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Boston
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Match reports for the 2008-2009 season UniBond League Premier Division and cup
competitions Click here>> for Boston United home page |
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NEXT
MATCH |
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Sunday November 23, FA Trophy third
qualifying round |
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FC United of
Manchester |
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Boston United |
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LATEST
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Wednesday November 19, UniBond League
Premier Division |
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Boston United |
2 |
Frickley Athletic |
3 |
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Ryan 44 Rowan 46 |
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Morris 8, 37 White 24 |
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Team (3-4-1-2): Martyn Margarson; Wes Parker, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer; Tom
Matthews, Stewart Talbot (Michael Wood 77), Adam Millson, Liam Green; Jon
Rowan; Jon Froggatt (Alex Beck 77), Ollie Ryan. Subs (not used): Liam Parker,
Lee Beeson, Ewan Clarke. |
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Team (4-4-2): Adam Nicklin; Steve Robinson, Steve Heath, Dean Jones, Chris
Gowen (Chris Hilton 46); Bailey Camfield, Danny Walsh, Jon Groome, Chris
White; Lee Morris, Neil Towler (Danny Clark 57). Subs (not used): Chris
Davies, Shaun Pierrepont. |
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Report: For the sixth time this
season, Boston United went down to a UniBond League home defeat. The Pilgrims
suffered a 3-2 reverse against Frickley Athletic. It was a result that
compounded Boston’s increasing problems at the lower end of the table — they
have now taken just one point from the last 21 available and now looked
destined for a serious scrap against relegation. On a positive note, United
partially recovered having trailed 3-0 at one stage. But, not for the first
time this term, the Pilgrims’ overall lack of physical strength and presence
proved their downfall in tandem with a needless red card shown to Matt
Bloomer for aiming a punch at an opponent shortly after the score had been
pulled back to just a one-goal deficit. The result now leaves United firmly anchored
in the bottom four and in under serious threat of tumbling down yet another
tier of the football ladder. The Pilgrims found themselves facing an uphill
task from the eighth minute when they fell behind to a neatly-taken goal by
Lee Morris — the visiting striker twisting tidily on the left and curling a
low shot beyond Martyn Margarson and into the bottom corner of the home net.
Boston hit back with some decent waves of attacking work. The best moments
saw a Jon Rowan drive tipped over by keeper Adam Nicklin and then having
another effort blocked; Stewart Talbot saw a drive charged down and then
Ollie Ryan twice miscuing in front of goal when an equaliser looked a
possibility. In between, Frickley went close again when Morris broke free,
rounded Margarson but was then denied by a stunning goalline clearance by Wes
Parker. Boston, though, fell two goals adrift on 24 minutes with a strike
similar to their breakthrough effort, this time Chris White cutting in from
the left and firing low past Margarson. Shortly afterwards Morris burst free
but saw a rising drive smack away off the outside of a post. Eight minutes
before the break, the visitors opened a 3-0 lead when Morris swept the ball
in from close range after a corner had been knocked down to his feet. Boston
gained a slight foothold when Ollie Ryan headed in unchallenged from a deep
corner by Liam Green 60 seconds before the break. And there were hopes of a major
fightback barely a minute into the second period when Rowan sent a diving
header past Nicklin from a Ryan centre. Moments later A Talbot cross found
Froggatt but his downward header was clutched by the keeper. United’s hopes
suffered a massive blow on 56 minutes when Bloomer saw red for hitting out at
Morris in an off-the-ball incident. The dismissal hampered United’s ambitions
and with a reshuffled and numerically reduced pack, they were then unable to
mount any other seriously-testing raids on the visitors’ rearguard except for
an 80th minute close call when Rowan just missed out with a clever
lob-shot. In reply, Frickley almost put the issue beyond all doubt but Morris
— for the second time in the game — was unlucky to see a firm shot rattle
away off an upright. Referee: S Meredith.
Attendance: 821 (away support of 24) |
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Saturday November 15, UniBond League Premier
Division |
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Boston United |
0 |
North Ferriby |
2 |
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Jackson 25 Hunter 80 |
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Team (4-4-2): Martyn Margarson; Tom
Matthews, Matt Bloomer, Michael Wood, Wes Parker; Stewart Talbot (Lee Beeson 78),
Ryan Clarke, Steve Melton, Jon Rowan (Liam Green 62); Jon Froggatt (Ewan
Clarke 68), Ollie Ryan. Subs (not used): Liam Parker, Adam Millson. |
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Team (4-4-2): Steve Wilson; Danny Moore,
Liam Chapman, Paul Foot, Kevin Larvin; Andy Jackson, Matty Bloor, Russell
Fry, Colin Hunter; Steve Torpey, Gary Bradshaw. Subs (not used): Brewster
Frizzell, Ricky Foster, Peter Davidson, Alex Davidson, Mark Wilberforce (gk). |
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Report: Boston United’s wretched
home form continued with another insipid performance in front of their own
fans, culminating in a 2-0 loss to in-form North Ferriby. The Pilgrims
capitulated on home territory for a fifth time this season in UniBond League
encounters. And on a day when former 1970s United defender Dave Adamson was
paraded as a “legend”, how the increasingly frustrated supporters must have
wished for characters with similar all-round determination to be members of
the current squad. As it turned out, the Pilgrims were again second best to a
none-too-spectacular visiting side and the outcome meant that United have now
dipped into serious relegation trouble (toiling in the bottom four) on the
back of just one point harvested from their last six league outings and the knowledge
that with just 16 goals to their credit, they are the division’s feeblest
scorers. Despite both sides turning
in some lively play in the early stages, the initial exchanges were largely
bereft of any notable chances with neither keeper being brought into anything
but routine action. It took until the 25th minute for a serious
chance to arrive — leading to Ferriby’s Andy Jackson breaking the deadlock
with a spectacular 30-yard drive that sailed over the already-advanced keeper
Martyn Margarson. Boston had to wait until the 36th minute for
their first opportunity. At this point, Stewart Talbot fed a pass through for
Ryan Clarke to surge forward only to fire inches over the bar. Moments later
visiting keeper Steve Wilson was called into action when pushing aside Jon
Froggatt’s downward header from a Steve Melton free-kick. Boston began the
second half in purposeful fashion and almost equalised when Talbot saw a
fierce drive blocked by Kevin Larvin. In reply, Ferriby almost doubled their
lead — first when a ricochet off Russell Fry bobbled just wide and then when
Colin Hunter fired low past a post. Back at the other end, Boston lifted
their game tempo again and Ollie Ryan’s 20-yard free-kick drifted a fraction
off-target. Then Wilson produced a fine tip-over save to deny Talbot. The
visitors, though, answered with a second goal when Hunter rounded off good
build-up work with a tidy finish on 80 minutes. Boston almost grabbed a
consolation in stoppage time, but Ryan Clarke’s firm shot met with another save
by Wilson. Referee: A Green. Attendance:
1,069 (away support of 31). |
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Tuesday November 11, UniBond League Premier
Division |
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Ilkeston Town |
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Boston United |
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Match postponed, waterlogged pitch |
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Saturday November 8, UniBond League Premier
Division |
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Guiseley |
3 |
Boston United |
1 |
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Whitehouse 55 Fitzgerald 61 Deeney 90 |
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Rowan (38 pen) |
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Team (4-4-2): Piotr Skiba; Anthony Lloyd, Danny Ellis, Jerome Fitzgerald
(Simeon Bambrook 71), Dave Merris; Alex Callery (Lee Pugh 74), Steve Burton,
Chris Bolder, Mark Whitehouse; James Hanson (Phil Deeney 80), Adam Muller.
Subs (not used): David Brown, Tom Morgan (gk). |
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Team (4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews, Matt Bloomer, Michael Wood,
Wes Parker; Steve Melton, Stewart Talbot (David De Oliveira 80), Jon Rowan;
Ollie Ryan, Jon Froggatt, David Farrell (Adam Millson 21, Ryan Clarke 66).
Subs (not used): Liam Parker, Ewan Clarke. |
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Report: Boston United slithered to within
one point and just two places of the UniBond League Premier Division
relegation zone when succumbing on their travels by a 3-1 margin away to
Guiseley. The loss meant that United’s dreadful league form since the start
of October has now seen them pocket just one point out of a possible 15 — to
quell all talk of the club vacating the division via the top end. Major
concerns now arise as to whether United can actually fend off the spectre of
another unwanted relegation. Briefly at Guiseley there were hopes of seeing
an away victory particularly when Jon Rowan netted from a 38th
minute penalty. But the Pilgrims were undone by a solid three-goal home
comeback after the break. Guiseley had the game’s first chance and United had
opened proceedings on the defensive as the home side made a bright start,
goalkeeper Martyn Margarson making a fine save in the second minute to push
away Mark Whitehouse’s 18-yard drive. Home keeper Piotr Skiba had to be alert
to thwart the Pilgrims’ first serious raid when snaffling the ball at the
second attempt to deny David Farrell from Tom Matthews’ cross. Farrell was
making his return after injury, but his performance lasted just 21 minutes
before hobbling out of the action again to be replaced by Adam Millson.
Guiseley then went close again when Margarson again had to do well to deny
Chris Bolder. Boston answered when Jon Froggatt got on the end of a Wes
Parker throw but saw an overhead kick flash wide. However, the Pilgrims broke
the deadlock on 38 minutes when Jon Rowan slotted in from the penalty spot
after being tripped by Anthony Lloyd. Two minutes later the United scorer
almost set up a second goal for the team. He ran clear and squared invitingly
to Millson. But the youngster was dramatically thwarted by a stunning last-gasp
challenge. United pressed again straight after the interval with Ollie Ryan
shooting wide and then Froggatt testing Skiba with another effort. But then
things started to fall apart for Boston. Guiseley levelled on 55 minutes when
Whitehouse fired in from 20 yards via the inside of a post. And six minutes
later the home side completed a turn-around when Jerome Fitzgerald shot in
after seizing possession when Margarson had failed to fully deal with Lloyd
cross. Boston made their second change when back-from-suspension Ryan Clarke
replaced earlier substitute Millson in the 66th minute. And for a while,
United lifted their game tempo but foundered on the frame of keeper Skiba who
made a fine save when he parrying Ryan’s fierce drive. Skiba also saved well from
a close-range header by Froggatt from a Ryan centre. In reply, Margarson then
had to do well the block a James Hanson effort. David De Oliveira was
introduced from the bench with 10 minutes remaining, but was unable to add
any impetus to the United cause. Drama arose in the final minute when United
defender Michael Wood was sent off, apparently for a “professional foul”
despite fellow defenders Matt Bloomer and Tom Matthews seeming to be in good
covering positions. And United misery was completed deep into stoppage time
when Phil Deeney netted Guiseley’s third goal when converting a Whitehouse
centre. Referee: A Holmes. Attendance: 456. |
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Saturday November 1, FA Trophy second
qualifying round |
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Clitheroe |
2 |
Boston United |
4 |
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Margarson 27 (og) Smith 53 |
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Rowan 5, 65 W Parker 17 L Parker 73 |
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Team (4-4-2): Martin Fearon; Joel Pilkington, Ian
Flannery, Jonathan Smith, Scott Redhead; David Hankin (Matt Edgington 77), Paul
Osborne (Mark Sharples 60), Bernard Morley, Craig Sargeson (Chris Ward 75);
Anthony Johnson, Carl Lomax. Subs (not used): Neil Reynolds, Russ Clarke. |
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Team (4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews, Michael Wood, Matt Bloomer,
Wes Parker; Steve Melton, Stewart Talbot (Liam Parker 72), Jon Rowan; Lee
Beeson (Adam Millson 60), Ollie Ryan (Ewan Clarke 85), Jon Froggatt. Subs
(not used): Simon Ashton, David De Oliveira. |
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Report: Boston United
maintained their largely positive away form to secure progress through to the
third qualifying round of the FA Trophy on the strength of a purposeful 4-2
triumph against in-form hosts Clitheroe from the UniBond League Division One
North. The Pilgrims won through via goals from Jon Rowan (two) and one apiece
by the Parker brothers Wes and Liam in a match that United led 2-0 before
being pegged back to 2-2 and then edged through via two more strikes. Clitheroe
were first on the attack and the Pilgrims had to withstand an early moment of
anxiety when David Hankin’s cross was scrambled away in a packed penalty
area. But in their first real attack
of the game, United went ahead on five minutes when Rowan netted at the far
post after an Ollie Ryan drive had been parried by Martin Fearon after Lee
Beeson had flicked on a Tom Matthews’ throw-in. Clitheroe hit back and
visiting keeper Martyn Margarson saved well to thwart Carl Lomax. Then at the
other end, Jon Froggatt failed to capitalise on a good cross by Beeson.
However, United doubled their lead on 17 minutes when, following a Beeson
corner, Ryan saw a shot blocked and Wes Parker tapped over the line. At this
point, United looked in total control, but they were hit by a blow on 27
minutes when keeper Margarson somehow contrived to spoon the ball into his
own net from a seemingly innocuous cross by Chris Sargeson. Margarson then
made amends by producing good save at his near post to keep out an effort
from Lomax as Clitheroe looked to draw level. Boston remained unsettled
either side of the break with a few lucky escapes, the best of which twice
saw Lomax just miss out on finding a way through. Then, more home pressure
saw Hankin beat three United men but then shot wide and then Margarson saved
well to thwart Lomax. But the home pressure eventually told on 53 minutes
when Smith fired in from Sargeson’s corner. United, creditably, managed to
instantly lift the tempo of their game and, from a Steve Melton corner, both
Stewart Talbot and Wes Parker both saw drives blocked on the line. The
Pilgrims got their noses in from again on 65 minutes when Rowan netted at the
far post after Talbot had seen his initial shot parried by Fearon. Substitute
Adam Millson then saw a shot blocked by Ian Flannery after being played through
by Talbot. A fourth goal for the visitors arrived on 73 minutes when
substitute Liam Parker hit the target with practically his first touch—firing
in from 18 yards after Froggatt and Ryan had linked well down the right to
create the chance. United should have added to the scoreline in the closing
stages, with a host of chances going astray. Fearon made a great save to deny
Millson from 20 yards and then Froggatt shot too high from 12 yards moments
later. Rowan almost completed a hat-trick in the closing stages, squeezed a
shot across goal and just wide. Referee: P Banks. Attendance:
359. |
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Wednesday October 29, UniBond League Premier
Division (played at Hucknall FC) |
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Worksop Town |
1 |
Boston United |
1 |
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Sanasy 12 |
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Ryan 37 |
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Team (4-4-2): Steve Hernandez; Chris Glarvey, Andy Boyce, Kevin Dawson,
Kevin Davies; Matt Glass, Steve Robinson, Paul Dempsey, Gary Townsend; Kirk
Jackson (Ben Tomlinson 84), Kevin Sanasy. Subs (not used): Paul Stansfield,
Phil Rowland, Ryan Jennings, Scott Lowe. |
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Team (4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews, Michael Wood, Matt Bloomer,
Wes Parker; Steve Melton, Stewart Talbot, Jon Rowan; Lee Beeson (Adam Millson
84), Ollie Ryan, Jon Froggatt. Subs (not used): Liam Parker, Simon Ashton,
Ewan Clarke, David De Oliveira. |
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Report: There was
more UniBond Premier League disappointment for Boston United when they had to
settle for a share of the spoils via a 1-1 draw away to struggling Worksop Town
at the Nottinghamshire side’s home in exile at Hucknall FC. The Pilgrims fell
behind to an early goal but levelled via Ollie Ryan’s 13th
competitive goal of the campaign. However, the match petered out into a tame
draw with neither side really showing a cutting edge after the break. The
result leaves United still some distance off the play-off zone in the
division, albeit with plenty of games in hand on many of the sides above
them. But equally, they sit just two points and three places off the relegation
zone, largely down to the fact that they have won just two of their last nine
league fixtures. United’s preparations for the match were
initially hit by a double setback—a lengthy travel delay caused by traffic
hold-ups followed by Kieran Leabon pulling out of the starting line-up due to
an Achilles injury just before kick-off (Lee Beeson taking his place). Once
under way after a 10-minute delay, it was the Pilgrims who were first on the
attack, Ryan firing just wide after good work by strike partner Jon Froggatt.
But it was Worksop who went ahead on 12 minutes when a 25-yard shot by Kevin
Sanasy evaded keeper Martyn Margarson. Boston hit back and only a good
blocking challenge by Andy Boyce thwarted Steve Melton. Shortly afterwards
there was another United close call when Ryan and Wes Parker combined to set
up Melton whose shot was held by keeper Steve Hernandez. The Pilgrims missed
a good opportunity when Stewart Talbot shot over from the edge of the area
after the ball ran to him via a cross by Beeson and a miscue from Froggatt.
But the visitors’ equaliser arrived on 37 minutes when Talbot slid a pass
through for Ryan to race on an slot past the advancing keeper. Early in the
second half, Worksop almost regained the lead when a Gary Townsend corner fell
to Kirk Jackson who fired just off target. Twelve minutes into the second
period, Ryan found himself free again courtesy of a Froggatt pass. But Boyce
managed to divert the ball away. The home side then had two more chances in
what was very much a low-key second half. First Matt Glass saw a shot held by
Margarson and then Sanasy fired too high after cutting in from the wing.
Boston went close once more when Tom Matthews fired over from 20 yards
following a partially-cleared Beeson corner. United then went close on two
more occasions before the final whistle. First Froggatt narrowly missed out
on converting a Matthews cross and in stoppage time Jon Rowan fired against
the crossbar from 20 yards. But in the end, a draw was probably the fairest
outcome from a largely forgettable encounter. Referee: C
Marshall. Attendance: 230. |
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Saturday October 25, FA Cup fourth
qualifying round |
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Boston United |
2 |
Cambridge United |
3 |
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Leabon 28 Ryan 56 |
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Crow 8 Willmott 48 Bloomer 83 (og) |
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Team (4-4-2):
Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews, Michael
Wood, Matt Bloomer, Liam Parker (Kieran Leabon 14); Wes Parker (Adam Millson
77), Stewart Talbot (Ewan Clarke 80), Steve Melton, Jon Rowan; Ollie Ryan,
Jon Froggatt. Subs (not used): Lee Beeson, David De Oliveira, Simon Ashton,
Aaron Butcher (gk). |
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Team (4-4-2): Danny Potter; Dan Gleeson, Phil Bolland, Wayne Hatswell,
Anthony Tonkin; Robbie Willmott, Paul Carden, Jon Challinor, Felino Jardim; Danny
Crow (Chris Holroyd 65), Mark Beesley. Subs: Danny Brown, Josh Coulson, Mark
Convery, Ben Farrell, Chris Jones, Steven Drench (gk). |
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Report: It was a
heartbreaking way for Boston United to be knocked off the FA Cup trail. Just
seven minutes of a pulsating fourth qualifying round tie remained when home
skipper Matt Bloomer inadvertently diverted a header into his own net to
settle a conquest that had ebbed and flowed so absorbingly in favour of Blue
Square Premier visitors Cambridge United. It was the away team who grabbed
the early initiative by taking an eighth minute lead when Danny Crow got a
telling flick to a corner by Felino Jardim just seconds after home keeper
Martyn Margarson had produced a fabulous save to tip over a close range header
by Jon Challinor. Boston hit back and a Stewart Talbot drive was met by an
Ollie Ryan flick that forced keeper Danny Potter into his first saving
action. Cambridge answered with close calls for Jardim and Robbie Willmott.
But it was Boston who answered positively on 28 minutes. Ollie Ryan floated
in a free-kick from just outside the corner of the visitors’ area and early
substitute Kieran Leabon (on as a tactical switch in place of Liam Parker)
rose high to force a header beyond Potter. Boston then had heated appeals for
a penalty turned aside when defender Athony Tonkin appeared to almost catch
the ball in his own danger zone. The Pilgrims then had reason to curse the
same player when he rescued Cambridge with a tremendous last-gasp tackle to
thwart an otherwise clean-through Ryan. Just before the break Challinor hit
back for the visitors but saw a drive whistle inches too high. Three minutes
after the interval, Cambridge restored their lead when, following a surging
run, Willmott unleashed a 25-yard drive that deflected off the unlucky
Michael Wood and completely wrong-footed Margarson to bounce into the
unguarded side of Boston’s net. The Pilgrims again responded positively and
went close to making it 2-2 on 54 minutes. Following a flowing build-up. Jon Froggatt
crossed from the right but the normally clinical Ryan somehow contrived to
blaze over an unguarded net from 12 yards. However, two minutes later Talbot
delivered a cross to the far post where Froggatt nodded down to Ryan and this
time, the marksman showed much better predatory instincts to fire in from
close range. For a spell, exchanges then ebbed and flowed in a balanced
nature until, on 80 minutes, a cracking drive by Willmott was met by a fine
parrying save by Margarson to keep the scores level. Then, just when a replay
looked on the cards, the visitors struck the decisive blow. Challinor hooked
over a cross from his team’s left flank and Bloomer — straining to reach the
ball — agonisingly got a headed flick only to see it drift beyond Margarson and
into the corner of the net. After the match Boston boss Tommy Taylor said:
“It was a bit harsh, but if you sit back in your own six-yard box like we
did, you get punished. And that happened. I felt we did okay and came back
well twice. We got in behind them several times but didn’t really gamble
enough inside the danger area for my liking. And it was disappointing to lose
out.” Referee: R West.
Attendance: 1,956 (away support of 644). |
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Saturday October 18, FA Trophy first
qualifying round |
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Boston United |
6 |
Kidsgrove Athletic |
0 |
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Millson 32 Talbot 41, 65 Ryan 47 Rowan 50 (pen),
53 |
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Team
(4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews,
Ryan Clarke (Michael Wood 58), Matt Bloomer, Liam Parker; Steve Melton, Stewart
Talbot, Jon Rowan; Ollie Ryan (Danny Matson 58), Jon Froggatt, David Farrell
(Adam Millson 22). Subs (not used): Alex Beck, Lee Beeson. |
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Team (4-4-2): Adam Wilkes; Danny Smith, Tom Schwartz, Matthew Elder, Craig
Dove; Jordan White (Charlie Reeves 38), Tim Sanders, Carl Miller (Tom Moss
70), Ricky Bridge; David Shaw (Andy Matthews 70), Andy Hurst. Subs (not
used): Chris Smith, Mitch Shenton. |
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Report: Boston United turned on the goal power to crush UniBond Division
One South opponents Kidsgrove and earn progress into the second qualifying
round of the FA Trophy. The Pilgrims’ six-goal sharp-shooting display once
again signalled how much Tommy Taylor’s men seem to be enjoying knockout
matches. How the United boss must wish his team could show the same form
consistency in the bread-and-butter spheres of the UniBond Premier platform!
Here, United were the dominant force throughout. The only surprise was that
it took them beyond the half-hour mark to break the deadlock. But then the
goals flooded in — the scoring being completed with 25 minutes of the match
remaining. United began brightly and twice inside the opening few minutes
Stewart Talbot and then Jon Rowan went close with a shot and header
respectively. As the Pilgrims continued to press, Talbot again and Ollie Ryan
came within a whisker of breaking through. The long-awaited goal finally came
on 32 minutes when Adam Millson (on as an early substitute for injury victim
David Farrell) slid the ball home from close range after ryan Clarke had
battled his way into the area and then cut the ball into the path of his
team-mate. Home keeper Martyn Margarson finally got a brief slice of action
on 39 minutes when doing well to push away a David Shaw header. But it was
largely one-way traffic and Talbot made it 2-0 on 41 minutes when
impressively weaving his way into the area and then curling an exquisite shot
into the far corner of the net from an acute angle. The second half was only
two minutes old when United made it 3-0, Ryan firing in from close range
after Jon Froggatt’s initial shot had been blocked. Three minutes later Rowan
grabbed the first of his two goals in double-quick time when firing in from
the penalty spot after Froggatt had been fouled. Rowan followed up with a
second goal on 53 minutes with a good finish via a curling shot. The rout was
completed on 65 minutes when visiting keeper Adam Wilkes had the
embarrassment of seeing his attempted kick-out clearance blocked by Talbot —
the ball ricocheting on the United man and bobbling into the net. With 25
minutes still to go, there was every prospect of United going on the bag
plenty more goals. But the hard work had been done and a comfortable passage
had been negotiated. Referee: Martin Dexter. Attendance: 797 (away support of 41). |
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Tuesday October 14, UniBond League Premier
Division |
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Marine |
3 |
Boston United |
1 |
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Hussey 29 (pen) Lawless 42 O’Donnell 90 |
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Talbot 78 |
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Team (4-4-2): Sean Lake; Adam Farley, Phil Brazier, Joe McMahon, Wayne McDermott;
John Lawless (Paul Woolcott 75), Kevin Lynch (Joe Fowler 87), Steve Hussey,
Tim Bigland; Karl O’Donnell, Peter Cumiskey (Liam Kennedy 66). Subs (not
used): Freddie Potter, Shaun Tuck. |
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Team (4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer,
Wes Parker (Alex Beck 81); Michael Wood (Adam Millson 66), Stewart Talbot,
Jon Rowan; Kieran Leabon (Lee Beeson 46), Ollie Ryan, Jon Froggatt. Subs (not
used): Liam Parker, Mitchell Griffiths. |
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Report: Boston United suffered their
first away competitive loss of the campaign when going down in rain-soaked
conditions at Marine’s Arriva Stadium. The Pilgrims battled well, but
arguably didn’t get the rub of the green against opponents who, by virtue of
their success, maintained their presence among the UniBond League’s leading
lights. United were the first to show as an attacking force and home defender
Phil Brazier had to get in a good blocking challenge to foil a shot by Ollie
Ryan. Next, another moment of visiting pressure saw a Ryan Clarke free-kick
curl into the home area where Steve Hussey saw a wild sliced attempted
clearance balloon towards the top corner of his own net — only for keeper
Sean Lake to make a fine save. And from the corner, Kieran Leabon headed wide
from Ryan’s delivery. Next, Jon Rowan got into a shooting position from 20
yards but again saw Lake make a good, sprawling save. United keeper Martyn
Margarson got his serious call to action when saving well to thwart Karl
O’Donnell. Then in reply again, Leabon’s shot was well held by Lake. However,
in downpour conditions, it was Marine who went ahead on 29 minutes when Wes
Parker was deemed to have fouled Peter Cumiskey in the slippery conditions.
Hussey stepped up to fire in from the spot. Marine almost doubled their lead
on 41 minutes but Kevin Lynch’s long range effort was well saved by
Margarson. But the United keeper was beaten again 60 seconds later when John
Lawless fired in direct from a 20-yard free-kick after Stewart Talbot had
been booked for impeding O’Donnell. Early in the second half, Ryan found
shooting space as Boston sought to find a way back into proceedings but only
managed to fire tamely wide. Next, substitute Lee Beeson sent a free-kick
into the home area where adventuring full-back Tom Matthews nipped in only to
see Lake save well again. Later on, Beeson got on the end of a Talbot cross
but failed to force the ball in. However, on 78 minutes, the Pilgrims halved
the deficit when Talbot grabbed his first league goal of the season when
smashing a fierce 20-yarder beyond the reach of Lake. Instantly, United
sought to lift the tempo of their game and press forward in search of an
equaliser. But all the time, Marine looked potent on the counter punch, one
such moment seeing Liam Kennedy denied by Margarson after bursting clear. And
closer to the end, O’Donnell headed wide when another clear chance emerged.
United went close to a leveller on two occasion—first when Alex Beck headed
over from a Beeson cross and then, more glaringly when Jon Froggatt contrived
to miss an open goal after good build-up play by Beeson and Adam Millson. And
that wasted opportunity proved costly when Marine snatched a third goal. They
broke free from a Boston corner and O’Donnell walked the ball home after
skipping clear and rounding an exposed Margarson to arguably give the final
scoreline a somewhat distorted look. Referee: M Duncan. Attendance:
224. |
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Saturday October 11, FA Cup third qualifying
round |
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Southport |
0 |
Boston United |
2 |
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Leabon 15 Rowan 57 (pen) |
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Team (4-4-2): Tony McMillan; Adam Flynn, Earl Davis (Shaun Gray 73), James
Connolly, Chris Lever; Mark Duffy, John Doolan, Alan Moogan, Matty McGinn (Tony
Gray 54); Neil Robinson (Steve Daly 68), Ciaran Kilheeney. Subs (not used):
Kevin Lee, Robbie Booth, Michael Powell, Chris Price. |
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Team (4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Tom Matthews, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer,
Wes Parker; Steve Melton (Michael Wood 79), Stewart Talbot (Adam Millson 82),
Jon Rowan; Kieran Leabon, Ollie Ryan (Liam Parker 90), Jon Froggatt. Subs
(not used): Lee Beeson, Alex Beck, Mitchell Griffiths, Aaron Butcher (gk). |
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Report: 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. Southport
started brightly and twice in the opening few minutes, United keeper Martyn
Margarson made good saves—first doing well to hold a downward header by
Ciaran Kilheeney and then clutching a firm 22-yard drive by Adam Flynn.
Boston hit back with some good attacking moments of their own. From one raid,
Tom Matthews delivered a good cross from the right that had home goalie Tony
McMillan stretching to collect as Jon Froggatt waited to pounce. Then Leabon
broke free but crossed inaccurately when colleagues waited for a better
delivery. But United went in front on 15 minutes following a swift
counter-attack from a Southport corner. Defender Ryan Clarke burst clear and
after a good run, he passed to Leabon whose dashed through to steer an
exquisite shot into the far top corner. Southport answered and Margarson
again had to react well with a push-away save to foil Neil Robinson’s diving
header, from a Mark Duffy centre. The home side went close to levelling when
tall defender Earl Davis headed too high from close range from another Duffy
cross. Margarson again excelled on 27
minutes when parrying a Duffy drive for a corner. Before the break Boston got
in another couple of telling attacks, the best of which saw danger stem from
an Ollie Ryan corner. But Robinson scrambled the ball off his own line.
United began the second half with a tidy build-up down the left. Ryan and Leabon
created a chance for Steve Melton but he drilled off target from 25 yards.
Back at the other end, the masterful Margarson made an excellent save on 55
minutes, pushing away Tony Gray’s shot from the edge of the area. Boston
weathered these moments of home pressure and on 57 minutes took a 2-0 lead
courtesy of Rowan slotting in a penalty after Ryan had been bundled over by
Flynn. Moments later Southport almost clawed a goal back but Robinson saw a
header loop too high. Inside the final quarter of the game, Froggatt almost
added a third for United but fired into the side-netting from an acute angle
after skipping round McMillan. In reply, the ever-menacing Duffy saw an 80th
minute shot diverted for a corner as Southport sought late salvation and then
in stoppage time Margarson crowned a magnificent display with a superb save
to prevent Steve Daly from setting up what might have been a nervy
conclusion. Referee: P Davies. Attendance: 792. |
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Wednesday October 8, UniBond League Premier
Division |
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Boston United |
1 |
Hednesford |
2 |
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Ryan 15 |
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Dyer 22 Barnett 55 |
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Team (4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Wes Parker (Lee Beeson 70), Ryan Clarke,
Matt Bloomer, David Farrell (Tom Matthews 30); Steve Melton, Stewart Talbot, Jon
Rowan; Kieran Leabon, Ollie Ryan, Jon Froggatt. Subs (not used): Liam Parker,
Adam Millson, Liam Green. |
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Team (4-4-2): Stuart Brock; Decio Gomes, Danny Harvey, Tom Marshall; Sean
Platt, Mark Briggs, Elliott Durrell (Chad Sheppard 84), Ross Draper, Anthony
Maguire; Tyrone Barnett, Ross Dyer. Subs (not used): Sam Hall, Scott Stamps. |
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Report: It’s sad to note, 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 against Guiseley 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 are left to
reflect on their worst home start to a league season since the 1992-93
campaign, which ultimately led to their relegation from the Conference. After
six matches of that term, United pocketed just two points from the first six
home outings of what proved a hugely depressing season. Sixteen years on, it
looks equally bleak with little sign that the players have the bottle or
determination to compete with whatever UniBond opponents arrive in town. This
time around, not even the boost of a 15th minute lead could
inspire United. Visitors Hednesford simply rolled up their sleeves, hit back
quickly and then effectively controlled the bulk of the game to emerged
merited winners. To be fair, it was Boston who held the upper hand during the
opening exchanges — until they scored! United began well and visiting keeper
Stuart Brock made a good save on five minutes to thwart Ollie Ryan’s firm
header from a cross by Kieran Leabon. Brock then denied the Pilgrims two
minutes later when holding Jon Rowan’s header following Parker’s deep free-kick.
Next, David Farrell fired just wide from 25 yards following a quick free-kick
taken by Rowan. United kept up their early pressure and Ryan rose well to
meet a Jon Froggatt cross but Brock again saved well. It was perhaps no
surprise when Boston went ahead on 15 minutes when Ryan darted onto a superb
looped pass by Leabon to cut inside behind the visitors’ rearguard and slide
a shot past Brock. But strangely that was where United’s initiative ended.
Hednesford hit back with an equaliser on 22 minutes when the towering double
presence of Tyrone Barnett and Ross Dyer proved decisive — the former
flicking on a Sean Platt free-kick for the latter to swivel and bury a shot
beyond Martyn Margarson. Thirteen minutes later Dyer got on the end of more
good Hednesford build-up work and fired a curling shot inches wide. And just
before the break, Dyer headed inches over from a Platt cross. Boston only
response of note was an off-target drive by Stewart Talbot after good
build-up work. Boston tried to lift the tempo of their game after the
interval and good work by Froggatt and Leabon gave Tom Matthews the chance to
cross, from which Rowan dropped a header onto the roof of the net. Hednesford
replied and took the lead in the 55th minute when Barnett spectacularly lobbed
Martyn Margarson from 12 yards after Matthews’s back-header had failed to
reach the keeper. United had an equalising chance five minutes later, but
Froggatt headed inches wide of the far post from Matthews’ inswinging
free-kick. United had a decent free-kick chance on 75 minutes but substitute
Lee Beeson ballooned a 20-yard free-kick nearly out of the ground. Boston’s
task became an uphill one on 76 minutes when, after a succession of yellow
cards issued by referee Martin Chester, Ryan Clarke saw a straight red for a
lunging foul on the diminutive figure of Elliott Durrell. The Pilgrims
battled hard, albeit in vain, to redress the balance and in the dying stages
both Froggatt and Rowan saw shots skim wide. But in truth visiting keeper
Brock never had a seriously worrying moment during the whole of the second
period. Referee: M Chester. Attendance: 1,090
(away support of 40) |
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Saturday October 4, UniBond League Premier
Division |
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Boston United |
1 |
Bradford Park Avenue |
2 |
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Haran 90 (og) |
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Hall 21, 41 |
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Team (4-3-3): Martyn Margarson; Liam Parker (Wes Parker 46), Ryan Clarke,
Matt Bloomer, David Farrell; Steve Melton, Jon Rowan (Danny Matson 23, Lee Beeson
68), Liam Green; Kieran Leabon, Ollie Ryan, Jon Froggatt. Subs (not used):
Stewart Talbot, Adam Millson. |
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Team (4-4-2): Jon Worsnop; Darren Hockenhull, Carl Ruffer, Mark Haran, Mark
Hotte; Chris Bettney (Tom Baker 52), Stuart Graves, Steven Connors (Ged
Murphy 51), Roy Stamer (Mike Moseley 75); Stuart Rudd, Chris Hall. Subs (not
used): Luke Gibson, Neil Hall. |
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Report: 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.
Bradford had the breezy elements in their favour during the first half
and apart from a couple of attacking flurries by the Pilgrims, it was the
visitors who enjoyed the greater share of domination. Bradford carved out the
first opening when Stuart Rudd sent a spectacular 12-yard overhead kick
inches too high. The 21st minute, though, saw the deadlock broken
when Bradford exerted another spell of pressure. The ball was worked out to
the right where Rudd get it back for Hall to turn sweetly and sweep in a low
shot. Eight minutes later more attacking work led to another chance for
Bradford, but Roy Stamer drilled wide from 20 yards. The visitors continued
on the front foot and on 39 minutes Rudd saw a snap-shot fly too high.
However, the home deficit doubled two minutes later when Hall’s flicked
header from a Stamer corner somehow slithered under the body of debutant home
keeper Martyn Margarson. Boston certainly looked far livelier in the second
half with conditions favouring their play and a 25-yard Jon Froggatt shot
whistled just wide.The 64th minute brought another home chance
when Ollie Ryan accepted a Kieran Leabon through ball but fired straight at
keeper Jon Worsnop. Increasing home pressure then saw Froggatt getting in a
fierce 72nd minute drive following good set-up play by Kieran
Leabon. But Worsnop again saved well by beating the ball away. Boston
continued to batter away in an attempt to spark a recovery. But their efforts
continued to flounder on a resolute visiting rearguard — until the third
minute of stoppage time when a Liam Green corner dropped into the six-yard
area where Bradford defender Haran watched in agony as the ball diverted off
his body and over his own line. There was time for one further Boston flurry,
but in the end time ran out as United slithered to a third straight home
league loss. Referee: G Law. Attendance:
1,162 (away support of 65) |
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Saturday September 27, FA Cup second
qualifying round |
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Boston United |
2 |
AFC Stamford |
1 |
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Froggatt 14, 49 |
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Clarke 35 |
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Team (4-3-3): Chris Wright; Liam Parker, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer, David Farrell;
Steve Melton, Jon Rowan, Liam Green (Stewart Talbot 85); Kieran Leabon, Ollie
Ryan (Lee Beeson 77), Jon Froggatt (Adam Millson 90). Subs (not used):
Mitchell Griffiths, Micky Nuttell, Nick Reeson, Martyn Margarson (gk). |
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Team (4-4-2): Martin Davies; Rob White (Chris Goodman 66), Ross Watson,
Paul Sheehan, Dominic Hallows; Dan Cotton, Danny Steadman (Liam Hebberd 84),
Chris Gray, Ryan Collis; Jamie Clarke (Todd Whitby 69), Adam Cunnington. Subs
(not used): Seth Burkett, Phil Stebbing. |
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Report: 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. Boston drew first blood in the encounter when, after a
bright start, Froggatt fired high over keeper Martin Davies and into the net
seconds after the keeper had produced a good parrying save to deny the same
United player. Earlier, Stamford had briefly threatened when ex-Pilgrim Dan
Cotton drilled wide from 20 yards following a short free-kick routine. For
long spells, Boston were able to keep up some good attacking work without
being able to add to their lead. Stamford grew in confidence and drew level
on 35 minutes when Adam Cunnington broke down the right and pulled the ball
back for Jamie Clarke to slide a 12-yard shot beyond Chris Wright and into
the bottom corner of the home net. The visitors raised their game further and
almost went ahead five minutes later when Clarke (twice) and Ryan Collis saw
efforts terrifically blocked by Wright and then via a goalline clearance from
Matt Bloomer. Boston regained the lead four minutes after the interval when
Froggatt hit the target again, this time powering in a downward header from a
Liam Green corner. The width of the crossbar then denied United a third goal
when Froggatt nodded a deep David Farrell free-kick into the path of Ryan
whose headed effort bounced off the goal frame. Three minutes later Ryan saw
a much better opportunity go astray. He broke into the area but was then
fouled by Chris Gray. However, the United number 10 saw his penalty pushed
away by a sprawling Davies. Ten minutes from time, Boston went close again
when Kieran Leabon burst free only to see a 20-yard drive rattle away off the
Stamford bar. Referee: S Meale.
Attendance: 1,125 (away support of 109) |
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Tuesday September 23, UniBond League Premier Division | |||