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News round-up for the 2008-2009 season

 

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Fixtures/results 08-09

Reports 08-09

 

Date

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OCTOBER 2008

 

 

Sat 11

It’s almost like chalk and cheese. Boston United seem incapable of turning on the style with home advantage. Yet put them on the road and the goods are forthcoming in regular fashion. No more impressive than in arguably the toughest draw of the FA Cup’s third qualifying round when the Pilgrims won 2-0 away to Blue Square North table toppers Southport (an exact repeat of the scoreline from 1970 when the Sandgrounders were then high-riding members of what was the old Fourth Division). This time, United again turned on the style and booked their place in the fourth qualifying round on the strength of goals from Kieran Leabon and Jon Rowan (penalty) and a refreshingly well-organised defensive display. The Pilgrims will learn of their next opponents in Monday lunchtime’s draw. Their next competitive action is an away UniBond Premier Division trip to face Marine on Tuesday.

 

Fri 10

Boston United will tomorrow hope to shake of the despair of their dreadful home form so far this term when they hit the road to tackle an FA Cup third qualifying round tie away to Blue Square North table-toppers Southport. The Pilgrims are, ironically, unbeaten on their travels to date but face a tough mission on the Lancashire coast, notably with skipper David Farrell a definite absentee in the wake of his injury sustained in the midweek loss against Hednesford. In addition, a couple of other players are carrying knocks while striker Danny Matson is both injured and cup-tied. United have also lost the services of keeper Chris Wright who, due to personal circumstances, has left the club. Recent recruit Martyn Margarson has now taken on the mantle of Tommy Taylor’s number one choice.

 

Wed 08

Sad to report, but for the sixth successive time this season in home UniBond League matches, Boston United found themselves out-muscled in Premier Division fixtures. As a consequence, the Pilgrims crumbled to yet another loss in front of their own long-suffering fans. A 2-1 loss against Hednesford followed on from previous defeats on home territory to the likes of Ashton, Worksop and Bradford. But even in their drawn encounter and victory against Ossett, United were effectively second best in long swathes of the encounters. It has all added up to the fact that Tommy Taylor’s men have now taken a paltry four points out of a possible 18 at the Staffsmart Stadium — proof if any were needed that the Boston squad looks far too lightweight to cope with life in the rough-and-tumble arena of the UniBond scene. The Pilgrims now have a few days to lick their wounds and prepare for their next assignment, an FA Cup third qualifying round trip to face Blue Square North high-flyers Southport on Saturday.

 

Sat 04

Boston United’s poor home form so far this term in the UniBond League continued this afternoon when the Pilgrims slipped to a 2-1 Premier Division loss to Yorkshire visitors Bradford Park Avenue on a blustery day at the Staffsmart Stadium. The Pilgrims trailed to two Chris Hall goals at the break. And despite a welter of pressure after the break, United only had a stoppage time own goal by Mark Haran to show for their efforts. The result left Boston still seeking their first home league win on a Saturday. The Pilgrims’ next mission is a home UniBond match against Hednesford on Wednesday evening (October 8), kick-off 7.45pm.

 

Fri 03

Boston United go in pursuit of more important UniBond League points tomorrow (Saturday) when they entertain one of the Premier Division’s pre-season title favourites in the guise of Bradford Park Avenue. The Pilgrims go into the match buoyed by a run of four straight competitive wins (two league and two FA Cup). On the fitness front, defenders Wes Parker and Tom Matthews are again likely to be ruled out. But striker Danny Matson and centre back Michael Wood are available for selection. Opponents Bradford arrive lying ninth in the table, one place higher than United — both sides with 14 points, but Park Avenue having a slightly better goal difference, albeit from having played one game more than the Pilgrims.

 

SEPTEMBER 2008

Mon 29

Boston United have been handed one of the toughest ties possible in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. The Pilgrims will have to travel to face Blue Square North pace-setters Southport on Saturday October 11. Last season the sides met twice in league encounters, Southport winning 2-1 at the Staffsmart Stadium with a controversial late goal while the return match at Haig Avenue ended in a 2-2 draw.

 

Sat 27

Two goals from striker Jon Froggatt fired Boston United into the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. The Pilgrims’ front man was on target early in both halves the county derby clash at home to AFC Stamford to eclipse an equalising goal by the visitors’ Jamie Clarke. Ultimately it was a close-fought result, but United should have made the margin more decisive but efforts by Ollie Ryan and Kieran Leabon bounced off the bar while the former also saw a penalty saved by Stamford keeper Martin Davies. The Pilgrims now await news of their next opponents with the draw to be made on Monday afternoon.

 

Fri 26

Boston United will go in pursuit of further FA Cup progress tomorrow when they play host to county rivals AFC Stamford in the competition’s second qualifying round. Buoyed by successive away triumphs against Matlock and Buxton, the Pilgrims will turn their attention to knockout business still likely to be without the services of injured defensive trio Wes Parker, Tom Matthews and Michael Wood. But manager Tommy Taylor looks set to stick with the squad that has impressed over the past couple of away fixtures — albeit minus the services of cup-tied striker Danny Matson.

 

Tue 23

Ollie Ryan’s ninth competitive goal of the season ensured Boston United maintained their unbeaten away record in the UniBond League — and in the process kept the Pilgrims on the climb in the Premier Division table. The ace marksman got the all-important lone goal away to Buxton mid-way through the second half.

 

Sat 20

Boston United pocketed three more valuable UniBond League points on the strength of a fine 2-0 success away to Matlock. First half goals from Jon Rowan and Ollie Ryan gave the Pilgrims their victory platform. And although no more scoring occurred after the break, United could have won by a bigger margin against opponents who had striker Ross Hannah dismissed just before the interval for hitting out at Matt Bloomer. The victory has lifted Boston into 11th place in the Premier Division table — a much-needed lift ahead of their next challenge, a Tuesday night trip to face Buxton.

 

Thu 18

A much-needed harvest of UniBond League points will be Boston United’s aim on Saturday. The Pilgrims hit the road to face Matlock Town, also in the hope of protecting an unbeaten away Premier Division record. Manager Tommy Taylor will welcome striker Jon Froggatt back into the squad and hopes to have most of the remainder of his senior personnel available for selection.

 

Mon 15

Boston United will have home advantage again for their next excursion in the FA Cup. The Pilgrims were handed a Staffsmart Stadium meeting with AFC Stamford on Saturday September 27, kick-off 3pm in the competition’s second qualifying round. Stamford are from the same level of football as the Glapwell side beaten 6-1 by Tommy Taylor’s men on Saturday. Stamford currently lie 16th in the UniBond League South Division table with one win, three draws and two losses from their six matches to date. In the first qualifying round, the Daniels won 6-2 away to United Counties League side Sleaford Town.

  

Sat 13

Boston United progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup courtesy of what was ultimately a decisive 6-1 win over Glapwell. But the Pilgrims had to overcome the shock of conceding an early goal to their Derbyshire rivals. However, an Ollie Ryan hat-trick plus further goals from Kieran Leabon, Jon Rowan and Steve Melton made sure of victory.

 

Thu 11

Manager Tommy Taylor has made another dip into the transfer market, today snapping up 20-year-old goalkeeper Martyn Margarson on a remainder-of-the-season loan from Blue Square Premier outfit Rushden and Diamonds. His arrival at the Staffsmart Stadium means there will be now be competition for the number one slot with Chris Wright having held the position so far this term. Margarson is likely to feature in the United squad for Saturday’s home FA Cup clash against Glapwell. He figured once for United during pre-season when being drafted in between the sticks to cover for an injured Wright when Boston defeated Mansfield 3-0.

 

Tue 09

Boston United’s scheduled UniBond League Premier Division trip tonight to Ilkeston was postponed due to the Derbyshire club’s pitch being waterlogged. No new date has yet been fixed. The Pilgrims’ next mission will come on Saturday when they play host to Glapwell in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

 

Sat 06

Jon Rowan was a goalscoring double hero as Boston United twice fought back from being a goal down in the UniBond League home clash against Guiseley. The match, which yielded a much-improved display by the Pilgrims, also saw Jon Froggatt have a penalty saved and visiting keeper Piotr Skiba sent off in the final few minutes for handling outside his area. After the match, United boss Tommy Taylor said: “We played better than we have done for the past few matches. But we still have to learn not to make basic errors. We gifted them goals that stemmed from our own set-pieces, we didn’t take our chance from the penalty spot but then still got two goals of our own. I wasn’t particularly pleased with just a point. But I was pleased that we didn’t get beaten. I firmly believe we have the players here to produce a promotion challenge because that’s what we all want — and with it a chance to compete alongside the big boys.”

 

Fri 05

Boston United go in search of a much-needed upturn in fortunes tomorrow (Saturday). But they face a tough challenge when high-riding and unbeaten Guiseley visit the Staffsmart Stadium (kick-off 3pm) when more UniBond Premier Division points will be at stake. The Pilgrims have been far from impressive in each of their three home matches so far this season, losing against Ashton and Worksop and arguably being hugely fortunate to take maximum points against Ossett. Tommy Taylor’s men lie in the lower half of the table and know a far more upbeat and competitive display is needed to defuse heightening criticism from supporters.

 

Wed 03

Boston United lost more ground in their bid to make an impact in the Premier Division of the UniBond League when tumbling to a second successive 1-0 home reverse. The Pilgrims were beaten by lowly Worksop at the Staffsmart Stadium on a night when Tommy Taylor’s side looked lightweight and ineffective against much stronger and more direct opponents. The Pilgrims created very few moments of danger and in the end came out second best against their Nottinghamshire rivals — Kevin Sanasy scoring the decisive goal on 76 minutes.

 

Mon 01

In the build-up to their Wednesday (September 3) home UniBond League fixture against Worksop, Boston United boss Tommy Taylor entered the transfer market fray to recruit midfielder Steve Melton, a player released by King’s Lynn and who had previously spent a spell at the Staffsmart Stadium part-way through United’s five-year tenure of the Football League. Melton (29) played in the Premiership for the Nottingham Forest and has also been on the books of clubs like Stoke City, Brighton and Hove Albion and Hull City.

 

AUGUST 2008

Sat 30

Boston United turned in another generally strong away-day showing, but in the end had to settle for a share of the spoils against UniBond League Premier Division basement side Prescot Cables. The Pilgrims looked the more purposeful unit for decent phases of a match played on a wretched home surface. But in the end they were unable to turn several good chances into a match-winning points harvest. Jon Froggatt conjured a 38th minute equaliser to a home breakthrough goal early in the game. Then in the second half Kieran Leabon fired United ahead only for the home side to restore parity soon afterwards. United’s next test comes on Wednesday September 3 when Worksop Town are the visitors to the Staffsmart Stadium for a 7.45pm kick-off.

 

Fri 29

Boston United will go in search of back-to-back UniBond League Premier Division victories when they hit the road to face basement side Prescot Cables tomorrow (Saturday). The Pilgrims enter the fray buoyed by Monday’s 1-0 success away to FC United of Manchester. But they will be without the services of regular right-back Tom Matthews (ankle ligament injury). However, manager Tommy Taylor has boosted his squad with the acquisition this week of striker Danny Matson (23), formerly with Boston Town, Stamford and Deeping Rangers.

 

Mon 25

Boston United bounced back to winning ways with a much improved and overall impressive display away to FC United of Manchester at Bury’s Gigg Lane ground in front of a huge attendance of 2,825. The Pilgrims performed well as a unit and created several chances in addition to the ultimately decisive 34th minute strike by Ollie Ryan. Victory should have been by more than one goal, but the success went a long way towards making amends for the home loss against Ashton.

 

Sat 23

Boston United turned in a poor performance and crumbled to a somewhat surprise first defeat of the season when losing 1-0 on home soil to Ashton. The Pilgrims carried on from their weak second half showing in midweek against Ossett. And this time they paid the price, the visitors snatching maximum spoils by virtue of a goal on 50 minutes by Ben Deegan. The Pilgrims’ next challenge is a trip to face FC United of Manchester on bank holiday Monday (kick-off 3pm).

 

Wed 20

Boston United made a winning start to the delayed opening of their UniBond League campaign — albeit in nervous fashion against Ossett. The Pilgrims had enjoyed plenty of superiority in the first half and deservedly led 3-1 courtesy of goals from Jon Froggatt and Ollie Ryan (2). But a strong showing from the visitors after the break allied to a second goal made sure Tommy Taylor’s men had to graft hard to hang on to a slender 3-2 advantage.  United now turn their sights on their next mission—a Saturday (August 23) home fixture against Ashton United, kick-off 3pm when full-back Tom Matthews (injured after just 11 minutes against Ossett) is a major fitness concern.

 

Sat 16

The UniBond League campaign kicked off today, but without Boston United being involved in the first day programme. Their scheduled trip to face Nantwich was called off some weeks earlier due to the fact that the Cheshire side’s pitch was deemed unfit after summer repairs — an issue that caused considerable irritation for Pilgrims’ officials. United now begin their 2008-2009 crusade with a home fixture against Ossett Town on Wednesday August 20 (kick-off 7.45pm). Supporters are being urged to turn out in force as Boston begin their quest to climb back up the football ladder after being savagely handed successive relegations by Conference-level officials for CVA infringements, the legacy of events stemming from the club’s previous hierarchy. On the subject of attendances, Pilgrims’ fans will have noticed that the biggest gate of day one in the UniBond Premier division programme came at Bury’s Gigg Lane where tenants FC United of Manchester attracted a crowd of 2,344 for their 3-3 draw with Matlock.

 

Thu 14

Boston United completed their pre-season build-up with a tidy 2-1 home success against a Hull City XI at the Staffsmart Stadium. The Pilgrims opened up a 2-0 advantage via goals from Stewart Talbot and Lee Beeson before the visitors halved the deficit with a late reply.

 

Sat 09

Boston United made comfortable progress into the final of the Lincolnshire Senior Shield via a 2-0 victory over Lincoln United at the Staffsmart Stadium in a match that the Pilgrims should have won by a much more convincing margin given the array of good chances created—but missed. In the end, though, strikes either side of the break by Ollie Ryan and Jon Froggatt enabled Boston to book their place in the final against Stamford AFC on a date yet to be fixed. Boston (4-4-2): Aaron Butcher; Tom Matthews, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer, Liam Green; Lee Beeson (Danny Steadman 46), Stewart Talbot (Adam Millson 70), Wes Parker, David Farrell; Jon Froggatt, Ollie Ryan (Liam Parker 80). Subs (not used): Michael Wood, Mitchell Griffiths. Attendance: 507.

 

Sat 02

A triple goal salvo gave Boston United an impressive home pre-season victory against Mansfield Town, a side who included ex-Pilgrims Jason Lee and Gary Silk in their squad. Even though the Stags sit two divisions higher than Boston, the Blue Square Premier newcomers (after their relegation from League Two) were no match for United. Boston started well and took a seventh minute lead through Kieran Leabon. Second half goals from Ollie Ryan and Alex Beck cemented the success. Boston went into the match minus regular keeper Chris Wright (shoulder injury). But trialist replacement Martyn Margarson (from Rushden and Diamonds) proved a capable stand-in and made two fine saves at crucial times. Boston (4-4-2): Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews (Danny Steadman 77), Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer, Liam Green; Ollie Ryan (Alex Beck 66), Wes Parker (Adam Millson 77), Stewart Talbot (Michael Wood 66), David Farrell (Lee Beeson 66); Jon Froggatt (Ben Joyce 83), Kieran Leabon (Liam Parker 46). Subs (not used): Ryan Semple, Tony Pascu, Aaron Butcher (gk).

 

JULY 2008

Tue 29

A Jon Froggatt goal was enough to give Boston United a third pre-season victory. The Pilgrims emerged 1-0 winners from their trip to face United Counties League Premier Division side Sleaford Town. Both sides had a clutch of chances apiece, but Froggatt’s 20-yard curling shot strike six minutes before the interval settled the issue. Boston (4-4-2): Aaron Butcher; Tom Matthews (Liam Parker 46), Ryan Clarke, Stewart Talbot (Michael Wood 46), Liam Green; Lee Beeson (Nick Jackson 71), Wes Parker (Danny Steadman 71), Jon Rowan (Adam Millson 28), David Farrell (Henry Silenge 46); Jon Froggatt (Alex Beck 71), Ollie Ryan (Kieran Leabon 46).

 

Sun 27

Boston United visited Blue Square Premier outfit Histon and made a good fist of tackling their hosts from two divisions higher up the football pyramid. However, the outcome was a 3-1 reverse for the Pilgrims. After a goalless first half, the home side seized the initiative with three goals soon after the break. Nathaniel Knight-Percival opened the scoring in the 49th minute and the highly-rated Danny Wright added further goals in the 52nd and 57th minutes. Boston battled hard to find a way back into proceedings and at least gained a crumb of consolation in the 74th minute when substitute Kieran Leabon pulled a goal back with a well-taken finish when sliding the ball past goalkeeper Danny Naisbitt after beating three defenders. Boston (4-4-2): Chris Wright; Tom Matthews, Ryan Clarke, Stewart Talbot (Michael Wood 60), Liam Green (Tony Pascu 60); Danny Steadman (Lee Beeson 46), Jon Rowan, Wes Parker (Liam Parker 46), David Farrell (Ben Joyce 65); Ollie Ryan (Adam Millson 65), Kieran Leabon.

 

Tue 22

Boston United won through to the semi-finals of the Lincolnshire Senior Shield thanks to a tidy 2-0 victory away to Spalding United. Jon Rowan put the Pilgrims ahead in the 29th minute. Further Boston chances came and went before a Richard Moore own goal (pressurised by Jon Froggatt) put the issue beyond down 14 minutes after the break. Boston (4-4-2): Chris Wright; Tom Matthews, Stewart Talbot, Matt Bloomer, Liam Green; Lee Beeson (Kieran Leabon 60), Wes Parker, Jon Rowan, David Farrell (Danny Steadman 77); Jon Froggatt (Paul Watts 73), Ollie Ryan. Subs (not used): Tony Pascu, Liam Parker.

 

Mon 21

Boston United will not now kick-off the new UniBond League season on the scheduled opening day of August 16. The Pilgrims’ trip to Nantwich has been postponed due to the hosts’ pitch being deemed unfit following extensive summer work on the surface. Boston officials had offered to switch the game to the Staffsmart Stadium, but UniBond officials rejected that proposal. The match will now be played on Tuesday March 24 — some seven months after its scheduled date! United’s first game will now be their home clash with Ossett Town on Wednesday August 20 (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

Sat 19

Goalkeeper Chris Wright was Boston United’s hero with a clutch of excellent second half saves to help ensure the Pilgrims’ pre-season home fixture against League One outfit Leyton Orient ended in a goalless draw. Wright made for super blocks, three of them thwarting Wayne Gray in what proved an entertaining match. Boston had a few openings of their own, but none good enough to break the deadlock. United (4-4-2): Chris Wright; Tom Matthews, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer, Liam Green; Ollie Ryan (Lee Beeson 51), Wes Parker, Stewart Talbot (Liam Parker 55), Jon Rowan (Tony Pascu 72); Jon Froggatt (Tom Sergeant 72), Kieran Leabon (Paul Watts 63). Subs (not used): Adam Millson, Lawrence Lambley, Danny Steadman, Ben Joyce.  Attendance: 616.

 

Thu 17

Boston United suffered a narrow 1-0 home defeat against Scottish League Division Three side East Stirlingshire, the game’s only goal coming after just 13 seconds when the visitors netted what proved the winner via striker Mark McKenzie. United (4-4-2): Chris Wright; Tom Matthews (Lee Beeson 72), Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer, David Farrell (Lawrence Lambley 82); Kieran Leabon (Tom Sergeant 77), Liam Parker (Liam Green 59), Wes Parker (Ben Joyce 72), Jon Rowan (Adam Millson 59); Jon Froggatt, Ollie Ryan (Tony Pascu 46). Sub (not used): Graham Bowater. Attendance: 678.

 

Sat 12

Strikers Jon Froggatt and Kieran Leabon got themselves on the scoresheet as Boston United ran out 2-0 victors over Shirebrook Town on Saturday in their first match of the club’s pre-season warm-up schedule. Froggatt opened the scoring on 31 minutes before Leabon wrapped up the victory with a penalty six minutes from time. United (4-4-2): Chris Wright; Tom Matthews, Ryan Clarke (Adam Millson 46), Matt Bloomer (Graham Bowater 46), Liam Green (Tony Pascu 46); Liam Parker, Paul Watts (Stewart Talbot 30), Wes Parker (Lee Beeson 46), David Farrell (Danny Steadman 46); Jon Froggatt (Kieran Leabon 46), Ollie Ryan (Adrian Patulea 46).

 

Mon 07

Boston United will kick-off the UniBond Premier League campaign at Nantwich Town on Saturday August 16. News of their opening day excursion emerged when the competition’s fixture schedule was released today. Elsewhere, the Pilgrims will then play host to Ossett Town on Wednesday August 20 and then Ashton United the following Saturday (August 23). Boston will travel to FC United of Manchester on August Bank Holiday Monday. For full fixtures details see fixtures/results link above. The Pilgrims have also announced the signing on UniBond forms of 18-year-old Skegness-based defender Adam Millson, the player having been on scholarship forms with the club for two years.

 

Sat 05

Boston United have completed a transfer treble swoop by signing strikers Ollie Ryan and Paul Watts and left-sided player David Farrell. The latter (36), has returned to the Staffsmart Stadium for a second spell following a campaign with Blue Square Premier outfit Burton Albion. The signing of Ryan (22) ended Taylor’s long pursuit of the former Lincoln City trainee. The Boston-born forward is believed to have turned down at least two offers from Blue Square North sides to join the Pilgrims. The third signing is fellow striker Watts (30) who returns to the Staffsmart Stadium having played his last game for the club in May 2000. Watts has rejoined the Pilgrims from Skegness Town. Previously he scored 23 goals in four seasons with United between 1996 and 2000 and helped the club clinch the Dr Martens League title.

 

Wed 02

Boston United have added two more recruits to their squad building for the 2008-2009 campaign — defender Liam Parker and midfielder Tony Pascu. The former is the younger brother of recent recruit Wes Parker and last season played for Boston Town. Pascu is a Romanian and has played local football since his arrival in England. His previous senior experience was when on the books of Silentina in his native country. Meanwhile, United have learned of their fate in the draws from the openings rounds of the FA Cup and FA Trophy. United will entertain Glapwell, Borrowash Victoria or Market Drayton Town in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday September 13. The Pilgrims also have home advantage against either Retford United or Kidsgrove Athletic in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday October 18.  

 

JUNE 2008

Sun 29

Boston United’s first team squad and a number of trialists reported to RAF College Cranwell on Saturday morning for the first day of pre-season training as preparations got under way for the Pilgrims’ campaign in the UniBond Premier League which begins on August 16. The players, under the guidance of manager Tommy Taylor, head of youth Steve Welsh and head of medical Lee Taylor, were put through their paces by two Royal Air Force PTIs in a gruelling two-hour circuit training programme.

 

Thu 12

Boston United have suffered more demotion heartache. The Pilgrims must now ply their trade in the 2008-2009 season in the Premier Division of the UniBond League after FA officials threw out the club’s appeal against expulsion from the Blue Square North for apparently not conforming with strict financial deadlines to be free from the CVA ties entered into in May 2006. As such, Tommy Taylor’s men will now have to start their long haul back towards the upper reaches of the non-league game from the third tier beneath the Football League.