collins, Baker (Brooks 86), Don-Duncan, Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Price. Sub (not used): Cade.
Saturday February 25, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	5	Northampton Spencer	1
Bull 19, 90 (pen) Rowan 70, 78 Goodhand 86		Coleman 41 (pen)
Boston Town rattled up their biggest home UCL victory of the season — a result that dented Spencer’s title aspirations. But it wasn’t until 20 minutes from time that the encounter fully tilted in favour of the Poachers. Up to that point, the match had been closely contested, arguably with the visitors having the better of exchanges. The afternoon’s first goal came in the 19^th minute when, in a swirling wind, Jon Rowan lofted a 35-yard effort towards the Spencer goal. The visiting keeper back-pedalled but could only tip the ball onto his own bar, allowing Gary Bull a simple tap-in as he followed up to meet the bounce-down. Spencer hit back with plenty of neat play. But Boston, with defender Shaun Baker in outstanding form, resisted until the 41^st minute when Scott Coleman converted a penalty after Nathan Collins had tugged back Adam Wigley. After the break, the visitors kept up a good tempo but Boston held on before regaining the lead on 70 minutes when Rowan netted with a header from a Bull left wing cross. Eight minutes later Rowan scored again when firing in from 12 yards after build-up work by Bull and Paul Goodhand. The latter got on the scoresheet in the 86^th minute when rounding the keeper to slot in after superb creative inter-play involving Bull, Ross Don-Duncan and Micky Nuttell. The scoring was completed in the final minute when Bull scored from the spot after he had been upended by Daniel Shilterns. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Basker (Reeson 75), Collins (Nuttell 84), Baker, Don-Duncan, Brader (Lawrence 81), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price.
Saturday February 18, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Woodford United	1
Bull 43 (pen)		Gordon 68
Boston Town rose to the challenge of tackling high-riding and in-form opposition — and almost managed to dent Woodford’s Premier Division championship quest with a victory. Creditably the Poachers’ defence stood up well throughout in the face of a powerful rival side while in attack, the Poachers had a few decent moments as well, notably with a couple of first half near misses for Paul Goodhand and Jon Rowan. Woodford never really threatened due in no small measure to Boston’s defensive work with Matt Price a particular back line star. The Poachers, though, broke through in the 43^rd minute when Goodhand got into the area before being bundled over by Ben Milner. And top scorer Gary Bull stepped up to fired in his 25^th league goal of the season with a tidily-converted spot-kick. Woodford rallied somewhat in the second half and had the lion’s share of possession. But still they kept foundering on Town’s defensive resolve. And they might even have slipped two goals adrift when Shaun Baker got on the end of a right wing set-piece only to volley over from close range. Woodford benefited from than moment of fortune and grabbed a 68^th minute equaliser when Nicky Gordon burst through, swerved past Baker and dispatched his 19th goal of the campaign past Paul Buttery who was unable to save as he had done in two instances earlier on. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson (Brooks 78), Price, Jones, Baker, Don-Duncan, Brader, Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Lawrence. Subs (not used): Harris, N Reeson.
Saturday February 11, 2006 (UCL)
St Neots	4	Boston Town	1
Kuhne 27, 38, 57 Hoggett 78		Goodhand 63
Boston Town slipped further out of direct United Counties League championship reckoning with this away-day loss against St Neots. The result left the Poachers in fifth spot and well adrift of table-topping Potton in the Premier Division points rankings. It was also Town’s first loss of 2006. Despite creating a couple of decent openings early on, Boston fell behind in the 27^th minute when home player-manager Steve Kuhne flicked in a cross from the left. Eleven minutes later the same player was on target with a low drive and he completed his hat-trick 12 minutes into the second half with another good finish. Boston got back into the game with a sweetly-struck shot direct from a 20-yard free-kick by Paul Goodhand. But any hopes of a recovery were dashed in the 78^th minute when John Hoggett netted with a 15-yard shot to put the issue beyond all doubt. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson (Brooks 84), Basker (Don-Duncan 84), Stares (Harris 84), Baker, Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price.
Saturday February 4, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	4	Newport Pagnell	1
Bull 7, 43 Rowan 17 Goodhand 19		Malkern 15
This match was all done and dusted by half-time. Boston Town turned on the style to overwhelm opponents Newport Pagnell inside the first 45 minutes. The Poachers went ahead in the seventh minute when Gary Bull rounded off fine build-up work by James Brader and Paul Goodhand. Pagnell equalised in the 15^th minute when Scott Malkern netted via a deflected 20-yard free-kick. But the Poachers answered decisively. In the 17^th minute Jon Rowan got on the end of a right wing cross by Goodhand to score with a firm header. And two minutes later Goodhand slotted in calmly to round off good play by Carl Basker. Two minutes before the break, Bull netted again when turning the ball in after Rowan had cleverly chipped into the visitors’ area following good work down the right by Brader. After the break, the visitors tried to rally and raised their game, restricted Boston to few clear openings. But by that stage all the damage had been done as Town toasted a third straight UCL victory. Poachers: R Lovelace, Thompson, Basker, Stares (Brooks 78), Baker, Collins, Brader (Lawrence 75), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price. Sub (not used): Don-Duncan.
Saturday January 28, 2006 (UCL)
St Ives Town	1	Boston Town	3
D’Avillar 9		Goodhand 30, Bull 33 (pen) Rowan 70
Boston Town fought back from an early deficit to chalk up back-to-back UCL wins. In the process, the Poachers maintained a grip on fifth place in the Premier Division table. Victory away to St Ives was achieved despite Town having fallen behind to a ninth minute goal from home player Anton D’Avillar. Gradually, the Poachers recovered their composure and drew level on the half-hour with Paul Goodhand finding the net from a Carl Basker cross for his 15^th competitive goal of the campaign. Three minutes later, ace striker Gary Bull was on target for the fourth match in succession with a penalty to put Boston ahead after keeper Aaron Bannie fouled James Brader. From that point, the visitors remained a composed unit and sealed victory when recent signing Jon Rowan bagged his first goal in Town colours 20 minutes from time, netting from good build-up play by Bull. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Basker, Stares, Baker, Don-Duncan (Brooks 72), Brader (Lawrence 46), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Price. Sub (not used): Harris.
Saturday January 21, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Ford Sports	0
Bull 34 (pen)
Gary Bull’s 23^rd goal of the season in all competitions helped Boston Town to pick up a welcome three-point haul at the expense of Ford Sports. Bull was on target from the penalty spot in the 34^th minute to settle a competitive encounter in which the Poachers gave a debut to new strike signing Jon Rowan — a player brought in to bolster front line options with the likes of Danny Matson, Mick Nuttell, Leigh Taylor and Dave Scotney all on the injured list. Boston generally had the upper hand in most areas and Rowan saw an early headed goal ruled out. Bull’s breakthrough goal came just after the half-hour mark and was followed either side of the break by additional chances for Boston to have made the victory margin more decisive. But a lack of further clinical finishing let the home side down. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Price, Stares, S Baker, Collins, Brader (Lawrence 78), Goodhand, Rowan, Bull, Basker (Brooks 72). Sub (not used): Jones.
Saturday January 7, 2006 (UCL)
Boston Town	2	Cogenhoe United	2
Basker 29 Bull 79		Collins 63, 83
Boston Town had to settle for a share of the points when playing host to reigning UCL Premier Division champions Cogenhoe. The Poachers started well despite having a reshuffled pack with key players absent through injury and illness. And back-to-fitness Carl Basker gave them the lead on 29 minutes with a cracking long range drive. After that, clear chances were somewhat limited at both ends. After the break, Town still looked fairly comfortable, but on 63 minutes veteran striker Darren Collins fired the visitors level. For a spell, Town had to weather some sustained pressure, but survived thanks to some important saves by Paul Buttery. The home side responded well in the later stages and Gary Bull got on the end of a Basker cross to fire in a shot that entered the Cogenhoe net via defender Stuart Smeathers. But in the 83^rd minute the bustling figure of Collins was unmarked and he grabbed Cogenhoe’s second equaliser to ensure the match finished all-square. Poachers: Buttery, Brader (Houghton 68), Price, Stares, Collins, Don-Duncan, Goodhand, Taylor (Lawrence 30), Bull, Basker (Lovelace 85), S Baker.
Monday January 2, 2006 (UCL)
Raunds Town	1	Boston Town	1
Ashby 51		S Baker 71
Boston Town put their festive losing woes behind them with a fine performance away to Raunds. And on the balance of play they arguably deserved more than just a share of the points — not least because of being denied by the goal frame on four occasions, once with a Gary Bull header in the first half and then three times in quick succession midway through the second period. The final outcome, though, was a mirror image of the result three weeks earlier when the sides met in the reverse fixture at Tattershall Road. To add to the similarity factor, the Poachers goal also came from defender Shaun Baker who prodded in after 71 minutes following a Matt Stares cross. That effort cancelled out the game’s breakthrough goal in the 51^st minute when Ryan Nash flighted over a free-kick and Nick Ashby clipped the ball beyond Nick Maddison. In the dying stages, Boston almost snatched victory when Dave Scotney was only a whisker away from converting a Bull centre. Poachers: N Maddison, Brader (Scotney 85), Price, Thompson, S Baker, Colins, Don-Duncan, Goodhand, Taylor, Bull, Stares. Subs (not used): Jones, Brooks.
Monday December 26, 2005 (UCL)
Holbeach United	6	Boston Town	0
Keeble 13 Cairns 29 Fielding 37, 54 S Barnes 58 Mitchell 88
Boston Town’s festive double bill turned into a seasonal nightmare when they crashed to a six-goal defeat away to county rivals Holbeach in a UCL Premier Division match which saw keeper Nick Maddison red-carded after half-an-hour for handling outside his own area. With Town already 1-0 down, defender Shaun Baker took over between the sticks but from thereon in, the Poachers’ plight hit a downward spiral. The goals against tally started on 13 minutes when Shaun Keeble headed in. Danny Cairns netted number two from the free-kick resulting from Maddison’s dismissal and before half-time Tom Fielding added a third. Boston best opening half efforts came from off-target shots by Mick Nuttell and Gary Bull while a Paul Goodhand effort tested keeper Kevin Cross. After the break, Holbeach netted again through Fielding (54 minutes) and Steve Barnes (58). To their credit, Boston battled hard to try and find a consolation goal and all three substitutes were utilised, not least to provide fresh legs and safeguard key players already cautioned in a fiery encounter full of rash challenges. Boston’s cause was not helped when Nuttell limped off, leaving the Poachers with just nine men. Creditably they kept plugging on but conceded a sixth in the 88^th minute through Neil Mitchell. Poachers: N Maddison, Scotney (Taylor 65), Price, Jones (Thompson 55), S Baker, Collins, Don-Duncan (Brooks 55), Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Stares.
Friday December 23, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Stewart & Lloyds Corby	2
Goodhand 7		Garvie 23 Caswell 27
Defeat at the hand of Stewart and Lloyds left Boston Town further adrift of the UCL Premier division title race pace. The Poachers went ahead in the seventh minute when a low free-kick on the left from Paul Goodhand eluded attackers and defenders alike and crept into the far corner of the net. But the visitors hit back by cashing in on two moments of home defensive uncertainty. First Lee Garvie rode a couple of challenges before blasting in a 23^rd minute equaliser. And four minutes later Shaun Baker and keeper Paul Buttery dithered over who ought to make a routine clearance and Chris Caswell took the decision away from the pair by nipping in and slotting into an unguarded net. After that tempers became frayed and, amid a plethora of bookings, home defender Kris Jones saw two yellows add up to a red for two somewhat rash challenges. To be fair, Boston rolled up their sleeves despite a one-man deficiency and might have levelled on several occasions. First James Brader fired over in the first half and then after the break the same player saw a shot touched onto a post and away by keeper Richard Lavin. Later on, Micky Nuttell missed out with a downward header while Nathan Collins hit a post in the dying stages. And in stoppage time substitute Dave Scotney looked to be the victim of a crunching foul, but the referee waved away heated penalty appeals to leave Town ruing key lapses and an inability to turn possession into goals. Poachers: Buttery, Brader, Price, Jones, S Baker (Scotney 84), Collins (Taylor 90), Don-Duncan, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Stares. Subs (not used): Brooks, N Maddison (gk).
Saturday December 17, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Raunds Town	1
S Baker 70		Hancock 73
Boston Town had to settle for a second successive share of the UCL spoils when they entertained improving Raunds. The Premier Division match saw the visitors generally hold the upper hand in the first half, albeit with only a few genuinely clear-cut chances created at either end. After the break, Boston got their act together and exerted some useful spells of pressure on their visitors’ back line. They had cause to curse their luck on two occasions when denied by the bar and post. In addition, Raunds keeper Michael Freeman enjoyed an excellent afternoon with a string of important saves. But he was unable to prevent the Poachers from going in front on 70 minutes when Shaun Baker rose to head in a Matt Price corner to register his fourth goal of the season. Boston’s joy, though, was short-lived as Adam Hancock was on hand to prod in from close range to level the scores after a long range shot from a partially-cleared corner bounced down off the underside of the Boston bar. The draw left Boston in second place in the table, five points behind Potton, but now with only one game in hand. Poachers: Buttery, Brader, Stares, Jones, S Baker, Collins, Don-Duncan (Scotney 89), Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Taylor, Brooks.
Saturday December 10, 2005 (UCL)
Potton United	1	Boston Town	1
Carter 80		Goodhand 63
Paul Goodhand’s 13^th goal of the season helped to ensure Boston Town didn’t lose any ground on United Counties League top-of-the-tree team Potton. The Poachers prised a valuable point from a physical encounter to consolidate second spot in the Premier Division table. The first half was largely a tale of even exchanges with neither side able to get the upper hand. But on 63 minutes Goodhand seized possession just inside the Potton half, ran forward, beat three defenders and cleverly lobbed over the advancing keeper. Boston then had to resist some moments of home pressure. And 10 minutes from time, a skimming angled shot from Andy Carter somehow evaded a clutch of players in the Town area and ended up in the far corner on deputy keeper Nick Maddison’s net. He was playing in place of knee injury victim Paul Buttery and turned in a good display in arguably Boston’s most testing encounter of the season so far. Poachers: N Maddison, Thompson (Brader 65), Price, Jones, S Baker, Collins, Don-Duncan, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Stares. Subs (not used): Scotney, Taylor, N Lovelace.
Wednesday December 7, 2005 (UCL)
Blackstones	2	Boston Town	3
Cotton 30,65		Goodhand 5 Scotney 67 Bull 76
Derby night spoils went the way of Boston Town as they completed a UCL Premier Division double over county rivals Blackstones, having won the reverse fixture 1-0 at Tattershall Road earlier in the campaign. The Poachers went ahead in the fifth minute when Paul Goodhand fired goalwards, and seeing his on-target effort diverted past the home keeper via an inadvertent deflection off Gavin Barnes. But it wasn’t enough to prevent Goodhand claiming the credit. But in the 30^th minute Blackstones equalised with a goal by Dan Cotton. However, the Poachers went into the interval with a numerical advantage when the home side had Gareth Williams dismissed for violent conduct. Exchanges were fairly even in the early stages of the second half, but Blackstones took the lead on 65 minutes with Cotton’s second strike of the match. However, that advantage lasted just two minutes as Town substitute Dave Scotney hit the target to level things up (his 304^th goal in UCL competitions). And 14 minutes from time, prolific marksman Gary Bull settled the clash in Boston’s favour with his 21^st goal of the season. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson (Scotney 57), Jones, Stares (Brader 66), S Baker, Collins, Don-Duncan, Goodhand (Taylor 89), Nuttell, Bull, Price.
Saturday November 26, 2005 (UCL)
Desborough Town	4	Boston Town	2
T Mills 57, 67 E Mills 61 Montgomery 63		Nuttell 71 Goodhand 73
Four goals in 11 second half minutes condemned Boston Town to another gloomy away-day. Next-to-bottom Desborough belied their lowly UCL standing and dished out a Premier Division drubbing to the Poachers whose feeble defensive work was a key factor in the demise. The first half had been a complete non-event as far as chances goes. But 12 minutes after the break substitute Tom Hills got Desborough rolling. By the time he netted his second on 67 minutes, his side were 4-0 ahead with goals in between by brother Eddie Mills and Chris Montgomery. Boston looked all at sea but managed to reduce the deficit on 71 minutes with a Micky Nuttell header from a James Brader free-kick. And moments later Paul Goodhand kept up his recent habit of flighting in a goal from close to the left corner flag to make it 4-2. But it was all too little for a thoroughly below-par Poachers side. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Basker, Stares, S Baker (Brooks 75), Don-Duncan, Brader (Scotney 75), Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Price. Sub (not used): Taylor.
Wednesday November 23, 2005 (UCL)
Bourne Town	1	Boston Town	4
O’Dea 55		Nuttell 20 Bull 58, 65 Goodhand 62
Boston Town quickly bounced back to winning ways with a decisive derby victory away to Lincolnshire rivals Bourne. In the process, the Poachers completed a quick UCL double over their opponents and fully re-established themselves in the Premier division championship race. A goal on 20 minutes by Micky Nuttell put them on the way. Mark O’Dea raised home hopes with a 55^th minute equaliser. But that merely served to stoke up Bob Don-Duncan’s men who sealed the spoils with a devastating burst of scoring power — netting three decisive goals in just eight minutes. Gary Bull took his season’s tally to 20 with efforts on 58 and 65 minutes and midfielder Paul Goodhand weighed in with another well-taken goal in between. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Basker (Brooks 85), Stares, S Baker, Don-Duncan (Scotney 85), Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell (Taylor 80), Bull, Price. Sub (not used): Harris.
Saturday November 19, 2005 (UCL)
Long Buckby	4	Boston Town	3
Crockett 43, 75 Harman 49 McKenzie 73		Goodhand 14, 33 Bull 44
Boston Town threw away three potentially vital UCL Premier Division points. The Poachers held a 3-1 interval lead against lowly Long Buckby but then contrived to hand the initiative to the home side in the second half in what has been a worrying form trend in some matches this term. Boston seized the early advantage with midfielder Paul Goodhand netting twice (on 14 and 33 minutes) before Long Buckby halved the deficit just before the interval. However, there was still time for Town to net again when Gary Bull hit his 18^th goal of the season. Long Buckby reduced the gap in the 49^th minute and then took charge as Boston fell apart. Both of their goals were well-executed lobs over teenage keeper Scott Loach who was standing in for the unavailable Paul Buttery. The visitors also conceded goals to Justin McKenzie and John Crockett in the space of just three minutes. And although Bull went close again for Boston just before the whistle, it wasn’t enough to fend off defeat Poachers: Loach, Thompson, Brooks (Harris 75), Stares, S Baker, Collins, Brader (Scotney 80), Goodhand, Nuttell (Don-Duncan 83), Bull, Price.
Tuesday November 15, 2005 (Lincs Senior A Cup)
Lincoln Moorlands	1	Boston Town	2
Dye 54		Bull 1, 51
It wasn’t the most spectacular of matches, but Boston Town connections weren’t complaining as the Poachers reached the semi-finals of the Lincolnshire Senior A Cup at the expense of Lincoln Moorlands from the Northern Counties East League. Town got a flying start with Gary Bull hitting the target in the first minute. The in-form goal-grabber doubled his tally — and took his season’s total to 17 goals so far — when he broke through again six minutes after the break. Moorlands reduced the deficit on 54 minutes through their own veteran strike ace, Dean Dye. But Boston hung on in determined fashion to book their place in the last four. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Basker (Brooks 75), Stares, S Baker, Don-Duncan, Brader, Goodhand, Taylor, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Harris, Sleight.
Saturday November 12, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	4	St Neots	1
Bull 18, 62 Goodhand 43 Brader 49		Thompson 6 (og)
Boston Town made it three successive home UCL wins in eight days. And in the process they boosted still further their Premier Division title aspirations, now trailing leaders Potton by just two points and with two matches in hand. But the Poachers had to do things the hard way as they trailed early on to a Mark Thompson own goal. However, Town were unfazed — even allowing for the fact that keeper Paul Buttery also had to save a controversially awarded first half penalty — and they went on to extract full revenge for an earlier home League Cup loss against the same opposition with some positive football that yielded two goals for Gary Bull and one apiece for Paul Goodhand and James Brader. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Basker, Stares, S Baker (Jones 78), Collins (Don-Duncan 77), Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell (Scotney 76), Bull, Price.
Tuesday November 8, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Bourne Town	0
Basker 12
Boston Town grabbed three more vital UCL Premier Division points at the expense of derby rivals Bourne. The all-important goal came after just 12 minutes when Carl Basker advanced upfield on the left and fired a low shot past keeper Mick Hurst following excellent work down the right by Gary Bull. He chased a through ball, rounded two challenges and delivered a fine cross into the danger area. Later in the first half Bull came close to getting on the scoresheet with two efforts being well saved by Hurst. At the other end, Chris Gray and Mick Stephenson both went close for the visitors in a fairly entertaining first period. The second half was chiefly a tale of Bourne trying to find a way back into the game. And the visitors generally had the better of exchanges. There were a couple of close calls around the Poachers’ goal but Boston held on well with Matt Price and Shaun Baker deserving of special mention while keeper Paul Buttery again turned in a tidy performance capped with a couple of important saves to help Boston secure a fourth successive home league clean sheet. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Basker, Stares, S Baker, Collins, Brader (Scotney 80), Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Don-Duncan, Sleight, Cade.
Saturday November 5, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	3	Wootton Blue Cross	0
Goodhand 42, 55, 83
Boston Town got back to winning ways after their “blip” of the previous week. And as a result they avenged an earlier 1-0 away loss against Wootton and climbed up to third spot in the UCL Premier Division. After a slow start, the Poachers gradually took a grip on proceedings and went ahead with a 42^nd minute goal from midfielder Paul Goodhand. Goal number two came 10 minutes after the break when Goodhand burst clear. Visiting keeper Mat Jones left his line and when the two collided, the ball ricocheted into the net, seemingly off Steve Gentle but Goodhand was ultimately credited with the effort. And Goodhand completed his hat-trick when he wrapped up the points with a good finish in the 83^rd minute of a match that saw a debut appearance in goal for Boston of RAF serviceman Paul Buttery. The clean sheet he kept was Boston’s third successive home league shutout. Poachers: Buttery, Thompson, Basker (Jones 85), Stares, S Baker, Collins (Brooks 85), Brader (Scotney 79), Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Price. Sub (not used): N Maddison (gk).
Saturday October 29, 2005 (UCL)
Buckingham Town	3	Boston Town	2
Max-Grant 23, 57 (pen) Trott 36		Bull 38 (pen) S Baker 78
More defensive lapses proved costly for Boston Town as their hopes of maintaining a high position in the UCL Premier Division took a knock at Buckingham. The home side opened up a two-goal lead by the 36^th minute with their goal-grabbers being unmarked by the Poachers defence. But a Gary Bull penalty halved the deficit before the interval. However, 12 minutes after the restart, Reuben Max-Grant netted his second for Buckingham (from the penalty spot) to give the home side breathing space. Shaun Baker pulled another back for Boston on 78 minutes but the visitors were unable to complete their recovery mission. Poachers: I Baker, Jones, Price, Stares, S Baker, Thompson, Brader (Scotney 87), Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Basker (Harris 77). Sub (not used): Cade.
Tuesday October 25, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Deeping Rangers	0
Basker 78
Midfielder Carl Basker was Boston Town’s hero with the Poachers’ match-winning strike 12 minutes from time in their UCL Premier Division derby clash with Deeping. The sides had battled out a fairly even first half with the best-untaken chances falling to Ross Nichols (Deeping) and Gary Bull (Boston). After the break, though, it was largely one-way traffic as Boston dominated, notably with the likes of Bull and Micky Nuttell forcing keeper Danny Bircham into a clutch of great saves. But he was unable to prevent Basker from breaking through after accepting a pass from Nathan Collins, cutting in from the flank and rifling low into the corner with a right-foot drive. It was his fourth goal in Town’s last three UCL games while the Poachers claimed their third straight Premier Division clean sheet. Poachers: I Baker, Thompson, Basker, Jones, S Baker, Collins (Scotney 87), Stares, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Price. Subs (not used): Harris, Sleight, R Lovelace (gk).
Saturday October 22, 2005 (UCL Cup second round)
Boston Town	2	St Neots	3
Collins 35 Goodhand 39		Hurst 33, 71 Kuhne 52
Boston Town bowed out of the UCL Cup at the second round stage when St Neots avenged defeat by exactly the same margin in the final of the 2003-2004 competition. Poachers’ boss Bob Don-Duncan was unhappy about issues that he felt worked against his side in a sometimes-fractious match. Boston fell behind in the 33^rd minute to a goal by Nicky Hurst but then replied quickly with efforts in quick succession by Nathan Collins and Paul Goodhand. However, St Neots levelled after 52 minutes and then gained a numerical advantage when Matt Price appeared unlucky to be red-carded after appearing to retaliate after a degree of provocation. The visitors then went on to seal victory with Hurst’s second strike 19 minutes from time. Poachers: I Baker, Thompson, Jones, Stares, S Baker, Collins (Scotney 87), Price, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Basker. Subs (not used): Brooks, Sleight, R Lovelace (gk).
Saturday October 15, 2005 (UCL)
Newport Pagnell	0	Boston Town	3
		Basker 3 Goodhand 46, 63
Boston Town put themselves firmly back on the UCL Premier Division title trail with a commanding performance and good result away to Newport Pagnell. Carl Basker’s third minute goal put the Poachers on their way. And from that point they drew plenty of confidence. Impressively keeper Ian Baker and his defenders managed a second successive shut-out. Boston’s winning charge was further fuelled by two more good finishes from midfielder Paul Goodhand in the second half while other chances to have made the margin of success greater remained untaken by various other players. Poachers: I Baker, Thompson (Almeida 87), Jones, Stares, S Baker (Brooks 73), Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell (Scotney 85), Bull, Basker.
Tuesday October 11, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	4	Harrowby United	0
Basker 57, 70 Bull 58, 89
Two goals apiece for Carl Basker and Gary Bull helped Boston Town to turn on the second half power to bury county rivals Harrowby and pocket maximum UCL points. The pair’s joint efforts in hitting the target helped to offset the frustrations of a goalless first half that was basically a tale of one-way traffic. Here, the Poachers dominated throughout but without being able to find a way past in-form keeper John Turner who produced a string of fantastic saves, the best of which saw him deny Bull three times and produce excellent blocks from other efforts by Paul Goodhand and Micky Nuttell. Poachers: I Baker, Thompson, Basker, Stares, S Baker, Collins (Brooks 86), Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Price (Jones 89). Subs (not used): Scotney, Sleight, R Lovelace (gk).
Saturday October 1, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Potton United	3
Carter 82 (og)		Byrne 15, 42 Colly 29
Three first half goals for in-form Potton effectively put this UCL match beyond Boston. The Poachers struggled to contain their visitors and found themselves 2-0 down inside the first half-hour. Gary Bull and James Brader were unable to take Town’s best chances and Potton added a third goal three minutes before the break. Boston rallied more purposefully after the break and exerted some spells of pressure. But it wasn’t until eight minutes from time that they got on the scoresheet, Potton sub Andy Carter steering the ball into his own net from a Tony Brooks corner. Poachers: I Baker, Thompson, Brooks, Stares, S Baker, Scotney, Brader (N Lovelace 46), Goodhand, Williams (Chumchal 70), Bull (Almeida (76), Price.
Tuesday September 27, 2005 (Lincs Senior A Cup)
Harrowby United	2	Boston Town	3
Williams 22 Wilson 50		S Baker 15 Scotney 45, 70
Boston made hard work of progressing into the second round of the Lincolnshire Senior A Cup. They twice allowed struggling Harrowby to net equalisers before eventually squeezing through in a tie that was far closer than the sides’ earlier UCL meeting at the same venue. Shaun Baker fired Boston ahead on 15 minutes but Rob Williams netted for Harrowby seven minutes later. Veteran striker Dave Scotney, though, restored Town’s lead on the stroke of half-time. However Harrowby again levelled on 50 minutes when Mark Wilson scored with a low drive. After much huffing and puffing, Boston managed to forge in front for the third time when Scotney stabbed in from a Paul Goodhand cross. And this time they held on to their lead. Poachers: I Baker, Thompson, Basker (Smith 87), N Lovelace, S Baker, Harris (Chumchal 67), Brader (Taylor 72), Goodhand, Scotney, Stares, Price.
Saturday September 24, 2005 (UCL)
Wootton Blue Cross	1	Boston Town	0
Joswaik 56
A solitary goal early in the second half sentenced Boston town to only their second UCL defeat of the season. But they should have pocketed at least a share of the spoils having exerted some good spells of pressure on the home defence. However, an inability to take chances proved their downfall. And on 56 minutes Wootton cashed in fully on one of their less numerous openings when Joswaik scrambled the ball in following an uncleared cross from the right. Best moments for the visitors late on went to Matt Stares and James Brader. But neither was able to convert. Poachers: I Baker, Thompson, Basker, Brooks (Almeida 87), S Baker, Collins (Smith 46, Scotney 80), Brader, Goodhand, Williams, Stares, Price.
Tuesday September 20, 2005 (UCL Cup first round)
Boston Town	2	Holbeach United	2
Williams 25 Goodhand 82	5-4 on pens	Joof 40, 80
It took the drama of a penalty shoot-out to settle a keenly-contested UCL Cup first round tie. And Boston eventually won through when converting all their spot-kicks while derby rivals Holbeach fluffed one of theirs. The match had seen Town include new signings Wilson Almeida from Portugal and Radik Chumchal from the Czech Republic in their squad. And both figures as extra-time substitutes. The match itself saw Boston take the lead on 25 minutes when Ian Williams rounded off good work by Matt Stares and Paul Goodhand. But Holbeach turned the tie round with a 40^th minute equaliser by Omar Joof and an 80^th minute lob by the same player. However, Town forced an added 30 minutes — in which chances were at a premium — when Goodhand netted eight minutes from time. Poachers: I Baker, Thompson, Basker (Chumchal 105), Brooks, S Baker, Collins, Brader (Almeida 65), Goodhand, Williams (Scotney 90), Stares, Price
Saturday September 17, 2005 (FA Vase first qualifying round)
Boston Town	0	Nuneaton Griff	2
		Aston 4 Wilson 9
Town bowed of the FA Vase trail at the first hurdle to Midland Combination outfit Nuneaton Griff. The visitors secured their progress on the strength of two early strikes and a stubborn rearguard display as numerous Boston raids were repelled as the home side battled hard to regain a foothold in the encounter. Dave Aston and Richard Kay were the Griff men who exploited early doziness in the home back line. Boston lifted the tempo as the match wore on and several good chances materialised for the likes of Paul Goodhand, Nathan Collins, Matt Stares and Ian Williams. But keeper visiting Paul Grears and his defence stood firm, albeit with a few moments of good fortune. Poachers: Ward, Thompson (Scotney 65), Basker (Brooks 72), Jones, Baker, Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Williams, Stares, Price. Sub (not used): Harris
Saturday September 10, 2005 (UCL)
Ford Sports	0	Boston Town	1
		Bull 18
Striker Gary Bull added to his excellent scoring feats with the goal that separated two reasonably matched sides. He was on target in the 18^th minute when cashing in on a slip by defender Luke Dowling to drill past keeper Markie following a booming downfield clearance by Town goalie Simon Ward. That proved to be the only goal action, although both sides had half-chances either side of the interval. But none were taken. Bull’s day was marred when he hobbled off five minutes before half-time with a hamstring strain. Poachers: Ward, Jones, Price, S Baker, Harris (Brooks 74), Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Williams, Bull (Scotney 40), Basker (Thompson 64).
Tuesday September 6, 2005 (UCL)
Deeping Rangers	4	Boston Town	3
Griffiths 52 Duncliffe 58 Ellison 77 (pen) M Lovelace 78		Goodhand 22 Bull24 Williams 89
Oh dear, what a calamity! Boston Town threw away what, at one stage, looked like being a near nailed-on three-point haul. They held a 2-0 half-time lead but then saw their world fall apart as their short-of-confidence back line cracked open repeatedly as Deeping fought back to win. For a while it all looked rosy for Boston as Ian Williams and then Gary Bull profited from fine creative work by Paul Goodhand. But Deeping rattled back decisively after the break and cashed in when Boston’s defence sprang more leaks than a colander. Carl Griffiths and John Duncliffe quickly restored parity and then further goals came from a Lee Ellison penalty and Mark Lovelace before Ian Williams pulled one back late on for Boston. Poachers: Ward, Thompson, Price, Jones, S Baker, Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Williams, Bull, Scotney (Harris 83). Subs (not used): Brooks, N Lovelace, Smith
Saturday September 3, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	5	Desborough	5
Bull 24 (pen), 83 S Baker 27 Scotney 56, 90		Archer 41 McElwaine 44, 45 Glass 80 O’Neill 84
Striker Dave Scotney hit the headlines big-style in an epic 10-goal thriller. The veteran Boston front man bagged two goals after emerging from the bench to etch his name into the UCL history books as the first player to net 300 competitive goals at this level. His feats, including a last-gasp equaliser, helped Boston to earn a point after they had seen an early 2-0 lead evaporate as Desborough netted three times in the five minutes leading up to the break. Scotney’s first act was to grab a 56^th equaliser and then Town had to twice more fight back after seeing Desborough punch further holes in the home rearguard. Poachers: Ward, Thompson, Brooks (Price 45), Jones, S Baker, Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Williams, Bull, Smith (Scotney 55). Subs (not used): Cade, Sleight, Maddison (gk).
Saturday August 27, 2005 (FA Cup preliminary round)
Long Eaton	4	Boston Town	2
Eaton 37 (pen) Downe 70 Young 76 Tansley 86		Collins 5 Nuttell 75
Boston Town tumbled off the FA Cup trail in undistinguished style away to Long Eaton. Nathan Collins gave the Poachers an early lead but the home side equalised eight minutes before the break with an Eaton penalty. Twenty minutes from time Downe put Long Eaton ahead but Micky Nuttell equalised on 75 minutes — a goal which looked like booking a replay. But the concession of two late goals sent Boston crashing off the glory trail. Poachers: Ward, Thompson, (Lovelace 88), Harris, Jones, Baker, Collins (Scotney 75), Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Smith (Pinner 80). Subs (not used): Maddison, Sleight
Tuesday August 23, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	1	Blackstones	0
Bull 20
Gary Bull’s sixth goal in three matches since signing for Boston Town gave his side a fourth straight UCL victory — and top spot in the table for good measure. He was on target in the 20^th minute when rounding off good build-up play by James Brader and Micky Nuttell. It was to prove the only goal in an otherwise keenly contested derby clash with few other genuinely clear-cut chances materialising. Poachers: Ward, Thompson, Harris, Jones, Baker, Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Smith. Subs (not used): Brooks, Scotney, Pinner, Lovelace, Maddison (gk).
Saturday August 20, 2005 (UCL)
S&L Corby	0	Boston Town	1
		Bull 86 (pen)
Gary Bull’s penalty expertise fired Boston Town to a third straight UCL victory in what is always a traditionally tough fixture. Down the years, Town have found trips to Stewarts and Lloyds difficult to negotiate. But here they turned in a solid defensive display with keeper Simon Ward earning a second successive clean sheet. Both sides created a few half-chances. But the points were settled when Bull was barged off the ball four minutes from time by Shaun Brennan and he stepped up to net from the spot. Poachers: Ward, Thompson, Harris (Smith 78), Baker, Jones, Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell, Bull, Basker. Subs (not used): N Lovelace, Brooks.
Tuesday August 16, 2005 (UCL)
Harrowby United	0	Boston Town	7
		Harris 16 Bull 30, 42, 51, 90 Nuttell 44 Basker 65
Boston Town hit seventh heaven in devastating style at the expense of a poor Harrowby side. The Poachers were in command all the way through this UCL encounter and the destiny of the points never looked in any doubt — particularly after Ben Harris had fired them into a 16^th minute lead with a great free-kick. Five further goals followed in 35 minutes with new signing Gary Bull bagging three of them in addition to other strikes from Micky Nuttell and Carl Basker. The rout was completed when Bull netted his fourth on the stroke of full time. Poachers: Ward, Thompson, Harris, Jones, Baker, Collins, Brader (Smith 59), Brooks (Smith 59), Nuttell, Bull, Basker (N Lovelace 65). Sub (not used): Maddison (gk).
Saturday August 13, 2005 (UCL)
Boston Town	2	Long Buckby	1
Nuttell 64 Goodhand 77		Blackwood 41
Two second half goals gave Boston Town a winning start to the new United Counties League season. But opponents Long Buckby made the Poachers fight all the way, notably by taking a 41^st minute lead through Steve Blackwood. Exchanges throughout were generally even, but Boston rallied to the cause after the break with striker Micky Nuttell levelling just after the hour with a well-placed header from a Mark Thompson cross. And 13 minutes from time Paul Goodhand twisted and turned before firing Town’s winner from the edge of the area. Poachers: Ward, Thompson, Harris (Brooks 85), Jones, Baker, Collins, Brader, Goodhand, Nuttell, Matson (Scotney 53), Basker. Subs (not used): Smith, N Lovelace, Maddison (gk).