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Boston
United
Match reports for the 2006-2007 season Coca-Cola Football Championship League Two
and cup competitions
Ready
for action: The Boston United squad for the 2006-2007 season. Picture:
Copyright www.bostonbuzz.co.uk |
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FINAL
MATCH |
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Saturday May 5th, 2007 League Two |
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Wrexham |
3 |
Boston United |
1 |
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Valentine 56 (pen) Llewellyn 87 Proctor 90 |
Green 39 |
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Team (4-4-2): A Williams; Spender, Pejic, S Evans, Valentine; Llewellyn, Mark
Jones, D Williams, Done; Roberts (McEvilly 85), Proctor. Subs (not used):
Roche, M Williams, Mackin, Michael Jones (gk). Yellows:
Valentine (57), Llewellyn (88) Reds: None |
Boston (3-4-1-2): Marriott; Stevens, Cryan, Ellender; Clarke, Greaves, Cooksey,
Farrell; Galbraith (Maylett 76); Broughton, Green. Subs (not used):
Albrighton, Nunn, Rowntree. Yellows: Stevens
(59) Reds: None |
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Report: Boston
United’s five-year stay in the Football League ended on a day of heartbreak
and emotion at Wrexham. The beleaguered Pilgrims went down to a 3-1 defeat
that sentenced them to relegation back to the Conference. But United turned
in a determined display and gave hope to the 600-plus travelling fans by
taking a first half lead through Francis Green. But a home fightback after
the break ultimately brought anguish and agony for Boston who had started
proceedings in lively fashion despite the nerve-racking nature of the
encounter and a Green snap-shot was blocked by a challenging tackle from Ryan
Valentine. In reply, Wrexham created their first real moment of danger in the
13th minute when visiting keeper Andy Marriott was relieved to see
a shot by Matt Done bounce fractionally wide of the target. Boston continued
to look fairly composed and went close to breaking the deadlock from a Jamie
Clarke corner. The ball was flighted in for striker Drewe Broughton to see a
header gathered by home keeper Anthony Williams. But the 39th minute
brought unbridled jubilation for United when they took the lead. The
potentially status-saving goal stemmed from a move down centre field and
astute vision by Clarke whose threaded forward pass found Green who twisted
well to fire a low angled drive beyond Williams’ reach and into the far
corner. The strike sparked great euphoria in the United camp and among the
superb following of 684 travelling fans. But all the time, all United
connections knew that lots of hard work and graft still lay ahead. And
the 56th minute delivered a devastating blow to the Pilgrims’ hopes.
Following a goalmouth scramble, Marriott saved well from a header by home
defender Steve Evans from a Done corner. But as Danny Williams went for the
rebound to try to snaffle an equaliser, he appeared to be pushed over by Ellender.
Referee Mark Halsey awarded a penalty and Valentine sent Marriott the wrong
way to make it 1-1, much to the delight of the home fans. Moments later only
a fine save by Marriott — tipping a Mark Jones effort away off his own bar — prevented
a quick-fire turnaround in the scoreline. Boston knew that they had to attack
and grab another goal to maintain their hopes of beating the drop. needed
another goal to keep their survival hopes alive, but they continually
foundered on a resolute home rearguard. There was, though, one golden moment
when a second goal almost arrived. It came from another Clarke corner when keeper
Anthony Williams pawed Ellender’s header to safety and then Broughton crashed
the rebound high over the home bar from eight yards. Wrexham breathed a huge
sigh of relief and then hit back with two late blows that finally killed off
Boston’s dogged and determined spirit. First, in the 87th minute,
Chris Llewellyn exchanged passes with Jones before rifling home from 10 yards
after a twisting run. And then, with stoppage time starting to tick away, Michael
Proctor flicked an angled header beyond Marriott’s reach following a cross
from the right by Llewellyn. It led to a 3-1 final scoreline in favour of the
home outfit and one that triggered plenty of emotional scenes among the
United travelling faithful. But nonetheless, the visiting fans stayed long
after the final whistle to salute the players for their efforts — ultimately
in vain — in trying to stave off the destiny that all Boston followers had
been dreading. Referee: Mark Halsey.
Attendance: 12,374 (away
support of 684) |
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Saturday April 28th, 2007 League
Two |
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Boston United |
1 |
Torquay United |
1 |
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Broughton 83 |
Mansell 49 |
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Team (3-5-2): Marriott; Stevens, Cryan, Greaves; Clarke, Cooksey, Ellender,
Galbraith (Maylett59), Farrell; Broughton, Green. Subs (not used): Nunn,
Rowntree. Yellows:
Broughton (48), Cooksey (64) Reds: None |
Team (4-4-2): Rayner; Andrews, Woods, Robertson, Robinson; Dickson (Reid
46), Hockley, Mansell, Cooke (McPhee 46); Thorpe, Graham (Hill 78). Subs (not
used): Gordon, Horsell (gk). Yellows: Hockley
(64) Reds: Thorpe (41) |
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Report: Drewe
Broughton’s headed equaliser seven minutes from time gave Boston United a thread
of hope of preserving their League Two status. But it means that,
effectively, they will have to achieve victory away to fellow strugglers
Wrexham next Saturday if they are to avoid a drop back to the Conference. In
that context, Broughton’s leveller against a Torquay side reduced to 10 men
just before the interval could still be a critical contribution when the
season eventually reaches its conclusion. Ultimately it was something of a
frustrating outcome for Boston who had started off in really bright fashion
by forcing the visitors back on the defensive on a regular basis. The 12th
minute almost yielded a breakthrough when a swerving 20-yard drive by David
Galbraith forced Torquay keeper Simon Rayner into a flying tip-over save.
Then, from the resultant corner, the ball dropped for Ernie Cooksey whose low
shot from the edge of the area beat Rayner but was cleared off the line by
Gulls’ full-back Mark Robinson. Torquay threatened only sporadically and
their best early effort was a hurried, off-target shot by Lee Mansell. The 24th
minute brought another opening for Boston when Cooksey picked up the pieces
from a Broughton knock-down only to see Rayner produce another fine save from
his forceful drive. There was yet another close call for the Pilgrims in the
33rd minute when Broughton saw a 10-yard angled drive bounce away
off an upright with Rayner beaten. Moments later the Gulls had another
goal-line escape when Robinson was again on hand to boot away from under his
own bar to thwart the unlucky Cooksey. Torquay’s best moment of the first
half came on 38 minutes when Matt Hockley drilled goalwards from the edge of
the area. But ex-Gulls keeper Andy Marriott made a fine push-away save. The
visitors were reduced to 10 men on 41 minutes when forward Lee Thorpe was
dismissed for striking out at Cooksey following an aerial challenge between
the pair. Moments later, Boston went close again when Francis Green fired at
the target only for Rayner to excel again with another fine save, tipping the
ball over the top via the upper side of his own bar. The second half saw
Torquay re-organise to good effect despite their numerical disadvantage. And
in the 49th minute they went ahead when, following good build-up
work down the right, the ball was worked to Mansell who found space close to
the edge of the area to sweep a low shot beyond Marriott’s reach and into the
far corner. The visitors then almost grabbed a second goal in bizarre
circumstances. Steve Woods fired a free-kick from close to the half-way line
into the heart of the home danger area. And Marriott had to scramble back
towards his own line, watching in relief as the ball bounced over via the top
of his bar. The home goal frame also denied Torquay substitute Reuben Reid
when his swerving long range drive bounced away off a post. For much of the
second period Boston failed to get into top gear. But gradually they started
to claw their way back into proceedings and went close when a 79th
minute shot on the run by David Farrell fizzed inches too high. Seven minutes
from time, though, the scores were level when Brad Maylett skipped down the
right and hooked over an excellent centre for Broughton to rise and direct a
firm header past Rayner. It was a small crumb of comfort in the grand scheme
of things. But with one critical encounter with which to save themselves, the
goal could still prove the club’s League Two salvation. Referee: Neil
Swarsbrick. Attendance: 2,664 (away support of 96) |
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Saturday April 21st, 2007 League
Two |
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Boston United |
1 |
Chester City |
0 |
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Stevens 83 |
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Team (3-5-2): Marriott; Stevens, Cryan, Greaves; Maylett, Clarke, Cooksey,
Galbraith, Farrell; Ellender, Green. Subs (not used): Nunn, Rowntree, Joyce. Yellows: Ellender
(23) Reds: None |
Team (3-5-2): Danby; Linwood, Hessey, Artell; Vaughan (Kelly 66), Hand,
Bennett, Sandwith; Rutherford (Cronin 79); Yeo, Holroyd (Wilson 46). Subs
(not used): Meechan, Steele. Yellows: Vaughan
(53), Bennett (59), Linwood (90) Reds: Sandwith (17) |
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Report: A goal seven
minutes from time by 18-year-old defender Jamie Stevens enabled Boston United
to pocket three potentially crucial points in their on-going quest to secure
League Two survival. His close range header was enough to seal a hard-fought
win over a 10-man Chester side who had defender Kevin Sandwith dismissed in
the first half en route to taking their own recent record to just one win in
their last 12 outings. The win, though, doesn’t lift United out of the bottom
two, but the victory spoils keep them right in touch with the likes of
Wrexham, Macclesfield, Accrington and Bury who are all still part of the
dogfight mix. Neither side showed any great verve in the initial exchanges,
although Boston went close when Jamie Clarke fired a 25-yard free-kick too
high in the opening minutes. In the 14th minute United launched
another well-worked attack but Francis Green shot wide after cutting in from
the right. United missed a great chance to break the deadlock on 18 minutes
when they were awarded a penalty after make-shift striker Paul Ellender’s
header appeared to be handled on the line by Sandwith. Referee Jonathan Moss
dismissed the Chester player moments before Clarke saw his low spot-kick
turned round a post by keeper John Danby. After that incident, and with Chester
adopting a far more defensive approach, the match drifted into an untidy
phase with little in the way of cohesive build-ups or notable goalmouth
action. Boston pressed again in the 41st minute with a neat
build-up down the right that culminated in Brad Maylett threading a pass
through for David Galbraith whose shot on the turn was blocked at the expense
of a corner. Boston had another chance four minutes into the second half
when, following a Galbraith cross from a short corner routine, the ball fell
for Clarke. But his 25-yard rising drive flew too high. Little was seen of
the Chester attack where lone front man Simon Yeo got little change from
Messrs Greaves, Cryan and Stevens. Boston lifted their tempo as the half wore
on and in the 63rd minute Green stretched to stab wide from David
Farrell’s left wing centre. Six minutes later the home side went even closer
when Mark Greaves rose to send a looping header inches past a post following
Clarke’s flag-kick delivery. But, with time seemingly drifting away, the
Pilgrims conjured up their all-important breakthrough. Galbraith flighted in
a corner from the right and Stevens nipped in unmarked by the near post to
glance a four-year header high into the net to trigger wild scenes of
delight. Chester still offered little in reply and in the closing moments
United almost doubled their winning margin when the ball broke to Maylett
following a blocked drive by Green. But the winger’s shot flashed inches over
the angle of bar and post. But the miss didn’t detract from United moment of
jubilation at the final whistle. Referee: Jonathan
Moss. Attendance: 1,752 (away support of 83) |
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Saturday April 14th, 2007 League
Two |
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Hereford United |
3 |
Boston United |
0 |
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Guinan 56 Greaves 71 (og) Connell 90 |
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Team (3-5-2): Brown; McClenahan, Mkandawire, Gulliver; Purdie (Rose 90),
Travis, Smith, Jennings, Thomas; Williams (Sills 81), Guinan (Connell 81).
Subs (not used): Webb, Thompson (gk). Yellows: Guinan
(57) Reds: None |
Team (3-5-2): Marriott; Stevens (Nunn 88), Cryan, Greaves; Clarke, Cooksey
(Maylett 80), Ellender, Galbraith (Rowntree 66), Farrell; Broughton, Green.
Sub (not used): None. Yellows:
Galbraith (31), Broughton (65) Reds: None |
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Boston United slipped back into the League Two
relegation places on the back of a three-goal reverse at Hereford in tandem
with fellow strugglers Wrexham dishing out a 3-0 drubbing at Sincil Bank to
the Pilgrims’ woefully inept county rivals Lincoln City. As such, United are
now staring down the barrel of a drop back into the Conference. They have
just three matches remaining with which to rescue themselves. But with
playing resources now even more limited than wafer-thin, prospects do not
look bright for a sixth campaign at Football League level. To their credit,
the Pilgrims managed to see through the first 45 minutes at Edgar Street
without any mishaps. But three goals after the break for the Bulls dealt a
hammer-blow to Boston’s hopes of averting the same relegation fate as
already-doomed Torquay. Boston went into the encounter with playing
resources stretched to breaking point — notably with midfielder Stewart
Talbot absent through injury and striker Nathan Joynes having returned to Referee: Phil
Joslin (Newark). Attendance: 2,176 (away support of 81). |
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Monday April 9th, 2007 League Two |
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Boston United |
4 |
Macclesfield Town |
1 |
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Galbraith 22 Broughton 44 Greaves 65 Clarke 80 (pen) |
Holgate 77 |
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Team (3-5-2): Marriott; Stevens, Cryan, Greaves (Joynes 82); Clarke, Talbot
(Cooksey 60), Ellender, Galbraith (Maylett 85), Farrell; Broughton, Green.
Sub (not used): Rowntree. Yellows: Green
(88) Reds: None |
Team (4-4-2): Lee; Regan, Morley, Scott, McIntyre; Miles, Hadfield, Murray
(Holgate 46), Bullock (Jennings 46); McNeil (Tipton 66), Murphy. Subs (not
used): Rankin, Benjamin. Yellows: Hadfield
(44), Scott (67) Reds: None |
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Report: Boston
United climbed out of the League Two drop zone places on the strength of
a spectacular demolition of fellow strugglers Macclesfield. The Pilgrims
cruised to a decisive success — and one that could have been even more
emphatic but for a string of missed chances (one of which Drewe Broughton
will probably have nightmares about long after the campaign has closed). But
the fact that three precious points came United’s way was the most coveted
prize, rewards that saw them clamber above Wrexham who slipped to a 1-0 home
loss against Notts County. The Pilgrims got off to a really bright start.
After just two minutes, Francis Green accepted a flick-on from Broughton but
saw his 20-yard shot pushed aside by keeper Tommy Lee. Macclesfield replied
with a spell of pressure, but the best they could muster was a blocked shot
from John Murphy and a wayward 18-yarder by Kevin McIntyre. Then back at the
other end David Galbraith got clear but his angled shot-on-the-run was again
beaten away by the impressive Lee. But Boston went ahead in the 22nd
minute when, following a deep free-kick from the left by Colin Cryan, the
ball bobbled loose and Galbraith rifled in from 22 yards. Moments later the
Pilgrims threatened again with Broughton clean through. But his shot was,
once more, superbly blocked by Lee as the Macc keeper almost single-handedly
stood between Boston and a rugby-style scoreline. The visitors almost
equalised in the 33rd minute when, following a partially cleared
free-kick by McIntyre, the ball spun up for Murphy but luckily for United his
looping header dropped inches wide. Two minutes later came the moment that
will haunt Broughton for some time. Team-mate Green burst down the left and
spotted the centre forward unmarked with the Macc net gaping in front of him.
Green drew the keeper and slid the ball across to give Broughton the simplest
of tap-in chances. But somehow, the tall striker opted for power rather than
precision and embarrassingly ballooned the ball over from six yards. To his
credit, Broughton didn’t let the lapse worry him unduly and in the 44th
minute he rose to send a looping header beyond Lee from Clarke’s raking
free-kick out on the left flank for a 2-0 interval lead. Macclesfield came
out in brighter fashion after the break and twice went close, first when Dave
Morley (header) and then when Miles (shot) saw efforts bounce away off the
top of the home bar. However, United hit back forcefully and Mark Greaves met
a Galbraith corner in the 65th minute to bundle the ball in by the
near post. That gave United a 3-0 lead. But it was an advantage the visitors
bit into 13 minutes from time when Ashan Holgate got on the end of a McIntyre
free-kick to steer the ball beyond Marriott. But Boston weren’t finished. And
in the 80th minute they were awarded a penalty when Jordan Hadfield
handled in the area. And Clarke stepped up to blast in, ensuring the points
were securely added to the Pilgrims’ tally. Referee: Clive
Oliver. Attendance: 1,816 (away support of 215) |
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Saturday April 7th, 2007 League
Two |
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Notts County |
2 |
Boston United |
0 |
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Lee 11 Somner 70 |
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Team (4-3-3): Pilkington; Pipe, Edwards, Hunt, McCann; Smith (Weston 71),
Silk, Ross (Somner 71); Dudfield (Walker 71), Lee, Parkinson. Subs (not
used): Byron, NToya. Yellows: None Reds: None |
Team (3-4-1-2): Marriott; Stevens, Cryan, Greaves; Clarke, Talbot (Rowntree
85), Cooksey (Galbraith 46), Farrell; Green; Broughton, Joynes (Maylett 46). Yellows: Stevens
(83) Reds: None |
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Report: Boston United’s
relegation fears showed no sign of easing with this two-goal reverse away to
a Notts County side boasting five former Pilgrims in their ranks. On the day,
an early goal by ex-United favourite Jason Lee coupled with a second half
effort from Matt Somner made sure Boston remained in the two drop zone places
with anxieties increasing about the prospect of an unwanted return to
Conference football — or an even lower level if the club is forced to take a
more dramatic nosedive given the precarious financial state of affairs at the
Staffsmart Stadium. And with matches running out and still no positive
takeover news, the prospects for both scenarios appears to be heightening all
the time. At Meadow Lane, United — still plagued by severe squad restrictions
— had to withstand some initial pressure from County, notably with midfielder
Jay Smith firing a 20-yard effort just wide. That chance stemmed from the
ball breaking loose after an Andy Parkinson shot had been blocked by Mark
Greaves. But United’s double reprieve was short-lived with Notts taking an 11th
minute lead when Lee drove the ball home from close range following
Parkinson’s accurate cross from the right. The latter player and Ian Ross
then both saw efforts from distance drift off-target in advance of Boston
carving out their first goalscoring opportunity. It came as the result of
some tidy build-up work involving Francis Green, Drewe Broughton and Jamie
Clarke that led to Stewart Talbot being handed possession in space some 22
yards from goal. But his long-range effort flew over the bar. Later on there
were more bright moments for United, the best seeing home keeper Kevin
Pilkington gather a header by Nathan Joynes a few minutes after Green saw a
20-yard shot flash wide. Manager
Steve Evans looked to change things at the start of the second half when
introducing subs Brad Maylett and David Galbraith at the exclusion of Joynes
and Ernie Cooksey. And on 57 minutes, the Pilgrims came agonisingly close
from a 25-yard free-kick. Galbraith fired the ball goalwards only to see
Pilkington produced an excellent fingertip save with the ball diverting up
against the underside of the home bar before being hacked fully clear by
defender Mike Edwards. County were relieved to avoid conceding an equaliser
and quickly returned to the attack with a Lee header forcing Andy Marriott
into saving action. But the Boston custodian was unable to prevent the
Pilgrims from falling two goals adrift on 70 minutes. Lee met McCann’s
free-kick from the left with a powerful header and although Marriott parried
well, substitute Somner was on hand to bundle in from inside the six-yard
box. Five minutes from time, Marriott was again called into action to palm
aside a shot from Parkinson. Boston battled hard to try to regain a foothold
on proceedings, but it was always an uphill battle—although teenage sub Adam
Rowntree almost halved the deficit late on but saw a curling effort from just
outside the box drop wide. Referee: Richard Beeby. Attendance:
4,170. |
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Saturday March 31st 2007 League
Two |
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Boston United |
0 |
Bury |
1 |
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Bishop 86 |
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Team (3-4-1-2): Marriott; Stevens, Cryan, Greaves; Clarke, Talbot, Cooksey
(Galbraith 81), Farrell; Green; Broughton, Joynes (Maylett 71). Sub (not
used): Rowntree. Yellows: None Reds: None |
Team (3-5-2): Warrington; Challinor, Brass (Baker 38), Kempson; Scott, J
Kennedy, Buchanan, Woodthorpe, Mocquet (Pugh 66); Bishop, Hurst (Youngs 90).
Subs (not sed): T Kennedy, Fitzgerald. Yellows: None Reds: None |
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Report: A goal four
minutes from time by Bury’s Andy Bishop spelled more gloom for Boston United
and deepened relegation fears in the cash-strapped and strife-ridden
Pilgrims’ camp. Defeat at the hand of basement zone rivals was a bitter pill
for Boston connections to swallow and the result left United back in the
bottom two of the League Two table. Arguably, wastefulness in front of goal
during the first half was Boston’s big downfall — up to half a dozen good
opportunities being scorned. And in the end, a much more feeble second half
display by United allowed Bury to get a foothold on proceedings before
delivering their killer blow. It was all in stark contrast to the opening
throes when Boston exerted plenty of pressure and forced three quick corners
before a fourth minute drive by Francis Green led to keeper Andy Warrington
being forced into saving action. Bury replied with a couple of waves f
pressure. But the visitors were almost undone when, in the 13th
minute, Green broke away onto Drewe Broughton’s through pass before sending a
chip-shot high over the bar. Warrington again rescued Bury on 22 minutes when
making a fine blocking save to thwart Broughton who looked in the clear after
latching onto a threaded pass by Green. Moments later Green was again in the
action when he cut in from the left and fired an angled drive inches too
high. More Boston pressure followed and on 28 minutes Broughton once more
broke free from the half-way line but saw a shot skim past a post when he
unleashed a drive from the corner of the area. And moments later an effort
from the same sort of location by Green met with the same fate. Little was
seen of the Bury attack throughout the half but right on the stroke of the
interval a speculative effort from distance by David Buchanan flew too high.
Apart from a couple of surging runs down the left flank by David Farrell, the
opening exchanges of the second half were generally scrappy — although Bury
gradually grew in stature the longer the game went on. And they missed a
glorious chance on 64 minutes when Bishop delivered a cross from the right
and the in-rushing Glynn Hurst somehow contrived to balloon the ball over the
bar from inside the six-yard box with the goal at his mercy. A few minutes
later, home keeper Andy Marriott had to be alert to make his first serious
save of the game when leaping to tip away a misplaced back-header from
team-mate Mark Greaves. But the home defence was breached four minutes from
time when Bishop swivelled to fire in from 15 yards after Darran Kempson had
nodded down a raking free-kick by Dave Challinor. And from that body blow,
Boston were unable to fashion a reply as defeat number 21 for the league
campaign was inflicted. Referee: Dermot
Gallagher (Oxfordshire). Attendance: 1,949 (away support of 284) |
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Friday March 23rd 2007 League Two |
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Wycombe Wanderers |
0 |
Boston United |
0 |
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Team (4-4-2): Young; Martin, Stockley, Crooks, Golbourne; Bloomfield,
Doherty, Grant (Ainsworth 54), Oakes (Palmer 71); Mooney, McGleish. Subs (not
used): Christon, Onibuje, Barnes-Homer. Yellows: McGleish
(41), Doherty (51). Reds: None |
Team (3-4-1-2): Marriott; Greaves, Cryan, Stevens; Clarke, Ellender, Talbot
(Cooksey 77), Farrell; Green (Galbraith 90); Broughton, Joynes (Rowntree 89).
Subs (not used): None. Yellows:
Broughton (65), Ellender (74), Farrell (75). Reds: None |
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Report: Boston
United defied the odds to prise out a hugely valuable League Two point from
their trip to promotion-chasing Wycombe. The Pilgrims defied wafer-thin squad
selection options and battled to a tremendous share of the spoils. And on the
balance of play they were arguably unlucky not to have taken maximum points
from a match in which they carved out by far the better chances. Wycombe made
a bright start, but the Pilgrims managed to resist some waves of pressure as
the home side sought a quick breakthrough, notably with Tommy Mooney and
Scott McGleish posing plenty of threat in an experienced front line. However,
it was at the other end that the first really clear-cut opening arrived. It
came on nine minutes when, after some good build-up work, the ball found
Francis Green but his drive flashed too high. For a while after that, it was
very much a nip-and-tuck affair with both Anthony Grant and Mooney seeing
half-chances diverted away off United defenders. Then in reply, Drewe
Broughton cushioned a header down for Green to see a 22nd minute
drive blocked. Wycombe hit back with a couple of decent attacking moves, the best
of which saw McGleish fire into the side netting from an acute angle in the
23rd minute. Boston came mightily close in the 33rd
minute when Green burst clear and got into the home danger zone before
delivering a low cross-shot drive. Defender Scott Golbourne lunged in to try
to block the effort and was hugely fortunate to see his attempted clearance
bounce away off a post when an own goal looked a near certainty. As the half
wore on, a Mooney header flew too high for the home side while at the other end
another Green shot was blocked and cleared by Sam Stockley. Then, 10 minutes
from the break, home keeper Jamie Young had to stretch and punch the ball
clear from a dangerous corner by Jamie Clarke. Boston pressed again right at
the start of the second half. Paul Ellender met a Green cross, but his
snap-shot flew too high. Soon afterwards, another good United raid led to
Broughton nodding down for Green to centre the ball and Nathan Joynes drilled
inches wide with a well-executed shot-on-the-turn. Soon afterwards, Green was
again in the thick of the action but missed the target with an over-ambitious
shot from long distance. Wycombe answered with a close call of their own
when, from a short corner routine, the ball was flighted into the area for
Stockley to send a diving header just past a post. Back at the other end, a
Broughton cross-shot was kept out by an agile punch-clear from home keeper
Young. Broughton was later seen in action to good effect in the Boston area
when heading clear under pressure from a teasing corner by Tommy Doherty.
United keeper Andy Marriott had his first serious test in the 79th
minute, but dealt well when holding an 18-yard drive by McGleish as Wycombe
tried to crank up the pressure in the dying stages. A couple of corners and a
missed opportunity by Chris Palmer added to the pressure on Boston as time
ticked by. And then, deep into four minutes of stoppage time, Wycombe pressed
forward again and almost snatched what would have been an undeserved win when
Golbourne joined the home attack and, in a heart-stopping moment from a
Boston perspective, drilled wide from close to the edge of the box. But the
Pilgrims were able to breathe a sigh of relief as they gallantly hung on to a
hard-earned point. Referee: C Penton. Attendance: 4,419
(away support of 143) |
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Saturday March 17th 2007 League
Two |
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Mansfield Town |
1 |
Boston United |
2 |
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Conlon 30 |
Talbot 18 Broughton 40 |
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Team (4-4-2): White; Mullins, Baptiste, Buxton, Jelleyman (Sleath 74); Brown
(Michael Boulding 66), Hodge, Dawson, Hamshaw; Conlon, Gritton (Arnold 65).
Subs (not used): Muggleton, Hjelde. Yellows: None Reds: None |
Team (3-4-1-2): Marriott; Greaves, Cryan, Thomas; Clarke, Ellender, Talbot (Cooksey
77), Farrell; Green; Broughton, Joynes (Galbraith 59). Sub (not used):
Stevens. Yellows: Ellender
(26), Farrell (69) Reds: Thomas
(54) |
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Report: Ten-man
Boston United hauled themselves out of the League Two relegation places with
a magnificent triumph out of adversity at the Field Mill home of Mansfield
Town — a ground that has previously only yielded defeats during the Pilgrims’
five-year membership of the Football League. Goals by Stewart Talbot and
Drewe Broughton paved the way for Boston’s third away success of the
campaign. And they achieved the feat despite having defender Brad Thomas
dismissed for what was reported as “violent conduct” in his final appearance
on loan from Yeovil. But in his absence, the Pilgrims battled superbly for the
final 36 minutes to prise out rewards that — allied to Wrexham’s loss at MK
Dons — lifted them out of the bottom two. And United’s achievement was
additionally creditable as they went into action minus new loan signings John
McCombe and Michael Proctor due to behind-the-scenes “red tape” issues. And
the influential Albert Jarrett was sidelined by injury. With four other
injury absentees, it left the Pilgrims with just 14 players available for the
cause — a sad state of affairs for a club at League Two level. But out of
adversity came success. United started well and an early burst and cross by
David Farrell saw the ball just skip clear of Broughton. Man-of-the-match
Talbot then got in a shot at the Stags’ goal, but saw the ball blocked.
United forced a couple of corners. And from one (taken by Jamie Clarke), the
ball fell to Thomas who saw his effort parried by keeper Jason White. Then
Mark Greaves and Paul Ellender also had shots scrambled clear. But Boston
went ahead on 18 minutes. Following a Clarke throw-in, the ball dropped for
Talbot to drill in from the edge of the area. However, the lead lasted just
12 minutes. At this point, Barry Conlon rose well to meet a cross by Gareth
Jelleyman and headed high into the net from inside the six-yard area. Boston
hit back with Francis Green and Broughton both going close. But the latter
grabbed a crucial second goal on 40 minutes—a strike that took his haul for
United to six (now the top scorer). Nathan Joynes set Green free down the
left and Broughton headed his cross beyond the reach of White. White then
also saved further attempts by Talbot and Green as Boston ended the first
period on top. United keeper Andy Marriott had his first serious call to
action just after the interval when expertly turning away a shot by Alex
Baptiste following good creative passing work by Matt Hamsahw. But in the 54th
minute. The Pilgrims saw Thomas red-carded for what appeared a mystery
decision by referee Michael Jones. Almost immediately, Mansfield switched to
a more attacking system but United remained resolute in defence and dangerous
on the counter-punch. And here, Farrell almost made it 3-1. But, after a
powerful run, he saw White make another good save. At the other end,
Mansfield kept turning up the pressure but repeatedly found United’s back
line full of resolve and composure. There were a few scary moments—notably
when Hamshaw shot too high from a 25-yard free-kick, then when Marriott had
to push away a long range drive by Danny Sleath and when Conlon swivelled to
shoot wide from a decent position. But through it all, Boston held on. In
stoppage time, another raid by Farrell again almost yielded a third United
goal. But he shot wide. Then right at the death came a genuine sense of
escape when Hamshaw somehow blasted over the bar from an Arnold cross with
the goal seemingly at his mercy. However, the Pilgrims were eventually able
to celebrate netting the spoils from a a hard-won success. Referee: M Jones (Cheshire).
Attendance: 2,790. |
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Boston Buzz/United man of the match: Stewart Talbot: Tremendous display in centre
of park. All-action power and tenacity — and weighed in with vital goal. |
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Saturday March 10th 2007 League
Two |
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Boston United |
2 |
Bristol Rovers |
1 |
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Jarrett 2 (pen), 9 |
Haldane 68 |
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Team (3-4-1-2): Marriott; Greaves (Nicholson 79), Cryan, Thomas; Clarke,
Ellender, Talbot (Cooksey 55), Farrell; Jarrett (Green 82), Broughton,
Joynes. Subs (not used): Galbraith, Stevens. Yellows: Ellender
(10) Reds: None |
Team (4-4-2): Phillips; Lescott, Oji, Elliott, Carruthers; Igoe, Lines
(Rigg 65), Disley, Jacobson (Sandell 46); Lambert, Walker (Haldane 46). Subs
(not used): Hinton, Anthony. Yellows: None Reds: None |
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Report: Boston United
recorded their first win in 10 matches to clinch three potentially priceless
League Two points. A pair of early strikes by Watford loanee Albert Jarrett
laid the foundation for the success, the youngster’s two-goal burst eclipsing
a Lewis Haldane goal for visitors Bristol Rovers whose second half fightback
attempt ultimately fell short of earning a share of the spoils. The result
didn’t quite lift Boston out of the relegation places, but it took them level
on points with fellow strugglers Wrexham and Accrington. It took Boston just
two minutes to break the deadlock. Jarrett stepped up to convert a penalty
awarded after Sam Oji had handled in the area when attempting to clear a
deflected free-kick by Jamie Clarke. Jarrett then doubled United’s delight in
the opening throes with a ninth minute goal when, from the right side, he cut
in and curled a 20-yard left-footer beyond the reach of keeper Steve
Phillips, having initially been set free by an astute pass from Nathan
Joynes. In between, Rovers had gone close to an equaliser, but the impressive
Craig Disley saw a diving header from a Sammy Igoe cross rattle away off Andy
Marriott’s left post. Later on, after a spell of ebb-and-flow football, it
was the Pilgrims who carved out the next genuine threat. In the 27th
minute Drewe Broughton saw a header bounce onto the top of the Rovers’ bar
after he was found hovering close to the far post by a Jarrett free-kick from
wide right. The visitors then found some attacking initiative and in the 38th
minute Chris Lines got into a shooting position but saw a deflected drive
clutched by Marriott. The home keeper then made a tremendous save seconds
before the interval whistle when dashing out to block a cross-shot from Joe
Jacobson after the visiting full-back had been set free by Disley. Five
minutes after the break Boston again went close — this time Broughton seeing
a lofted effort clip the outside of a post after Joynes had cleverly flicked
on a towering clearance by Marriott. Rovers replied by halving the deficit in
the 68th minute. Igoe’s cross from the right was only partially
punched clear by Marriott and Chris Carruthers returned a low ball from the
left into the path of substitute Haldane who made no mistake from eight
yards. That goal signalled the start of further attacking momentum by the
visitors with several fast raids and a series of corners heightening the
pressure on the home defence. But, well marshalled again by the impressive
Colin Cryan, the Boston back line managed to hold firm while occasionally counter-punching
with sporadic raids. Time finally ticked away with United still clinging to
their precious and hard-won maximum points haul. Referee: Colin
Webster (Tyne and Wear). Attendance: 1697 (away support of 144). |
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Boston Buzz/United man of the match: Albert Jarrett: Livewire display despite not
being 100 percent fit. Notable threat down right. Weighed in with two vital
goals |
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Saturday March 3rd 2007 League
Two |
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Milton Keynes Don |
3 |
Boston United |
2 |
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Platt 3, 84 McLeod
75 |
Thomas 20 Broughton 32 |
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Team (4-4-2): Baines: J Smith (Stirling 54), Butler,
O’Hanlon, Lewington (Knight 59); McGovern (G Smith 54), Wilbraham, Andrews,
Dyer; McLeod, Platt. Subs (not used): Harper, Taylor. Yellows: J Smith
(31), O’Hanlon (27) Reds: None |
Team (3-4-1-2): Marriott; Thomas (Clarke 61), Cryan,
Stevens (Green 61); Cooksey, Greaves, Ellender, Farrell; Jarrett (Galbraith
46); Joynes, Broughton. Subs (not used): Benjamin, Talbot. Yellows: Cooksey
(26), Jarrett (45) Reds: None |
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Report: Another
hugely commendable performance from Boston United. But sadly, the end result
was the same as so many of their most recent outings — defeat. And this
latest reverse, coupled with other results in the League Two basement zone,
saw the Pilgrims drop into the two relegation places. It also extended their
run poor returns to just two points harvested from the last 27 available,
during which time they have lost seven times. For a while, though, things looked bright for United against
promotion-chasing MK Dons. Despite trailing early on, the Pilgrims battled
back superbly to lead 2-1 at the interval through goals by Brad Thomas and
Drewe Broughton. But then an injury to the influential Albert Jarrett forced
an interval reshuffle and despite still having spells of ascendancy, United
ultimately succumbed to two late home strikes. There was a quick
setback for United when, after just three minutes, Clive Platt headed the
home side in front when leaping higher than marker Jamie Stevens to send the
ball past Andy Marriott from a cross by Keith Andrews. United keeper Marriott
prevented a further home breakthrough when saving well from a shot by Izale
McLeod. Next it was the turn of home keeper Adolfo Baines to intervene when
pushing aside a 20-yarder from Jarrett. Then Broughton headed off-target from
a cross by Nathan Joynes. Baines again thwarted Jarrett just after the
quarter-hour mark before Paul Ellender saw a drive flash inches too high. But
the Pilgrims netted an equaliser on 20 minutes when a curling corner by
Jarrett was converted off the head of Thomas whose glancing effort flew past
Baines. The Dons answered with a McLeod shot being diverted away off Thomas.
Then Paul Butler saw a header from a Lloyd Dyer corner strike the Boston bar.
Boston took the lead on 32 minutes when a free-kick by Colin Cryan from close
to the half-way line was flicked on by Joynes and Broughton twisted superbly
to fire home with a fierce 12-yard shot. A third goal almost followed but
Broughton’s scoring effort from a Jarrett cross was ruled out by a linesman’s
raised flag. Just before the break (and a bizarre seven minutes of stoppage
time added by referee Tony Bates), the Pilgrims lost the services of the
hugely impressive Jarrett. And during the added moments, the dons went close
to equalising when Thomas scrambled the ball away from a Sean O’Hanlon shot.
David Galbraith emerged from the bench as a replacement for Jarrett at the
start of the second half. Almost instantly, a long-range effort from Ernie
Cooksey was beaten away by Baines. Milton Keynes hit back and Stevens had to
clear another moment of danger. The home side threw on extra attacking power
and Boston boss Steve Evans adjusted his pack to try to account for the home
side’s revised formation. Unfortunately this meant central defenders Thomas
(injured) and Stevens being replaced with Paul Ellender and Mark Greaves
moving back into the rearguard. However, this in turn left the midfield much
more lightweight. And the home side stepped up the tempo accordingly. David
Farrell had to hack away a drive by O’Hanlon’s and from there the Dons really
turned up the heat. In the 75th minute they drew level. Greaves
and Clarke got into something of a mix-up, allowing McLeod to break speedily.
He cut inside Cryan and sent an superbly-struck drive beyond the reach of
Marriott from just inside the box. Back at the other end, home goalie Baines
did well on 81 minutes when palming aside a fierce strike by Clarke and then
reacted well to block Broughton’s follow-up attempt. But from a point of
potentially regaining the lead, Boston suddenly found themselves staring at a
12th away League Two loss of the campaign. Six minutes from time,
Platt swept home his second goal of the game after substitute Leon Knight and
Andrews had played a short corner routine before feeding the ball in for
Platt to buried United’s hopes of at least taking a point from a
well-contested encounter. Referee: Tony Bates
(Staffordshire). Attendance: 6605. |
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Boston Buzz/United man of the match: Albert Jarrett: Superb link-up work between
midfield and attack, good crosses and set-up play. Unlucky to suffer injury. |
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Saturday February 24th 2007
League Two |
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Boston United |
0 |
Hartlepool United |
1 |
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Marriott 63 (og) |
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Team (3-5-2): Marriott; Thomas, Cryan, Stevens;
Vaughan; (Maylett 46), Cooksey
(Greaves 69), Ellender, Farrell; Joynes, Broughton (Benjamin 69),
Jarrett. Subs (not used): Clarke,
Green. Yellows: None Reds: None |
Team (4-4-2): Konstantopoulos; Barron, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys;
Brown (Gibb 90), Sweeney, Liddle, Monkhouse; Barker, E Williams (Bullock 87).
Subs (not used): Tinkler, Foley, Provett (gk). Yellows: None Reds: None |
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Report: Boston United’s relegation plight didn’t improve one jot in the wake of this result and others up and down the nation. However, the Pilgrims can take a huge amount of pride and credit from a solid all-round team display — and one that tested table-topping Hartlepool to the full. In the end, though, there was no reward for the Pilgrims as they slipped to a fourth straight home loss in a run that has seen United net just two points from the last 21 available. At the other extreme of the form guide, victory for Hartlepool was, remarkably, their 16th in the last 18 unbeaten League Two matches. The only goal came after 63 minutes when a swerving 35-yard free-kick from a central position by Ritchie Humphreys deceived Andy Marriott and the ball bounced into the net via the back of the home keeper after initially crashing down off the underside of the Boston bar. Both sides created early scoring opportunities. Humphreys showed his skills at set-pieces by curling a 25-yard free-kick wide of the target. Then in reply, a low cross-shot from the left by Nathan Joynes skimmed beyond keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos and past the far post. Then, after further fine build-up, Paul Ellender ballooned hurriedly over the top. Boston kept up a decent tempo to their attacking work and on 14 minutes, a cross from Stephen Vaughan found Joynes. But his header at full stretch near the back post drifted wide. More home pressure then followed in the 20th minute, leading to Vaughan seeing a 20-yarder deflected en route to the target. Konstantoploulos had to readjust his position before hurriedly punching the ball away. Boston had defended well for the first half-hour, notably with the superb Colin Cryan marshalling and cajoling excellent displays from his youthful team-mat | |||
