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Boston United Match reports for the 2011-2012 season Blue Square Conference North and cup competitions Click here>> for Boston United home page
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Saturday September 17
Saturday April 28, Blue Square North
Boston United	3	Guiseley	3
Weir-Daley 15 Newsham 42 Reed 71		Senior 54, 78 Wilson 87
Report: Boston United rounded off an up-and-down Blue Square North campaign with a point against a Guiseley side destined to finish as runners-up in the division. It was an entertaining encounter with both sides carving out a good supply of chances. But arguably the Pilgrims might feel a tad disappointed for allowing a 3-1 lead to slip with just 12 minutes remaining. It was a match in which Guiseley, minus five regulars, opened with Joe O'Neill hitting the home goal frame and then the impressive Chris Senior testing keeper Paul Bastock. But it was the Pilgrims who took a 15th minute lead. Bastock’s booming clearance dropped for Spencer Weir-Daley to control before firing over Jacob Giles. Boston went 2-0 ahead in the 42nd minute when Marc Newsham bundled in after an initial Nathan Stainfield header from an Ian Ross corner had proved too difficult for Giles to push away at full stretch. Guiseley upped the tempo after the break and Bastock tipped a 48th minute Simon Baldry penalty away off the bar after Nathan Stainfield had fouled Andy Holdsworth. Senior then smacked the home goal frame for a third time before breaking clear to make it 2-1 on 54 minutes. But Boston hit back with a low drive on 71 minutes from the impressive James Reed to restore their two-goal lead. However, the visitors finished strongly with another terrific run and finish by Senior on 78 minutes. And then Matthew Wilson broke forward to blast a leveller three minutes from time. Referee: C Kavanagh. Attendance: 1,087 (away support of 46).
Saturday April 21, Blue Square North
Hyde FC	4	Boston United	1
Poole 2 Broadbent 19 Spencer 83 (pen) Payne 90		Ross 31
Team (4-4-2): David Carnell; Josh Brizell, Andy Pearson, Gianluca Havern, Adam Griffin; David Poole (Shelton Payne 76), Chris Worsley, David Birch, Reece Gray (Tunji Moses 85); Danny Broadbent (Godwin Adabaki 81), Scott Spencer. Subs (not used): Danny Hall, Callum Byrne.		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Lee Canoville, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Josh Burge; Marc Newsham, Spencer Weir-Daley (Ben Fairclough 66), Kallum Smith (Ryan Semple 66). Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Kevin Austin, James Reed.
Details still to add. Referee: R Wootton. Attendance: 1,046.
Saturday April 14, Blue Square North
Boston United	1	Gainsborough Trinity	2
Stainfield 60		Mettam 43 (pen) Stamp 62
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman (Kevin Austin 46); Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Josh Burge (Jason Lee 63); Ben Fairclough (Ryan Semple 46), Spencer Weir-Daley, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Conor Marshall, James Reed.		Team (4-4-2): Jason White, Dominic Roma, Luke Waterfall, Andrew Boyce, Kevin Sandwith; Ryan Williams (Michael Leary 83), Shane Clarke, Jonathan D’Laryea, Jamie Yates; Darryn Stamp (Paul Connor 88), Ryan Kendall (Leon Mettam 27). Subs (not used): Adam Watts, Ryan Paczkowski.
Report: Boston United slipped to a third straight home defeat and a overall fifth reverse in their last six Blue Square North encounters as their run-in to the end of the season spirals into disappointment. Adding to the Pilgrims’ woe was the fact that their latest setback came at the hands of county arch-rivals Gainsborough Trinity by a 2-1 margin. The visitors went ahead just before the break through a disputed Leon Mettam penalty. United’s ever-improving centre back Nathan Stainfield levelled on the hour, only for Darryn Stamp to settle matters in favour of the visitors with a second Trinity goal 90 seconds later. Referee: Matthew Buonassisi. Attendance: 1,164.
Monday April 9, Blue Square North
FC Halifax	3	Boston United	2
Hannah 6, 34 Dean 39		Newsham 45 Burge 72
FC Halifax (4-3-3): Simon Eastwood; Ryan Toulson, Liam Hogan, Danny Lowe, Scott McManus; Sean Clancy (Jason St Juste 71), Matt Crooks (Tom Baker 46), Simon Garner; James Dean, Ross Hannah (Aaron Hardy 83), Lee Gregory. Subs (not used): Jamie Rainford, Phil Senior (gk).		Boston (4-3-3): Ricky Drury; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman (Lee Canoville 80); Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, James Reed (Josh Burge 71); Ben Fairclough, Spencer Weir-Daley (Ryan Semple 71), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Kallum Smith, Chris Hall.
Report: Boston United showed excellent fightback powers in their away-day trek to face promotion-chasing FC Halifax. But, in the end, it wasn’t enough to yield any rewards as the Pilgrims went down to a 3-2 defeat — having trailed by three clear goals at one point. Marc Newsham and Josh Burge were the United men on target. Referee: A Tankard. Attendance: 1,548.
Saturday April 7, Blue Square North
Boston United	0	Harrogate Town	2
		White 62 Nowakowski 62
Report: Boston United slipped to back-to-back home Blue Square North losses for the first time this season when succumbing in generally tame fashion to lowly Harrogate. Goals from ex-Pilgrims defender Alan White and midfielder Adam Nowakowski saw Harrogate avenge an earlier home loss against the Pilgrims who went into the clash minus the services of first choice keeper Paul Bastock (ill) and midfielders Danny Sleath (injured) and Ian Ross (unavailable due to a clause in his switch from Harrogate some months ago). In a match that never hit any great heights, Town grabbed a breakthrough on 42 minutes when the impressive White swivelled to fire into the top corner after a Lee Elam free-kick caused uncertainty in the home rearguard. Before that, though, there was little first half action of note. Town went close early on when Paul Bolland missed a gaping net after home keeper Ricky Drury had miscued a clearance. Boston’s had only a couple of openings. On 29 minutes Spencer Weir-Daley cut the ball back for Ben Milnes to see a drive blocked by keeper Mark Cook. And shortly afterwards a Weir-Daley drive flashed inches too high. After the interval, it was generally a tale of Harrogate remaining in charge with Boston failing to get the better of ex-Pilgrims White and Matt Bloomer in Town’s back line. Bolland fired over, Paul Radcliffe saw a shot scrape a post and Andrew Burns forced a fine save from Drury. On 62 minutes Nowakowski rose unmarked to meet a Radcliffe corner to make it 2-0 and later Elam fired wide after breaking free. Boston rallied briefly late on but only had off-target efforts by Nathan Stainfield and Josh Burge to show for their faltering efforts. Arguably the most entertaining moment of the second half for United followers was the humorous arrival on the pitch of four ducks who flew in for a brief midfield inspection before flapping off as play headed their way via a hoard of trampling footballers. Referee: L Betts. Attendance: 1,049 (away support of 14)
Saturday March 31, Blue Square North
Gloucester City	1	Boston United	3
Bird 59		Newsham 42, 44 (pen) Milnes 62
Team (4-4-2): Lewis Carey; Mike Green (George Lloyd 69), Matt Coupe, Tom Hamblin, Jack Harris; Matt Lock, Matt Rose, Darren Mullings, David Bird (Matt Liddiard 69); Scott Wilson (Sam Rawlings 46), Will Morford. Subs (not used): Neil Mustoe, Kieran Mace.		Team (4-3-3): Ricky Drury; Conor Marshall, Nathan Stainfield, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross (Lee Canoville 71), Josh Burge; Ben Fairclough (Ryan Semple 67), Spencer Weir-Daley (Kallum Smith 90), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Chris Hall, Tom Ward.
Report: Boston United bounced back to winning ways with a terrific 3-1 away success against Gloucester — a result that gave the Pilgrims their third Blue Square North double of the season following previous home-and-away successes against Workington and Hinckley. Two goals from Marc Newsham and one by Ben Milnes fired the Pilgrims to victory on a day when they had to cope with regular keeper Paul Bastock (ill) and midfielder Danny Sleath (injured). Ricky Drury and Josh Burge deputised and both turned in fine performances. Early on, only a good save by home keeper Lewis Carey prevented Boston from almost instant success when he beat away a Spencer Weir-Daley shot following a cross by Gareth Jelleyman. Next, Nathan Stainfield headed over from an Ian Ross corner. The same combination later drew another good save by Carey. Gloucester answered and Drury had to flip over a Darren Mullings header before making a tremendous close range save to foil Matt Lock. Boston went ahead three minutes before the interval when Newsham blasted in following a fine through ball by Stainfield. And two minutes later Newsham fired in from the penalty spot after Mike Green had handled a Weir-Daley drive. Fourteen minutes after the break the home side answered when David Bird seized an opportunity from 25 yards and drilled beyond Drury. But three minutes later United restored their two-goal cushion when Weir-Daley and Newsham linked well to set up Milnes for a tidy, rising 12-yard finish. Boston kept pressing and went close three times without serious reply through Burge, Weir-Daley and Newsham. Gloucester’s only other notable attack saw Will Morford get into a threatening position only to fire well over the bar. Referee: O Yates. Attendance: 315.
Tuesday March 27, Blue Square North
Boston United	2	Worcester City	3
Newsham 33 (pen), 48 (pen)		Taylor 19 Symons 34 Birley 67 (pen)
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Nathan Stainfield, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath (Josh Burge 72); Ben Fairclough (Ryan Semple 46), Spencer Weir-Daley, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Kallum Smith, Tom Ward, Lee Canoville.		Team (4-4-2): James Dormand; Dwayne Samuels, Jacob Rowe, Stuart Whitehead, Ellis Deeney; Matt Birley, Rob Elvins, Tyler Weir (Phil Green 86), Greg Mills (Danny Edwards 52); Mike Symons, Michael Taylor (Danny Carey-Bertram 75). Subs (not used): Lee Ayres, Matt Sargeant (gk).
Report: Boston United finally kissed goodbye to their wafer-thin play-off hopes when opponents Worcester completed a quick-fire Blue Square North double — having won the reverse fixture at the start of March. For United, Marc Newsham was a two-goal hero, albeit both strikes coming from the penalty spot. But his efforts weren’t enough to stave off the spectre of a fifth home league loss this term. It was the visitors who started the brighter with midfielder Matt Birley and striker Mike Symons both going close with a shot and header respectively. At the other end, it took 12 minutes for Boston to create an opening. But here, following a couple of waves of attacking, keeper James Dorman did well to beat away an attempted header across goal by Spencer Weir-Daley. Then a fierce cross by Ben Fairclough just eluded everyone when a goal seemed a possibility. Worcester hit back and took a 19th minute leader. Ellis Deeney crossed from the left and Michael Taylor got in a neat flicked finish that appeared to deceive Paul Bastock before finding the net. United hit back and Ben Milnes ouched inside for Weir-Daley to fire wide. The Pilgrims drew level on 33 minutes when Newsham drilled in from the penalty spot after Weir-Daley tried to wriggle between Stuart Whitehead and Dwyane Samuels — the referee ruling that the former had delivered a trip as the United front man hit the deck. But United’s joy was short-lived as Symons restored City’s lead with a tidt finish by Symons from a Greg Mills centre. Just before the break, a chance apiece arrived at both ends but Birley fired wide of Bastock’s goal and then Newsham saw a shot blocked from a Milnes cut-back. United opened the second half at a good tempo and drew level on 48 minutes with Newsham’s second successful spot-kick — this time being awarded after he had been impeded by Deeney on the verdict of a referee’s assistant. Soon afterwards United almost went ahead when substitute Ryan Semple saw a shot parried by Dormand and Weir-Daley rattled the rebound against a post. In reply City had claims for a penalty turned down when Ian Ross blocked a Symons shot on the line following a Danny Edwards corner. Next it was United’s turn to go close with full-back Conor Marshall seeing a rising left-foot 20-yard smack an upright. But back came Worcester and they took the lead for a third time when referee Adrian Holmes completed a hat-trick of penalty awards when Nathan Stainfield tripped Symons. Matt Birley fired low into the corner from the 12-yard mark on 67 minutes. Boston tried to hit back and Newsham forced Dormand into a fine save following a cross by Marshall. Then right at the death Kevin Austin headed inches wide from a Ross free-kick. And with that went the Pilgrims’ hope of late salvation. Referee: A Holmes. Attendance: 841 (away support of 15).
Saturday March 24, Blue Square North
Droylsden	2	Boston United	1
Hall 10 Johnson 76		Ross 61
Team (4-4-2): Danzelle St Louis Hamilton; Cliff Moyo, Nat Kerr, Andy Langford, Shaun Holden; Lewis Killeen, Patrick Lacey, Steve Hall (Warren Peyton 57), Carlos Logan (Alirou Nsangou 29); Dale Johnson, Tom Fisher (Chris Brown 80). Subs (not used): James McKenzie, Sean Lake (gk).		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough (Ryan Semple 62), Spencer Weir-Daley (Kallum Smith 74), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Josh Burge, Kevin Austin, Lee Canoville.
Report: Boston United slipped to a 2-1 away Blue Square North defeat against Droylsden — a result that all but ends what were already slim aspirations of attaining a spot in the end-of-season play-offs. The Pilgrims, featuring new signings Kallum Smith and Josh Burge among their substitutes, fell behind to a breakthrough goal after just 10 minutes when a brilliant 20-yard strike by Steve Hall gave Paul Bastock no chance. Six minutes later Spencer Weir-Daley almost got free, but a fine tackle by Andy Langford thwarted the united front man. Droylsden almost made it 2-0 on the half-four but Tom Fisher fired a drive against a post when it looked easier to score. United thought they had equalised on 35 minutes when Marc Newsham hit the target after being set up by Weir-Daley. But an offside flag nullified the effort. Almost immediately, Droylsden responded and Bastock did well to save from Fisher. The Pilgrims had the ball in the net again on 38 minutes when Weir-Daley delivered a smashing angled drive finish from a Ben Fairclough set-up. But again an offside flag intervened. Then, just before the interval, a Nathan Stainfield drive was cleared by the home rearguard. Three minutes into the second half Newsham saw a low shot held by the exotically named keeper Danzelle St Louis Hamilton. And moments later Ben Fairclough was only a whisker away from connecting with a Weir-Daley cross-shot. Then on 55 minutes, more Boston pressure yielded a shooting chance for Ian Ross but his effort was blocked by Andy Langford. However, Ross made his mark on 61 minutes when curling home a 20-yarder after collecting possession from good hold-up work by Weir-Daley. Next came two more close calls for the Pilgrims — Weir-Daley just missing out with a header and then when Gareth Jelleyman fired wide. Back came Droylsden, though, with Dale Johnson testing Bastock and then Warren Peyton seeing a 35-yard free-kick blocked by the Boston wall. United fell behind again on 76 minutes when they were caught by some swift home counter-attacking and Johnson delivered a tidy finish over Bastock. That knocked the stuffing out of the Pilgrims for a while. But gradually they recovered their composure and almost equalised on 87 minutes. But Ben Milnes saw a rising drive flash inches too high. Referee: M Parry. Attendance: 311.
Saturday March 17, Blue Square North
Boston United	1	Altrincham	1
Fairclough 35		Lawrie 51
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough (Ryan Semple 69), Spencer Weir-Daley (Jason Lee 78), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Chris Hall, Kevin Austin, Lee Canoville.		Team (4-4-2): Stuart Coburn; Shaun Densmore, Matthew Flynn, Chris Lynch, Nicky Clee (Mark Lynch 90); John Miles (Duncan Watmore 46), Simon Richman, Scott Phelan, James Lawrie; Damian Reeves, Leighton McGivern (Michael Twiss 89). Subs (not used): James Holden, Adam Reid (gk).
Report: Boston United and Altrincham battled out a hugely entertaining draw at the Jakeman’s Stadium — a result that keeps both clubs on the fringes of the play-off zone. Arguably Altrincham had slightly the better of the overall exchanges. But the Pilgrims always kept up a strong tempo to their play and went ahead through Ben Fairclough 10 minutes before the break, only to see the visitors level six minutes into the second period. Early on Altrincham’s 36-goal top scorer Damian Reeves broke down the left and almost set up a goal for the visitors. He crossed and James Lawrie forced a fine save from Paul Bastock with a firm drive. Around the half-hour mark Bastock again rescued Boston with good stops in quick succession from headers by Lawrie and Matthew Flynn. Arguably against the run of play, it was the Pilgrims who went ahead on 35 minutes. Danny Sleath found space on the left and his centre was met by Fairclough who forced home a close-range header. Just before the break, Alty threatened again but once more efforts by Reeves and Leighton McGivern found the clutches of Bastock. However, six minutes after half-time the visitors drew level when Lawrie headed in after Bastock had initially blocked a fierce drive by McGivern, the ball looping up for the decisive finish. Moments later a Scott Phelan shot rattled off a home post and then Simon Rickman and Nicky Clee also went close. Boston rallied well and away keeper Stuart Coburn kept his team level with good saves from Spencer Weir-Daley and Danny Sleath (twice) while a Tom Ward header was cleared off the line by Clee. Both sides exchanged further waves of attacking momentum but a winning goal never arrived. From a home perspective, United can draw confidence from the way in which young central defensive pairing of Ward and Nathan Stainfield prevented the highly-rated Reeves from posing any real threat on goal throughout the 90 minutes. Referee: J Tyas. Attendance: 1,204 (away support of 87)
Monday March 12, Blue Square North
Hinckley United	1	Boston United	2
Kerry 32		Weir-Daley 27, 70
Team (4-4-2): Dan Haystead; Jake Holt, Paul Lister, Haydn Hollis, Callum Flanagan; Lloyd Kerry, Richard Lavery, Andy Gooding (Sam Belcher 84), Mark Dudley (Tom Byrne 75); Andre Gray, Danny Newton. Subs: Daniel Bragoli, Ben Richards-Everton.		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough (Jason Lee 73), Spencer Weir-Daley, Marc Newsham (Chris Hall 86). Subs (not used): Kevin Austin, Tyrone Kirk, Lee Canoville.
Report: Striker Spencer Weir-Daley was Boston United’s two-goal inspiration as the Pilgrims secured a 2-1 away Blue Square North victory against Hinckley United. He netted either side of the interval as Boston improved slightly their mid-table position to sit on a points total of 49, still six adrift of the final play-off place with just nine matches to go. More details to follow. Referee: S Plane. Attendance: 441
Saturday March 10, Blue Square North
Boston United	3	Stalybridge Celtic	2
Newsham 23, 76 (pen) Weir-Daley 72		Brogan 31 Hobson 90
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough, Marc Newsham (Chris Hall 81), Tyrone Kirk (Spencer Weir-Daley 55). Subs (not used): Kevin Austin, Lee Canoville, James Reed.		Team (4-3-3): Jan Budtz; Jack Rea, Kristian Platt, Rhys Meynell, Andy McWilliams; Ollie Banks (Joel Bembo-Leta 56), Greg Wilkinson (Arthur Gnahoua 27), Callum Warburton (Mitchell Austin 66); Phil Marsh, Craig Hobson, Stephen Brogan. Subs (not used): Chris Lynch, Djeny Bembo-Leta.
Report: Two-goal Marc Newsham became a Boston half-century hero. The Pilgrims' front man helped inflict further misery on fading Stalybridge as he hit his 50th goal in United colours.The result saw Boston gain revenge for an earlier loss at Stalybridge who have now won only once in 13 league outings. The initial throes saw both sides putting plenty of emphasis on attack. In the opening seconds Phil Marsh tested home keeper Paul Bastock. At the other end, a Ben Milnes shot hit a post, Nathan Stainfield headed wide from an Ian Ross corner and Danny Sleath scooped a shot too high. Boston went ahead on 23 minutes when Gareth Jelleyman crossed from the left and Newsham curled a first-time 18-yarder into Jan Budtz’s top corner. But the lead lasted only eight minutes. Marsh broke down the right and crossed low for Stephen Brogan to blast in at the far post. United saw further chances go astray after the break with close calls for Stainfield, Ben Fairclough and Sleath before Weir-Daley - back after illness - swivelled to fire in from eight yards on 72 minutes. Four minutes later Newsham drilled in from the spot after Rhys Meynell handled a Weir-Daley shot. Bizarrely the match meandered into eight minutes of stoppage time when the ever-dangerous Craig Hobson forced in a last-gasp second for Celtic – but too late to affect the outcome. Referee: G Stretton. Attendance: 1,000 (away support of 47)
Tuesday March 6, Lincolnshire Senior Shield final
Grantham Town	2	Boston United	0
Lewis 28, 69
Team (4-4-2): Rob Murray; Sam Purcicoe, Phil Watt, Sam Saunders, Lee Potts (Paul Grimes 81); Rhys Lewis, Grant Brindley, Chris Glarvey, Gio Carchedi (Damien Magee 58); Tony Battersby, Sean Cann (Jamie McGhee 71). Subs (not used): Ben Saunders, Martin Ball.		Team (4-3-3): Ricky Drury; Lewis Sturman, Lee Canoville, Kevin Austin, Jason Field (Scott Dawson 58); James Reed, Chris Hall, Richard Jackson (Liam Ogden 46); Tom Sergeant, Leon Constantine, Tony Edwards (Charley Sanders 68). Subs (not used): Jason Lee, Andy Hewitt (gk).
Report: A largely makeshift Boston United side never really got into overdrive and finished up 2-0 losers and a fairly well-beaten outfit in the final of the Lincolnshire Senior Shield — with opponents Grantham fielding most of the players that have taken them to the top of UniBond Division One South. Grantham made a bright start and Rhys Lewis was quick to test keeper Ricky Drury. The United custodian also did well to thwart Gio Carchedi but could do little to prevent Lewis from putting Town ahead from a Lee Potts cross. Further home chances then arrived to the likes of Sam Saunders and Carchedi. But both were untaken. The tie was put out of Boston’s reach in the 69^th minute when Lewis netted again. Boston manufactured few moments of genuine danger, although late on a Chris Hall shot brought home goalie Rob Murray into saving action. Referee: Nigel Smith. Attendance: 258.
Saturday March 3, Blue Square North
Worcester City	3	Boston United	0
Elvins 9 Birley 29 Thorley (pen) 51
Team (4-3-3): Matt Sargeant; Tyler Weir, Jacob Rowe, Rob Elvins, Ellis Deeney; Tom Thorley, Kevin O'Connor, Matt Birley (Lee Ayres 74); Michael Taylor (Phil Green 60), Mike Symons (Danny Carey-Bertram 77), Greg Mills. Subs (not used): Ryan Clarke, James Dormand (gk).		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield (Kevin Austin 65), Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross (Chris Hall 74), Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough, Marc Newsham, Tyrone Kirk (Leon Constantine 65). Subs (not used): Lee Canoville, Jason Lee.
Report: Boston United’s play-off aspirations were effectively dealt a terminal blow when they succumbed 3-0 on their travels against fellow mid-tablers Worcester City. The Pilgrims were undone by first half strikes from Rob Elvins and Matt Birley while Tom Thorley put the seal on things with a second half spot kick on a day when United notably lacked the services through illness of striker Spencer Weir-Daley and generally under-performed on an afternoon of great disappointment. Tyrone Kirk stepped in to fill the void up front and early on, his excellent cross found Ben Fairclough whose header was stunningly pushed away by home keeper Matt Sargeant. Worcester hit back and took a ninth minute lead when Elvins got a scoring touch to a curling free-kick delivered by Thorley. Buoyed by this goal, City again went close when Michael Taylor dashed free but fired off target from 20 yards. On 29 minutes, United’s deficit became 2-0 when Birley was on hand to convert from 10 yards after Paul Bastock had done really well to initially keep out a Taylor shot. United’s responses were limited, although Danny Sleath almost cut the arrears but saw a fierce shot saved by Sargeant. The destiny of the points was put beyond doubt six minutes after the interval when Thorley netted from the penalty spot after Nathan Stainfield had fouled Taylor. And later on, Bastock again did well to save from Kevin O’Connor while the post denied Mike Symons and a Greg Mills shot fizzed wide. Boston struggled to mount any sustained raids although Sleath and Marc Newsham both failed with half chances and the match petered out into a sorry outcome for United. Referee: Andrew Quelch. Attendance: 756.
Saturday February 25, Blue Square North
Boston United	2	Gloucester City	1
B Fairclough 32 Ward 65
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough (Tyrone Kirk 89), Spencer Weir-Daley (Leon Constantine 83), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Chris Hall, Jason Lee, Kevin Austin.		Team (4-4-2): Lewis Carey; Mike Green (Sam Rawlings 79), Matt Coupe, Tom Hamblin, Jack Harris; Matt Lock, Darren Mullings (Steve Davies 54), Tom Webb, Adam Mann; Darren Edwards, Will Morford (Scott Wilson 74). Subs (not used): Neil Mustoe, Matt Rose.
Report: Goals in each half fired Boston to maximum points. The Pilgrims followed up their midweek demolition of Vauxhall Motors to retain outside hopes of a late push towards the play-offs zone. Striker Ben Fairclough and defender Tom Ward were their scoring heroes against a hard-working Gloucester side. The visitors were reduced to 10 men late on when substitute Scott Wilson saw red for a reckless challenge on Ward. But by that stage, the damage had been done. Boston grabbed a 20th minute lead when Fairclough drilled in from 25 yards through a ruck of players following an Ian Ross corner. Elsewhere, a Spencer Weir-Daley header and a Danny Sleath shot against a post had threatened a home breakthrough while in reply for the visitors, both Darren Mullings and Adam Mann were denied by good saves from Paul Bastock. Boston set off well after the break with Matt Coupe clearing off the line from Sleath plus close calls for Marc Newsham and Weir-Daley. On 65 minutes Ward made it 2-0 with a fine header into the top corner following another Ross flag-kick. After that, City lifted their game amid a flurry of yellow cards from somewhat over-fussy referee Alan Young. Darren Edwards had penalty claims waved away and then drilled a 70^th minute 18-yarder inches too high. Late on, Steve Davies was also thwarted by Bastock as Boston kept their clean sheet intact. Referee: A Young. Attendance: 1,077 (away support of 26).
Tuesday February 21, Blue Square North
Vauxhall Motors	0	Boston United	4
		Weir-Daley 5 Ward 23 Newsham 27, 41
Team (4-4-2): Scott Tynan; Danny Fearnehough, Paul Jones, Tom Hannigan, Louis Horne (Fraser Ablett 46); Craig Mahon, David Mannix, Liam Wynn (Scott Phelan 46), John Lawless (Jonathan Egerton 46); Cole Stockton, Josh Wilson. Sub (not used): Gary Spotswood (gk).		Team(4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman, Ben Milnes, Ian Ross (Chris Hall 88), Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough (Tyrone Kirk 70), Spencer Weir-Daley (Leon Constantine 77), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Jason Lee, Ricky Drury (gk).
Report: Boston United returned to action after a substantial break – and they did it in style with an emphatic 4-0 away success in the Blue Square North against Vauxhall Motors. The Pilgrims showed no effects of another long-haul midweek excursion and waltzed off with maximum points courtesy of goals from Spencer Weir-Daley, Tom Ward and two from Marc Newsham — all netted in a cracking first half display. The win gave United ample revenge for an earlier home loss against the same opponents. The Pilgrims went into the clash with something of a defensive headache in the wake of Lee Canoville and Kevin Austin both being ruled out through illness. This meant that youngsters Ward and Nathan Stainfield were pitched into action as the central pair in United’s rearguard. But the duo rose to the occasion and helped to lay the foundations for what proved to be a fine victory — United’s seventh away success of an inconsistent campaign. On five minutes, the Pilgrims made the all-important breakthrough when Newsham flicked on a clearance by Paul Bastock and Weir-Daley showed neat control before burying an 18-yard shot beyond Scott Tynan. That was an ideal riposte after Vauxhall had gone close in the opening moments with Bastock saving well from a Louis Horne header. Boston went 2-0 ahead on 23 minutes when Ward headed in from an Ian Ross corner. And the lead became 3-0 four minutes later when Weir-Daley saw a shot blocked by Tynan and then collected possession from the rebound before setting up Newsham for a tidy close-range finish. Vauxhall answered with a rare attack but Cole Stockton was thwarted by a fine tackle by Ward. Four minutes before the break, United made it 4-0 when Ross and Ben Milnes worked a short corner. The latter then crossed well for Newsham to net with a well-placed header. With the game in the bag, United played a more controlled and consolidating game after the break and to a degree, Vauxhall became a greater threat — their best moment seeing Stockton head just wide from a Scott Phelan cross. United, though, still had chances to have widened the vistory margin. Ross went close with a deflected 20-yard drive and then Danny Sleath fired inches past a post with a long range shot. In the dying throes, Vauxhall almost broke their duck, but Bastock ensured a well-earned clean sheet shut-out with a fine save from Stockton. Referee: Scott Oldham. Attendance: 173.
Saturday February 11, Blue Square North
Boston United	v	Worcester City
Match postponed (frozen pitch)
Tuesday February 7, Blue Square North
Colwyn Bay	3	Boston United	2
Noon 50, 89 Payne 56		Sleath 30 Newsham 53
Team (4-4-2): Chris Sanna; Luke Denson, Frank Sinclair (Karl Noon 46), Matt Hughes, Michael Lea; Gareth Evans, John McKenna, Lee Davey, Shelton Payne; Jon Newby, Rob Hopley. Subs (not used): Lee McEvilly, Liam Benson, Jamie McKernan.		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Lee Canoville (Kevin Austin 75), Tom Ward, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough (Leon Constantine 65), Spencer Weir-Daley, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Chris Hall, Nathan Stainfield, Tyrone Kirk.
Report: A goal in the final few moments sentenced Boston United to an unfortunate 3-2 away defeat against Colwyn Bay. The Pilgrims had twice held the lead after concluding their long haul midweek excursion to north Wales through goals by Danny Sleath and Marc Newsham. But United were twice pegged back and then suffered the heartbreak of conceding an 89^th minute decider. Referee: Rob Jones. Attendance: 244.
Saturday February 4, Blue Square North
Hinckley United	v	Boston United
Match postponed (frozen pitch)
Saturday January 28, Blue Square North
Corby Town	1	Boston United	2
Gordon 38		Ross 53 B Fairclough 90
Team (4-4-2): Chris Mackenzie; Delroy Gordon, Phil Gulliver, Paul Malone, Paul Mayo; Andy Hall (Aynsley McDonald 89), Steve Towers, James Ozmen (Troy Farden 72), Jordan Smith; Sam Mullarkey (Pat Bexfield 78), Mark Jones. Subs (not used): Ritchie Jones, Jake Walton.		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes (Chris Hall 90), Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough, Spencer Weir-Daley, Marc Newsham (Leon Constantine 79). Subs (not used): Kevin Austin, Nathan Stainfield, Tony Edwards.
Report: A stoppage time goal by Ben Fairclough fired Boston United to a welcome maximum points haul in their Blue Square North away fixture against Corby Town. The Pilgrims had trailed at the interval to a Delroy Gordon goal. However, a 53^rd minute equaliser by Ian Ross laid the platform what proved to be a successful fightback. The result enabled United to edge into 11^th spot in the table. United showed positive endeavour right from the start with plenty of bright movement. And it was home keeper Chris Mackenzie who was tested first, when doing well to deny Danny Sleath with a 25-yarder. In reply, Corby’s best early opening in a half where Boston forced eight corners without ever seriously suggesting a breakthrough from a set-piece, came when Jordan Smith met an Andy Hall cross but fired just wide. However, on 38 minutes the home side went ahead when Gordon bundled the ball in from close range after a Hall cross had posed the initial danger. Boston hit back and Ross tested Mackenzie with a low shot just before half-time. After the break, Boston again went close when Ben Milnes drilled across goal and wide. At the other end, a similar fate befell a drive for Corby by Sam Mullarkey. But on 53 minutes Boston drew level when Ross blasted in from a 20-yard free-kick after Sleath had been upended. Further United pressure then yielded a chance for Fairclough but Paul Mayo booted off the home line. Then Marc Newsham and Fairclough, again, both also went close. In reply, Smith got in a shot that tested Paul Bastock, but Boston had the final say when, three minutes into stoppage time, full-back Conor Marshall sent in a fine cross from which Fairclough delivered a telling finish to seal a fantastic fightback victory. Referee: Guy Stretton. Attendance: 552.
Saturday January 21, Blue Square North
Boston United	0	Nuneaton Town	0
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough, Spencer Weir-Daley, Marc Newsham (Leon Constantine 80). Subs (not used): Chris Hall, Kevin Austin, Nathan Stainfield, Ricky Drury (gk).		Team (4-4-2): Danny Alcock; Mark Noon, Mark Albrighton, Guy Hadland, Simon Forsdick; Lee Moore, Adam Walker, Gary Mills, Wesley York; Andy Brown (Danny Glover 80), Danny Mitchley (James Armson 63). Subs (not used): Alex Dean, Neil Collett (gk).
Report: One point each did little to enhance either side's ambitions. But at least for Nuneaton, it preserved their challenge for a play-offs spot and maintained their four-month unbeaten away league run. For Boston, it was another tale of home rewards going astray as they seek to improve their mid-table standing. But the real winner on the day was a howling downfield gale. Boston started with the elements in their favour but only threatened briefly. On 12 minutes a Spencer Weir-Daley effort was scrambled off the Town line by Adam Walker while shots from distance by Danny Sleath, Ian Ross and Ben Milnes barely troubled keeper Danny Alcock. The closest to a first half breakthrough, in fact, came at the other end when a stinging 42nd minute drive by Danny Mitchley tested Paul Bastock. Thoughts that Nuneaton would dominate the second half were dispelled when the Pilgrims produced some excellent football on the deck with Ross a key figure in midfield. Weir-Daley, Ross and Sleath all went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock with low drives. Town never really lifted their game and Bastock’s only real saves came when denying Mitchley on 62 minutes and then Walker 12 minutes from time. On 87 minutes Boston thought they had won it when sub Leon Constantine netted from close range after a Sleath shot was parried by Alcock. But an offside flag blunted home celebrations. Referee: J Tyas. Attendance: 1,070 (away support of 93).
Saturday January 14, FA Trophy second round
Dartford	4	Boston United	2
Erskine 4, 54, 90 Noble 61		Weir-Daley 21 Constantine 82
Team (4-4-2): Louis Wells; Matt Jones, Tom Bonnner, Connor Essam, Adam Green; Lee Noble (Richard Graham 88), Tom Champion, James Rogers, Danny Harris; Jacob Erskine (Tony Garrod 90), Elliot Bradbrook. Subs: Ryan Hayes, Jon Wallis, Deren Ibrahim (gk).		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Fairclough (Leon Constantine 76), Ian Ross (Chris Hall 67), Danny Sleath, Marc Newsham; Jason Lee, Spencer Weir-Daley. Subs (not used): Jason Field, Tony Edwards, Nathan Stainfield.
Report: Boston United’s week of unhappiness concluded when they tumbled off the FA Trophy trail in a 4-2 away loss against Blue Square South high-flyers Dartford. The Pilgrims trailed early on but levelled when back-in-the-fold striker Spencer Weir Daley (signed on Friday) netted on his return to United colours. However, the home side then took a grip on proceedings to lead 3-1 before United answered again with a late goal from Leon Constantine. Dartford hit back to settle the tie with a fourth goal in the dying stages as the impressive Jacob Erskine wrapped up a hat-trick feat. Referee: J Hillier. Attendance: 1,166.
Tuesday January 10, Blue Square North
Boston United	0	Bishop’s Stortford	2
		Prestedge 47 Gayle 90 (pen)
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough (Ben Fairclough 66), Tom Ward, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple (Chris Hall 78), Ian Ross, Danny Sleath, Marc Newsham; Jason Lee, Leon Constantine (Tyrone Kirk 46). Subs (not used): Jason Field, Nathan Stainfield.		Team (4-4-2): Jordan Archer; Ritchie Jones, Sean Francis, Phil Anderson, Harry Milton (Junior Dadson 75); Dwight Gayle, Scott Shulton, Alli Abdullahi, Reece Prestedge, Sebastian Dunbar; Daniel Subuola (Merrick James-Lewis 90). Subs (not used): Bai Mass Lette Jallow, George Artemi, Ben Davison.
Report: There was more home gloom for under-performing Boston United when they succumbed 2-0 at the Jakeman’s Stadium to struggling Bishop’s Stortford. The Pilgrims turned in a patchy overall performance with little in the way of fluency and found themselves undone by goals at both ends of the second half. The match leaves United anchored in mid-table and seemingly well out of contention for the play-offs. It was Stortford who produced the game’s first attacking intent, with home keeper Paul Bastock having to save well to push away a header by Daniel Subuola was palmed wide by Paul Bastock. Then a fine last-ditch tackle by Jordan Fairclough tackle thwarted an otherwise clean-through Sebastian Dunbar. And United survived a 16^th minute scare when a Bastock clearance looped up off the combined presence of Fteam-mate Fairclough and Dunbar and the ball spun towards a gaping net. But it stopped remarkable at the foot of a post and Fairclough raced back to clear. The pilgrims’ first real chance came on 35 minutes when Jason Lee rose to meet a Ryan Semple cross only to see visiting goalie Jordan Archer produce a fine tip-over save. Straight after the break, though, Stortford went ahead when Reece Prestedge cashed in on a slip by defender Fairclough and fired beyond Bastock from 20 yards. Boston finally found some verve to their play and Marc Newsham went close with a header. Then, on 62 minutes Lee saw another header saved by Archer following an Ian Ross corner. Next, Archer made another fine save to deny Newsham and then Alli Abdullahi booted another Newsham drive off the line. Home substitute Ben Fairclough shot just wide after emerging from the bench. And then Archer excelled again to push away a Danny Sleath effort as full-time beckoned. With United pressing for a last-gasp leveller, Stortford broke and sealed the points when Dwight Gayle fired in from the penalty spot after picking himself up following a foul by Gareth Jelleyman. Referee: M Blackledge. Attendance: 811.
Saturday January 7, Blue Square North
Boston United	1	Blyth Spartans	1
Semple 80		Armstrong 52
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Tom Ward, Lee Canoville (Jason Field 53), Kevin Austin; Chris Hall (Ryan Semple 59), Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Leon Constantine (Tyrone Kirk 59), Jason Lee, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Tony Edwards, Nathan Stainfield.		Team (4-4-2): David Knight; Dan Groves, Wayne Buchanan, Jordan Mellish, Phil Cave; Lee Mason (Richie Slaughter 71), Neal Hooks, Max Harrop (Sam Hodgson 78), Wayne Phillips; Graeme Armstrong (Jamie Mole 62), Glen Taylor. Sub (not used): Matt Hunter (gk).
Report: Boston United came within 10 minutes of succumbing to yet another team in the basement area of the Blue Square north table. Having earlier lost on home territory to the likes of Solihull Moors and Vauxhall Motors and struggled to get past sides like Workington and Eastwood, here was another case of the Pilgrims finding life tough against supposed lesser-lights. In the end, though, an 80^th minute header by Ryan Semple at least managed to salvage a point. The first half was a goalless affair and one where genuine excitement was at a premium. But of the chances that arose, it was Blyth who had the best couple of moments. In the 28th minute Max Harrop drilled in a low 20-yard skimmer that proved too hot for keeper Paul Bastock to hold. But the home goalie recovered well to block Armstrong’s follow-up. Nine minutes later a Harrop corner glanced off the head of Boston midfielder Chris Hall and only a fine clearance by Jordan Fairclough prevented an own goal. Boston’s best efforts saw Marc Newsham test David Knight in the early exchanges while Danny Sleath and Leon Constantine also shot wide. Arguably Blyth deserved their 52nd minute lead when Graeme Armstrong got on the end of a Wayne Phillips cross from the left. Boston huffed and puffed but went close when a Tyrone Kirk shot hit the bar, Newsham hooked a shot wide and then a Jason Lee header was booted off the line by Jordan Mellish. On 80 minutes, the equaliser arrived when, following further pressure, Ryan Semple sent a looping header over Knight. The energetic Blyth side, though, almost had the last say with close calls for Glen Taylor and Jamie Mole. Referee: A Tankard. Attendance: 986 (away support of 16)
Sunday January 1, Blue Square North
Eastwood Town	2	Boston United	2
Green 11 Christie 23		Ross 18 Newsham 69
Team (4-3-3): Ian Deakin; Kallum Keane, David Haggerty, Gavin Caines (Sam Benjamin 46), Paul Riley; Josh Burge, Mitch Hanson, Ross Gardner; Markell Bailey (Alex Troke 64), Francis Green, Jevaise Christie (Jason Bradley 83). Subs (not used): Danny Elliott, Jake Want (gk).		Team 4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Kevin Austin; Ben Milnes (Chris Hall 14), Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Tyrone Kirk (Ryan Semple 46), Jason Lee, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Leon Constantine, Ben Fairclough, Jason Field.
Boston United recorded their first away draw of the Blue Square Conference North league campaign when twice fighting back from being a goal down away to strugglers Eastwood Town. The Pilgrims’ marksmen were Ian Ross and Marc Newsham. Despite pocketing a share of the spoils, it was arguably a touch disappointing for United who — on form — had looked capable of bagging maximum points after comfortably beating the same opponents 4-2 at York Street on Boxing Day. Referee: Simon Bennett. Attendance: 596.
Saturday December 17, Blue Square North
Boston United	4	Eastwood Town	2
Sleath 19 Ward 38 Newsham 58 Lee 60		Green 2, 12
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Kevin Austin; Ben Milnes (Chris Hall 71), Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Tyrone Kirk (Ryan Semple 61), Jason Lee (Leon Constantine 63), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Ben Fairclough, Jason Field.		Team (4-5-1): James Severn; Cameron Fearon (Alex Troke 89), David Haggerty, Kallum Keane, Sam Benjamin; Steven Istead, Josh Burge, Mitchell Hanson, Ross Gardner (Danny Elliott 76), Markell Bailey (Jevaise Christie 61); Francis Green. Subs (not used): Jason Bradley, Richard Cooper.
Report: Boston United bagged a four-goal harvest for the first time this season to wrap up maximum Blue Square North points against lowly Eastwood. But the Pilgrims had to do it the hard way by battling back after conceding two early goals, both netted by Town’s new signings — former United front man Francis Green. He struck first in the second minute when collecting a right wing cross from Steven Istead before swivelling neatly to send a low drive beyond Paul Bastock and low into the far corner. Ten minutes later, Green made it 2-0 to the visitors when firing an unchallenged 20-yard dipping drive into the home net. To their credit, the Pilgrims had shown plenty of attacking intent right from the off. And they refused to let this double jolt affect their game. Jason Lee forced keeper Jamie Severn into a good save and then Tom Ward saw a header from a Ben Milnes corner cleared off the line by Cameron Fearon. The 19^th minute brought United a route back into the match when Danny Sleath collected possession just outside the Eastwood area and shuffled forward a couple of paces before drilling low beyond Severn. In another rare Eastwood foray, Green almost completed a hat-trick, but saw Bastock tip over a swerving 35-yarder. Boston drew level in the 38^th minute when Ward rose to head in from a Milnes corner. Boston pressed again at the start of the second half with Newsham and Lee both going close. But both got their rewards a few moments later. On 58 minutes following a sustained spell of pressure, Lee managed to thread a pass through for Newsham. He wriggled into the six-yard area and despite huge pressure from Fearon, he forced the ball under Severn to give Boston the lead. On the hour, United saw a couple of efforts blocked before the ball fell to Lee who sent a curling shot high into the net. Strangely, the Pilgrims then seemed to relax the tempo and it was Eastwood who finished the match as the stronger unit. Bastock had to save well from Josh Burge and Green again while a Danny Elliott effort bounced away off a post. Referee: N Hair. Attendance: 1,247 (away support of 13).
Saturday December 17, Blue Square North
Guiseley	2	Boston United	1
Holdsworth 17, 77		Newsham 7
Team (4-3-3): Steven Drench; Jamie Clarke, Danny Ellis (Mark Bower 86), Simon Ainge, Dave Merris; Simon Baldry, Ciaran Toner, Andy Holdsworth; Chris Senior, Lee Ellington, Gavin Rothery. Subs (not used): Joe O’Neill, Michael Burns, James Booker, Jacob Giles (gk).		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Kevin Austin (Jason Field 66); Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ryan Semple, Marc Newsham, Tyrone Kirk (Ben Fairclough 75). Subs (not used): Tony Edwards, Jacob Joyce, Chris Hall.
Report: Boston United suffered their sixth away Blue Square North reverse of the season when going down 2-1 away to promotion-chasing Guiseley. The Pilgrims had taken a seventh minute lead through Mark Newsham but the home side fought back to snatch maximum points with two goals by Andy Holdsworth. Referee: M Coy. Attendance: 508
Tuesday December 13, Blue Square North
Boston United	1	Corby Town	1
Kirk 87		Marna 78 (pen)
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough (Marc Newsham 78), Alan White, Tom Ward, Kevin Austin; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ryan Semple, Jason Lee, Ben Fairclough (Tyrone Kirk 60). Subs (not used): Tony Edwards, Chris Hall, Lee Canoville.		Team (4-4-2): Jack Drury; Delroy Gordon, Phil Gulliver, Paul Malone, Paul Mayo; Lee Beeson (Leon Hibbert 40), James Ozmen, Steve Towers, Andy Hall (Jean-Paul Marna 39); Matt Rhead (Jordan Smith 62), Sam Mullarkey. Subs (not used): Jean Dessou, Jordan Spruce.
Report: It was a tale of two penalties, one goal of suspicious validity and a sending off. In the end, Boston United and Corby Town had to settle for a point apiece in a 1-1 Blue Square North draw. It was a result that arguably suited the visitors better as it maintained their close proximity to the play-off zone. But the Pilgrims were only able to consolidate their mid-table position. The early stages were generally evenly balanced with Paul Mayo firing off target for Corby and Jason Lee seeing a header blocked from a Ryan Semple cross. In the 18^th minute, United keeper Paul Bastock produced a wonderful save when pushing away a firm header by Paul Malone following a long throw-in by Mayo. Boston went close twice more in quick succession when efforts by Semple flashed across goal. In reply, Matt Rhead then twice went close with headers. Four minutes before the break, a booming free-kick into the home area by Mayo led to a penalty being awarded when Alan White tugged back Malone. But Rhead’s tame spot-kick was well saved by Bastock. Moments later, White redeemed himself when booting off the home line to thwart Jean-Paul Marna. Boston tried to lift the tempo after the break with Danny Sleath and Ian Ross going close with shots and then Lee seeing a header from a Semple cross tipped over by Jack Drury. In the 64^th minute Corby went down to 10 men when Phil Gulliver was shown a straight red for a reckless mid-pitch lunge at Tom Ward. Boston increased the pressure with Ross seeing 69^th and 71^st minute efforts well saved by Drury. But at the other end on 78 minutes, Corby broke the deadlock with their second penalty award of the night. This time it was Ward who offended by impeding Marna. The latter then stepped up to bury a low spot-kick into the bottom corner of the net. The Pilgrims rallied and exerted waves of pressure on the visitors’ goal. But it looked as though their efforts would be in vain, notably with a clutch of long range off-target shots being rained in. However, on 87 minutes Lee whipped over a cross from the right. Tyrone Kirk at the far post had virtually an unguarded net but contrived to bundle the ball towards a more crowded section where it appeared Drury got back to hack away from on the line. But a referee’s assistant deemed the ball had crossed the whitewash to hand United their leveller — despite raging protests from almost the entire Corby team and great relief for the home contingent. Referee: G Stretton. Attendance: 736 (away support of 51)
Saturday December 10, FA Trophy first round
Boston United	2	Hyde FC	1
Austin 60 B Fairclough 77		Spencer 40
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Alan White, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman (Tom Ward 64); Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ryan Semple (Ben Fairclough 72), Jason Lee, Marc Newsham (Tyrone Kirk 56). Subs (not used): Tony Edwards, Chris Hall.		Team (4-4-2): David Carnell; Josh Brizell, Andrew Pearson, Danny Hall, Adam Griffin; Chris Worsley, David Birch (Matthew Berkeley 81), Callum Byrne (Gianluca Havern 65), David Poole (Tunji Moses 9); Danny Broadbent, Scott Spencer. Subs (not used): Sean Williams, Nathan Martin.
Report: Second half powers of recovery fired Boston United into round two. The Pilgrims overturned an interval deficit to oust 10-man fellow Blue Square North rivals Hyde. And in the process, Boston extracted revenge for an earlier home league loss against their Cheshire rivals. The Pilgrims’ heroes were defender Kevin Austin and substitute striker Ben Fairclough who bagged their first goals in United colours. The bulk of the first half was a cat-and-mouse affair with both sides producing some neat football without being able to conjure up many genuine chances. The closest to an early breakthrough saw the ball flash across the Boston area from a Hyde corner taken by skipper Danny Birch. In reply, it took 28 minutes for the first real opening to arrive — an Ian Ross free-kick for Boston flying over the top. The same player then saw an effort clutched by keeper David Carnell on 37 minutes. But three minutes later, the visitors went ahead when Scott Spencer slid in to round off a fine cross by Adam Griffin after the foraging full-back had been superbly picked out by David Birch. However, after the break, it was all Boston. Austin’s powerful header from a 60th minute corner by Ben Milnes made it 1-1 — the scorer being mobbed by his team-mates after registering only his second goal in senior football in 13 years. In the aftermath of that equaliser, Hyde’s Griffin was sent off for a second yellow card offence. With a numerical advantage, United never looked back and clinched success when Ian Ross crossed from the right and Fairclough buried a 77th minute six-yard diving header. Referee: L Betts. Attendance: 710 (away support of 21)
Saturday December 3, Blue Square North
Stalybridge Celtic	3	Boston United	0
Gnahoua 34 Hobson 87. 90
Team (4-3-3): Jan Budtz; Joel Bembo-Leta, Chris Lynch, Rhys Meynell, Andy McWilliams; Jack Rea, Stephen Brogan, Greg Wilkinson (Callum Warburton 65); Connor Jennings (Mitchell Austin 85), Arthur Gnahoua (Craig Hobson 65), Phil Marsh. Subs (not used): Adam Kay, Craig MacGillivray (gk).		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough (Tony Edwards 86), Alan White, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Ian Ross (Ben Fairclough 81), Danny Sleath (Chris Hall 68); Jason Lee, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Ricky Drury (gk).
Report: Boston United turned in a purposeful display but ultimately succumbed to a 3-0 loss against promotion-chasing Stalybridge Celtic. The Pilgrims battled hard but had to admit second best to a side still riding on the crest of a wave after a storming start to the season. United fell behind on 34 minutes and then leaked two goals late on to slip to 12^th place in the Blue Square North table. United had started well and went close in the opening moments when Danny Sleath fed Marc Newsham and his shot drew a fine push-away save from home keeper Jan Budtz. But Staylbridge replied and had a goal ruled out when Phil Marsh converted a Chris Lynch free-kick but had fouled Alan White in getting in his header. Then United keeper Paul Bastock saved well from Jack Rea while in reply Ben Milnes went close with a 20-yarder. Jason Lee then saw a header held by Budtz following a cross from Ryan Semple. The home side went ahead on 34 minutes when Marsh pulled the ball back for Arthur Gnahoua to fire beyond Bastock. After the break United threw on all their permitted substitutes, including a role for reserve team striker Tony Edwards. But, in pressing for a leveller, the Pilgrims left gaps at the back and home sub Craig Hobson netted in the 87^th and 90^th minutes to seal victory. Between this double strike, United had gone close three times with good crosses by Chris Hall and Edwards failing to find a colleague while Kevin Austin again tested Budtz when getting in an effort from a Ben Milnes corner. Referee: Jason Whiteley. Attendance: 506.
Saturday November 26, FA Trophy third qualifying round
Boston United	1	Workington Town	0
Newsham 58
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Alan White, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Tyrone Kirk (Chris Hall 76), Ben Milnes, Ian Ross (Ryan Semple 57), Danny Sleath; Jason Lee, Marc Newsham (Jordan Burrow 82). Subs (not used): Ben Fairclough, Tom Ward.		Team (4-4-2): Aaran Taylor; Lee Andrews, Paul Johnson, Kyle May, Gari Rowntree; Phil McLuckie (Jake Simpson 76), David Hewson, Adam Main, Anthony Wright (Stuart Green 84); Jonny Wright (David McNiven 15), Gareth Arnison. Subs (not used): Steven Snaith.
Report: For the third time this season, Boston United held sway over their Cumbrian rivals. Mark Newsham’s close range goal made it a tale of treble woe for Workington against the Pilgrims. Boston’s Trophy progress followed on from 2-1 home and away successes over the Reds in the league. The strike that decided this tie stemmed from a Ben Milnes free-kick on 58 minutes. Defender Kevin Austin rose to power a far post header goalwards, with Newsham supplying the finishing touch when chesting over the line. Newsham’s intervention denied Austin only his second goal in senior football since scoring for Lincoln City against Manchester City in 1998 in League One. Elsewhere in the match, Boston owed a big first half debt of gratitude to goalkeeper Paul Bastock who blocked well from David Hewson on 29 minutes and then produced a stunning treble save a minute before the break to thwart Anthony Wright, Gareth Arnison and Hewson. Boston’s best chances saw new signing Ian Ross twice shoot wide. In the second half Arnison broke free for the Reds but was unable to hit the target while in reply Danny Sleath shot too high. After falling behind, Workington rallied well and David McNiven almost levelled but saw a 69th minute shot hit a post while long range drives by Arnison and Anthony Wright were again saved by Bastock. Boston answered and might have put the issue beyond all doubt, but drives from Sleath and Ryan Semple both missed the target. Referee: A Horton. Attendance: 743 (away support of 17)
Saturday November 19, Blue Square North
Gainsborough Trinity	1	Boston United	3
Clarke 22		Lee 16 Milnes 28 Newsham 76 (pen)
Team (4-4-2): Dimitar Evtimov; Dominic Roma, Andrew Boyce, Gavin Cowan, Kevin Sandwith; Shane Clarke, Michael Leary (Ryan Williams 72), Jonathan D'Laryea, Jamie Yates; Ryan Paczkowski (Lewis McMahon 56), Leon Mettam (Sam Mulready 65). Subs (not used): Luke Waterfall, John Williams.		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Alan White, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall (Tyrone Kirk 84); Jason Lee (Ben Fairclough 90), Marc Newsham (Jordan Burrow 80). Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Ricky Drury (gk).
Report: Two first half strikes from 25 yards by Jason Lee and Ben Milnes plus a second half penalty by Marc Newsham helped Boston United to a superb 3-1 away Blue Square North derby day win over fierce county rivals Gainsborough Trinity. Victory helped Boston recover from the previous weekend’s home loss against Hyde and took them to within three points of the play-off zone. Meanwhile, for Trinity, the reverse represented their third straight league loss inside eight days. More details to follow. Referee: A Miller. Attendance: 800.
Saturday November 12, Blue Square North
Boston United	0	Hyde FC	2
		Payne 48 Broadbent 70
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville (Jordan Fairclough 76), Alan White, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall (Tyrone Kirk 64); Jason Lee, Marc Newsham (Jordan Burrow 76). Subs (not used): Ben Fairclough, Tom Ward.		Team (4-4-2): David Carnell; Andrew Pearson, Danny Hall, Gianluca Havern (Joel Richardson 50), Adam Griffin; David Birch, Tunji Moses (Chris Worsley 60), Callum Byrne, Shelton Payne; Tom Fisher (David Poole 77), Danny Broadbent. Subs (not used): Sean Williams, Nathan Martin.
Report: Boston United’s enigmatic season rolled on when they suffered a third home league defeat — this time high-riding Hyde FC inflicting a 2-0 reverse thanks to a brace of second half goals. For the bulk of the match, the Pilgrims played creditably, but once again the outcome illustrated how badly they continue to lack a cutting edge in front of goal. In fact, the Pilgrims set off at a fair rate of knots and had their visitors penned back in the opening minutes. However, the Pilgrims were not able to create a meaningful chance in the opening spell to assert their authority. Hyde gradually grew in composure and went close with efforts from Tom Fisher and strike partner Danny Broadbent. The Tigers took the lead three minutes after the restart. United defender Alan White was caught out by a long ball over the top and lively winger Shelton Payne, who had already angered the home fans with some of his theatrics, silenced the big crowd with an excellent driven finish. Boston enjoyed their best attacking spell of the match thereafter and thought they had equalised when Jason Lee nodded down Ben Milnes’ deep free-kick and Marc Newsham applied the assured finish. The assistant referee’s offside flag cut short the celebrations though. Hyde doubled their lead on 70 minutes when skipper David Birch returned a deep centre and Broadbent applied an excellent finish from 18 yards, low to Paul Bastock’s right. The Pilgrims threw bodies forward in search of an unlikely route back into proceedings, but it was the visitors who came close to adding to their lead, with Birch striking the post and substitute Chris Worsley rattling the crossbar in the space of seconds in stoppage time. Referee: G Stretton. Attendance: 1,160
Saturday November 5, Blue Square North
Solihull Moors	1	Boston United	0
Morris 66
Team (4-4-2): Jasbir Singh; Craig Hinton, Stuart Pierpoint, Dominic Langdon, Michael Blackwood; Jordan Fitzpatrick, Gavin Hurren (James McPike 49), Junior English, JJ Melligan (Simon Johnson 46); Danny Spencer, Lee Morris. Subs (not used): Karl Broadhurst, David Kalonji, Adam Rachel (gk).		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville (Tom Ward 68), Alan White, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall (Ben Fairclough 60); Jason Lee, Jordan Burrow (Marc Newsham 72). Subs (not used): Sam Mulready, Ricky Drury (gk).
Report: A solitary second half goal spelled gloom for Boston United as they slipped to a 1-0 away Blue Square North loss away to Solihull Moors. In the process, the West Midlands side completed a league double over the Pilgrims who — as a result — drop to ninth in the division. It was United’s sixth defeat of the league campaign. Full details to follow. Referee: T Masaaki. Attendance: 301.
Saturday October 29, Blue Square North
Boston United	2	Colwyn Bay	2
Lee 10 Milnes 90+8		McEvilly 45, 45+2
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville, Nathan Stainfield, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall (Ben Fairclough 61); Jason Lee (Marc Newsham 60), Jordan Burrow. Subs (not used): Sam Mulready, Ben Wilkinson, Andy Hewitt (gk).		Team (4-4-2): Chris Sanna; Luke Denson, Danny Meadowcroft, Rod McDonald, Michael Lea; Gareth Evans, Matthew Hughes, Damien Allen, Daniel Lloyd-McGoldrick (Jon Newby 82); Lee McEvilly (Rob Hopley 72), Karl Noon (Lee Davey 67). Subs (not used): Domaine Rouse, Dave Challinor.
Report: Midfielder Ben Milnes blasted a last-gasp point-saver for Boston United. He smacked a rising 22-yard drive beyond keeper Chris Sanna and into the top corner eight minutes into stoppage time. It put the seal on a dramatic match and arguably produced a fair result. Colwyn Bay ended with 10 men following the late second yellow card dismissal of Damien Allen while defender Matthew Hughes repeatedly had to go off for running repairs to a gashed head — an injury that led to the welter of added time. Boston had opened in perfect style by snatching the lead on 10 minutes when home joint player-boss Jason Lee headed in from a fine Ryan Semple right wing cross — his fourth goal in successive games. The Pilgrims then produced some neat phases, but all the time, Bay looked forceful on the counter attack, largely through the speed and trickery of Daniel Lloyd-McGoldrick on the left. And he was denied an equaliser by a Gareth Jelleyman goalline clearance. But Bay turned the match around on the stroke of half-time. First Lee McEvilly netted following a deflected left wing cross by Lloyd-McGoldrick. And 60 seconds later the same player added a second when blasting in from the penalty spot after Nathan Stainfield had tripped Karl Noon. The second half again saw Boston probing hard for a leveller with Milnes and Jordan Burrow both going close. Bay still raided positively and Luke Denson almost sealed things. But his 72nd minute shot was held by Paul Bastock. However, Milnes’ made it 2-2 with his venomous stoppage time piledriver. Referee: G Hart. Attendance: 1,076 (away support of 16).
Saturday October 22, Blue Square North
Boston United	2	Workington Town	1
Lee 43 Burrow 85		Arnison 20
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Ben Wilkinson, Lee Canoville (Kevin Austin 30), Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Craig Armstrong, Danny Sleath, Marc Newsham (Jordan Burrow 78); Jason Lee, Sam Mulready (Ben Fairclough 65). Subs (not used): Ben Milnes, Chris Hall.		Team (4-4-2): Aaran Taylor; David Hewson, Lee Andrews, Kyle May, Gari Rowntree; Phil McLuckie (Jake Simpson 77), Tony Hopper, Mark Boyd (Adam Main 84), Anthony Wright (Stuart Green 77); David McNiven, Gareth Arnison. Subs (not used): Jonny Blake, Mark Sloan.
Report: Substitute Jordan Burrow headed Boston United to maximum points. His 85th minute goal gave the Pilgrims a league double over their Cumbrian rivals. For a while, though, it looked as if the Reds would avenge their opening day of the season reverse. They belied their lowly position with plenty of enterprising play stemming from the midfield creativity by Tony Hopper and Mark Boyd. In attack David McNiven saw an early shot pushed away by home keeper Paul Bastock. Then, shots from distance by Boyd and Anthony Wright flew too high. The Reds’ flair was rewarded on 20 minutes when McNiven slipped a pass into the path of Gareth Arnison who raced on to fire a low 10-yard drive beyond Bastock. Boston’s only reply of note came earlier when a Danny Sleath drive was held by Aaran Taylor. Arnison almost doubled Workington’s lead when he skipped round the advancing Bastock only to see his final shot rebound away off a post. Boston finally got their game into gear with a 43rd minute equaliser — Jason Lee netting with a firm far post header from a left wing cross by Ryan Semple. After the break, Sleath saw a long range drive well held by Taylor while in response a Phil McLuckie header was cleared off the home line by Kevin Austin. Hopper tested Bastock in the 75th minute while the Reds survived a couple of goalmouth scares. The decider arrived five minutes from time when Semple fed the ball back to Ben Wilkinson whose right wing cross was superbly glanced home by Burrow, unmarked eight yards from goal. Referee: J Whiteley. Attendance: 1,114 (away support of 16)
Saturday October 15, Blue Square North
Histon	1	Boston United	3
Sparkes 8		Newsham 16 (pen) Sleath 62 Lee 67
Team (4-4-2): Jorg Stadelmann; Ollie Cleaver, Zak Mills, Danny Fitzsimmons, Harri Hawkins; Grant Roberts (Jack Sessions 78), Jay Dowie (Eugene Libertucci 71), Jim Stevenson, Daniel Sparkes; Dan Holman, Charlie Day. Subs (not used): Lewis McDonald, Joe Asensi, Calum Kitscha (gk).		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville, Alan White, Nathan Stainfield, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Craig Armstrong (Ben Milnes 70), Danny Sleath, Marc Newsham; Jason Lee (Jordan Burrow 83), Sam Mulready (Ben Fairclough 73). Subs (not used): Kevin Austin, Ben Wilkinson.
Report: To be added. Referee: M George. Attendance: 417.
Saturday October 8, Blue Square North
Altrincham	6	Boston United	1
Reeves 14, 46, 75 Lawrie 27 Twiss 84		Lee 65
Team (4-4-2): Stuart Coburn; Mark Lees, Rob Williams, Adam Flynn, Ryan Brown; James Lawrie, Anthony Danylyk, Shaun Densmore, Nicky Clee (Astley Mulholland 60); Michael Twiss, Damien Reeves (Simon Richman 80). Subs (not used): Chris Lynch, Brian Summerskill, Adam Reid.		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Nathan Stainfield, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Fairclough, Ben Wilkinson, Craig Armstrong (Ryan Semple 46), Chris Hall; Jordan Burrow (Marc Newsham 58), Sam Mulready (Jason Lee 58). Subs (not used): Ben Milnes, Ricky Drury (gk).
Report: Boston United’s season of struggle hit new depths at Altrincham’s Moss Road ground when the Pilgrims capitulated to an embarrassing 6-1 Blue Square North reverse — their biggest margin of defeat since succumbing 6-0 on home soil on February 3, 2007 to Grimsby at a time when United were a League Two club. Boston were undone by a hat-trick from Damien Reeves and further single home strikes by James Lawrie, Michael Twiss and Astley Mulholland while the only crumb of comfort was a 65^th minute goal by Jason Lee. The Pilgrims had gone into the clash with five changes to the team that crashed to FA Cup defeat at Kidsgrove -- Jordan Fairclough, Craig Armstrong, Chris Hall, Jordan Burrow and Sam Mulready all starting while the likes of Alan White (illness), Danny Sleath (dropped) plus Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes and Marc Newsham (substitutes) made way. But the switches didn’t really pay off for a United side who, despite the scoreline, still owed a debt of gratitude to keeper Paul Bastock who arguably kept things to single figures with a clutch of good saves. Alty went ahead on 14 minutes when Reeves got in behind Kevin Austin to stab home James Lawrie’s cross. On 27 minutes, the latter got in on the scoring act to make it 2-0. Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Pilgrims never seriously threatened home goalie Stuart Colburn, although a shot from Gareth Jelleyman and a Nathan Stainfield header both went close. The second half was only 60 seconds old when Alty went 3-0 ahead. A shot by Lawrie was saved by Bastock but Reeves stooped to head home the rebound. Lee gave Boston a glimmer of hope when converting a centre by Ryan Semple, but it was the home side who finished strongest. On 75 minutes, Reeves held off Gareth Jelleyman to fire past Bastock and then in the 84^th minute Twiss netted from 18 yards after good build-up work by Mulholland on the left. The latter then turned scorer three minutes from time to put the seal on an afternoon that all Pilgrims connections would sooner forget. Referee: P Curry. Attendance: 804 (away support of 71).
Tuesday October 4, FA Cup second qualifying round replay
Kidsgrove	2	Boston United	0
Hall 19 Cave 37
Team (4-4-1-1): Steve Hodgson; Danny Smith, Nick Ward, Wayne Johnson, Andy Taylor; Steve Brannan (Danny Griggs 90), Craig Dove, Sam Hall, Ashley Carter; Ross Davidson; Andy Kinsey. Subs (not used): Darren Twigg, Geoff Basford, Alex Morris.		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Ben Wilkinson (Jordan Fairclough 51), Nathan Stainfield, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple (Jordan Burrow 51), Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath (Adam Millson 64), Marc Newsham; Jason Lee, Ben Fairclough. Subs (not used): Jason Field, Andy Hewitt (gk).
Report: Boston United missed out on £4,500 prize money and a place in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup when they tumbled to a surprise 2-0 away second qualifying round replay defeat against Evo-Stik Division One South rivals Kidsgrove. Two first half goals settled the issue. Referee: Jason Tyas. Attendance: 280.
Saturday October 1, FA Cup second qualifying round
Boston United	0	Kidsgrove	0
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Ben Wilkinson, Tom Ward (Kevin Austin 4), Alan White, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall; Jordan Burrow (Jason Lee 75), Marc Newsham (Ben Fairclough 60). Subs (not used): Jordan Fairclough, Adam Millson, Nathan Stainfield, Andy Hewitt (gk).		Team (4-4-2): Steve Hodgson; Danny Smith, Mark Beeston (Steve Brannan 46), Wayne Johnson, Andy Taylor; Ashley Carter, Craig Dove, Sam Hall (Ross Davidson 71), Tom Urwin; Dave Walker, Andy Kinsey (Danny Griggs 90). Sub (not used): Geoff Basford.
Report: Boston United huffed and puffed but couldn’t make immediate progress in the FA Cup. Second qualifying round opponents Kidsgrove Athletic proved stubborn opponents and arguably merited their 0-0 draw at the Jakemans Stadium to force a Tuesday night replay in the West Midlands. The Pilgrims created several good chances to have won through at the first attempt but a mixture of off-target finishing and good work by visiting keeper Steve Hodgson thwarted them. Not even the fact that Kidsgrove went down to 10 men after prolific front man Dave Walker was sent off for two yellow card offences made any difference as the Evo-Stik Division One South side gave themselves a second bite at the cherry. Twice in the first half goalie Hodgson excelled when clutching a 21^st minute header from Danny Sleath and then did well to push away a Marc Newsham effort on 43 minutes following a cross from the left by Ryan Semple. Elsewhere, Boston also went close through shots by Semple, Jordan Burrow and Ben Milnes. Meanwhile in reply, Athletic’s best moment after a bright opening few minutes saw Andy Kinsey force Paul Bastock into a good save with a firm header. After the break, Walker headed over from an Ashley Carter corner before his dismissal for separate fouls on Bastock and Kevin Austin. And later on Tom Urwin saw a shot saved. Boston exerted plenty of pressure as they battled in vain to find a way through with Semple twice going close with shots. Near the end, more home pressure yielded two untaken openings for Sleath. And then in the final moments Alan White headed over from a Milnes corner while Jason Lee was thwarted by another tip-away save from man-of-the-match Hodgson. Referee: Jason Tyas. Attendance: 817.
Saturday September 24, Blue Square North
Boston United	2	Droylsden	1
Ward 48 Burrow 79		Kilheeney 57
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Ben Wilkinson, Tom Ward, Alan White, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall; Jason Lee (Jordan Burrow 54), Marc Newsham (Ben Fairclough 61). Subs (not used): Mikel Suarez, Adam Millson, Jordan Fairclough.		Team (4-3-3): Paul Phillips; Ricky Anane (Steve Hall 85), Nat Kerr (Chris Brown 58), John Hardiker, Carlos Logan; Lewis Killeen, Paul Marshall, Dan Gardner; Danny Rowe, Ciaran Kilheeney, Dale Johnson (Jordan Gerrard 46). Subs (not used): Shaun Holden, Sean Lake (gk).
Report: Debut boy Jordan Burrow was the hero for Boston United with a headed winning goal 11 minutes from time to settle a keenly-contested encounter against Droylsden. The 19-year-old’s effort was enough to propel the improving Pilgrims to their first back-to-back wins of the season and helped them move into the upper reaches of the table. The match had opened with a first 45 minutes of action were genuinely clear-cut chances were limited. Early on, both sides exchanged long-range shots with Paul Marshall for the visitors and Danny Sleath for United both seeing efforts saved by respective keepers Paul Bastock and Paul Phillips. Later on, United’s impressive midfielder Ben Milnes again tested Phillips while at the other end, the home defence was stretched to deal with a few Droylsden raids—Dale Johnson flicking a close-range effort straight at Bastock and then the United keeper breathing a sigh of relief as Nat Kerr somehow side-footed straight into his arms when an otherwise open goal beckoned. Just before the break Boston almost went ahead when a low Ryan Semple cross was sliced just wide of his own post by a back-tracking Lewis Killeen. The second half was only three minutes old when United went ahead, Tom Ward netting his first goal of the league season when heading in via Marshall following a corner on the right by Milnes. Not long afterwards, Jason Lee saw a thudding header well saved by Phillips and then Semple saw a shot diverted wide off Carlos Logan. However, Droylsden drew level on 57 minutes when Ciaran Kilheeney broke clear, held off a Ward challenge and netted after skipping past Bastock. Further untaken chances then arrived at both ends. For Boston, substitutes Ben Fairclough and Burrow got in good strikes while in reply Danny Rowe missed out for Droylsden. But on 79 minutes, Boston regained the lead when Burrow rose at the far post to send a looping header back across goal and into the far corner of the net following a deflected centre from the left by Gareth Jelleyman. The home victory was preserved in the dying seconds when only a fantastic full-length save by Bastock thwarted a fierce long-range drive by Dan Gardner. Referee: C Fitch. Attendance: 1,127 (away support of 8).
Tuesday September 20, Blue Square North
Boston United	2	Hinckley United	0
Stainfield 51 Sleath 60
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Ben Wilkinson, Tom Ward, Alan White, Kevin Austin (Nathan Stainfield 42); Ryan Semple (Ben Fairclough 77), Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall; Jason Lee (Mikel Suarez 69), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Jason Field, Adam Millson.		Team (4-4-2): Dan Haystead; Rob Oddy, Callum Reynolds, Paul Lister, Mark Dudley (Levi Porter 77); Danny Newton, Luke Dean, Lloyd Kerry, Connor Gudger; Jermaine Clarke, Andre Gray. Subs (not used): Stuart Hendrie, Jamal Clarke.
Report: At the fifth time of asking, Boston United hit the victory trail on home soil. The Pilgrims pocketed maximum Blue Square North points on the strength of a 2-0 win over a lively and enterprising Hinckley side. Boston’s goalscoring heroes were debutant defender Nathan Stainfield with a bullet header and midfielder Danny Sleath with an exquisite 25-yard dipping volley. Overall, it was a welcome result for Boston who had to weather some spells of pressure at key stages before winning through. Hinckley arguably had the better of the opening half—notably setting off with Jermaine Clarke firing just over and then Andre Gray seeing a firm drive thud off the face of the home bar. Boston responded with a low fizzing right wing cross by Ryan Semple just eluding everyone and later on a shot on the run by Chris Hall flashed wide. Hinckley responded with a raking shot by the impressive Luke Dean just missing the target and just before the break Jermaine Clarke somehow missed in his sliding attempt to convert an inviting cross from Connor Gudger. After the break Gray wriggled through for the visitors but fired wide. However, on 51 minutes, Boston went ahead. Stainfield — on as a substitute for the injured Kevin Austin — ventured forward to meet a Ben Milnes corner and send a bullet header into the net. Next, a steepling and speculative cross from Ben Wilkinson bounced away off the Hinckley bar. But on the hour Boston made it 2-0 when Hall fed the ball in to Jason Lee whose lay-off to Sleath led to the midfielder dispatching an instant 25-yarder that flew into the top corner. Further Boston chances then saw Marc Newsham fired across goal and wide from a Semple cross on 72 minutes and then Fairclough forced a good save from Dan Haystead with a rasping drive. Hinckley responded with Jermaine Clarke heading over from a Rob Oddy cross. Home defender Alan White then raced back to clear away from close to his own line to thwart another visiting raid and on 90 minutes Jermaine Clarke had a goal disallowed for offside. The game’s final action saw Mikel Suarez burst clear for Boston but his thumping drive was expertly parried away by Haystead. Referee: R Wootton. Attendance: 813 (away support of 11).
Saturday September 17, Blue Square North
Blyth Spartans	1	Boston United	0
Cave 60 (pen)
Team(4-4-2): David Knight; Dylan Purvis (Richie Slaughter 87), Carl Jones, Wayne Buchanan, Phil Cave; Lee Mason (Adam Forster 53), Dan Groves, Neal Hooks, Chris Emms (Dave Coulson 76); Graeme Armstrong, John Alexander. Subs (not used): Phil Bannister, Matt Crook (gk).		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Ben Wilkinson, Tom Ward, Alan White, Kevin Austin; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall; Mikel Suarez (Kevin Holsgrove 68), Marc Newsham (Jason Lee 68). Subs (not used): Jason Field, Adam Millson, Andy Hewitt (gk).
Report: Boston United suffered a second successive 1-0 defeat when they missed out on further Blue Square North points away to Blyth Spartans, the match being decided by a disputed 60^th minute Phil Cave penalty. As a result, the Pilgrims now find themselves still entrenched in the mid-table area of the division — already 19 points adrift of runaway leaders Hyde who have won all 10 of their matches to date. At Blyth, the Pilgrims began promisingly with Mikel Suarez heading too high from a Ryan Semple cross. Later Suarez missed with another header and Semple fired wide. Then, as the match progressed, Chris Hall saw a shot clutched by home keeper David Knight. At the other end, United goalie Paul Bastock did well to thwart Chris Emms while efforts from Lee Mason and Graeme Armstrong also went close. After another Suarez close call soon after the break, United slipped behind from the penalty spot. Cave stepped up to send Bastock the wrong way after referee Andrew Miller decided that a Neal Hooks’ free-kick had been handled by Alan White. United threw on Jason Lee and Kevin Holsgrove in a bid to salvage something. And while the latter twice saw shots blocked, the Pilgrims were unable to fight back as their largely goal-shy season rolled on with few rewards. Referee: A Miller. Attendance: 456.
Saturday September 10, Blue Square North
Boston United	0	Solihull Moors	1
		Thompson-Brown 51
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Tom Ward, Alan White, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Chris Hall (Ben Milnes 67), Danny Sleath, Marc Newsham; Mickey Stones (Kevin Holsgrove 50), Mikel Suarez. Subs (not used): Kevin Austin, Ben Wilkinson, Jason Field.		Team (4-4-2): Jasbir Singh; Phil Midworth, Liam Francis, Dominic Langdon, Michael Blackwood; Andre Francis, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Alex Price, Matthew Bell; Richard Walker (Danny Spencer 72), Robbie Thompson-Brown (James McPike 87). Subs (not used): Karl Broadhurst, Stuart Pierpoint, Pawel Tomczak.
Report: Boston United turned in a poor performance to crash at home against opponents who had previously lost all seven of their Blue Square North matches. The Pilgrims succumbed to a 1-0 loss at the Jakemans Stadium to bottom-of-the-table side Solihull Moors who, by virtue of the result, bagged their first points of the season. A 51^st minute goal by Robbie Thompson-Brown proved decisive. Referee: P Kavanagh. Attendance: 1,175 (away support of 18).
Saturday September 3, Blue Square North
Bishop’s Stortford	0	Boston United	1
		Newsham 90
Team (4-4-2): Nicky Eyre; Ritchie Jones, Mo Habu, Connor Essam, Phil Anderson; Ade Cole (Mitch Hahn 57), Scott Shulton, Reece Prestedge, Junior Dadson (Dean Rance 64); Dwight Gayle, Michael Bakare (Alex Read 80). Subs (not used): Ali Abdullahi, Ben Davison.		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Tom Ward, Alan White, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Chris Hall (Ben Milnes 63), Danny Sleath (Ben Wilkinson 81), Kevin Holsgrove (Mikel Suarez 57); Mickey Stones, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Kevin Austin, Jason Field.
Report: A third successive clean sheet enabled Boston United to lay the foundations for an impressive last-gasp away-day Blue Square North victory. The Pilgrims make the trek south for a lunchtime kick-off at Bishop’s Stortford and returned to Lincolnshire three points richer on the strength of a dramatic 1-0 win courtesy of a lone Marc Newsham goal netted six minutes into second half stoppage time. Referee: I Crouch. Attendance: 661
Monday August 29, Blue Square North
Boston United	0	FC Halifax Town	0
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Liam Parker (Jordan Fairclough 46), Tom Ward, Alan White, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Chris Hall, Danny Sleath, Kevin Holsgrove; Mickey Stones (Mikel Suarez 61), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Kevin Austin, Ben Wilkinson, Harry Deane.		Team (3-5-2): Simon Eastwood; Liam Hogan, Gregg Anderson, Scott McManus; Aaron Hardy, Harry Winter, Tom Baker, Liam Needham (Simon Garner 71), Danny Lowe; James Dean, Lee Gregory (Scott Hogan 77). Subs (not used): Nick Gray, David Haggerty, Phil Senior (gk).
Report: To be included. Referee: D England. Attendance: 1,596 (away support of 320).
Saturday August 27, Blue Square North
Harrogate Town	0	Boston United	2
		Newsham 10 Lee 88
Team (4-4-2): Mark Cook; Laurie Wilson, Jake Picton, Paul Heckingbottom, Craig Radcliffe; Peter Bore, Adam Nowakowski (Liam Hardy 67), Stephen Turnbull, Lee Elam (Ian Ross 59); Paul Brayson, Callum Hassan (Will Turl 79). Subs (not used): Richard Pell, Matt Bloomer.		Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Liam Parker, Alan White, Tom Ward, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Chris Hall, Danny Sleath, Kevin Holsgrove (Ben Wilkinson 82); Mickey Stones (Jason Lee 71), Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Kevin Austin, Harry Deane, Jordan Fairclough.
Report: It was bounce-back time for Boston United as they put a disjointed start to the Blue Square North campaign behind them with an excellent 2-0 victory away to Harrogate Town. The Pilgrims’ team, featuring a clutch of changes — plus a debut for new defensive signing Alan White — turned in a solid all-round performance and pocketed maximum spoils on the strength of a 10^th minute goal by Marc Newsham and a killer second from player-manager Jason Lee who emerged from the substitutes’ bench to hit the target with two minutes to go. Referee: M Ackerman. Attendance: 522.
Tuesday August 16, Blue Square North
Nuneaton Town	2	Boston United	0
Smith 27 Burns 51
Team (4-2-3-1): Neil Collett; Graham Ward, Gareth Dean, Mark Albrighton, Aaron James; Mark Noon, Adam Walker (Richard Lavery 49); Robbie Burns, Lee Smith, Lee Moore (Eddie Nisevic 90); Danny Glover. Subs (not used): Guy Hadland, Sam Belcher, Justin Marsden.		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Liam Parker, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Adam Millson, Chris Hall, Ben Milnes (Jason Lee 66); Marc Newsham, Mickey Stones, Kevin Holsgrove (Ryan Semple 56). Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Liam Ogden, Harry Deane.
Report: Boston United suffered a second straight Blue Square North defeat when they tumbled 2-0 away to Nuneaton Town. The home side netted a goal in either half to settle the issue. The Pilgrims fielded a mostly young side with striker Mickey Stones and midfielder Adam Millson both called into the fray with resources stretched due to injury and unavailability. The result leaves United in the lower reaches of the table. Nuneaton’s goals came from Lee Smith on 27 minutes and Robbie Burns six minutes into the second half. Referee: G Stretton. Attendance: 765.
Saturday August 20, Blue Square North
Boston United	1	Vauxhall Motors	2
Hannigan 89 (og)		Jackson 26 Wilson 84
Team (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Liam Parker, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple (Adam Millson 58), Chris Hall, Ben Milnes, Kevin Holsgrove; Lawrie Dudfield, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Mickey Stones, Harry Deane, Liam Ogden.		Team (4-4-2): Scott Tynan; Andrew Taylor (Kevin Grocott 90), Tom Hannigan, Michael Jackson, Lee Dames; Craig Mahon, Sean Highdale, David Mannix, Steve Beck (John Bennett 80); Leighton McGivern, Josh Wilson. Subs (not used): Sean Williams, Anthony Wright, Josh O’Connell (gk).
Report: Boston United succumbed to a 2-1 home Blue Square North reverse against a Vauxhall Motors side who had previously not registered a point or a goal in the embryonic campaign. The Pilgrims’ display never really hit any great heights and then found themselves 2-0 down against hard-working opponents before a late own goal gave them a crumb of consolation en route to a dip into the mid-table area of the division. Full details to follow. Referee: L Betts. Attendance: 1,114 (away support of 4)
Tuesday August 16, Blue Square North
Boston United	1	Histon	1
Newsham 26		Holman 4
Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville (Jordan Fairclough 15), Liam Parker, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Adam Millson, Chris Hall, Ben Milnes; Marc Newsham, Lawrie Dudfield (Ryan Semple 74), Kevin Holsgrove. Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Mickey Stones, Harry Deane.		Team (4-4-2): Jorg Stadelmann; Zac Mills, Dallas Moore, Danny Fitzsimons, Harri Hawkins (Ollie Cleaver 76); Matthew Breeze (Lewis Taaffe 64), Grant Roberts, Jim Stevenson, Daniel Sparkes; Dan Holman, Omer Riza (Jay Dowie 83). Subs (not used): Charlie Day, Calum Kitscha (gk).
Report: Boston United had to settle for just one point as they began their home programme in the Blue Square North. They shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with newly-relegated Histon. The visitors took an early lead through Dan Holman but United levelled on 26 minutes through Marc Newsham. Despite exerting plenty of pressure at regular intervals throughout the remainder of the match, the Pilgrims — featuring a return to the fold for striker Lawrie Dudfield — were unable to find a way through for a winning goal. Further details to follow. Referee: R Wootton. Attendance: 1,222 (away support of 31)
Saturday August 13, Blue Square North
Workington Town	1	Boston United	2
Arnison 71 (pen)		Holsgrove 42 (pen), 90
Team (4-4-2): Aaron Taylor; Tony Hopper (Jake Simpson 73), Kyle May, Lee Andrews, Anthony Wright; Stuart Green (David McNiven 34), Mark Boyd, Dan Dillon (Adam Main 90), Phil McLuckie; Jonny Wright, Gareth Arnison. Subs (not used): Simon Tucker, Jonny Blake.		Team (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville, Liam Parker, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Wilkinson, Chris Hall, Ben Milnes; Marc Newsham, Mikel Suarez (Julian Joachim 6, Tom Ward 75), Kevin Holsgrove. Subs (not used): Jordan Fairclough, Adam Millson, Harry Deane.
Report: Winger Kevin Holsgrove was the two-goal hero as Boston United made a flying start to the new Blue Square North campaign with a 2-1 win away to long-distance hosts Workington. The front man netted with a 42^nd minute penalty and then sealed victory with a deciding goal in second half stoppage time, arguably making up for a 71^st minute lapse when he conceded a spot-kick from which Workington equalised. Workington started the brighter with Mark Boyd firing wide before Boston suffered an early blow when striker Mikel Suarez hobbled off with a hamstring injury to be replaced on six minutes by Julian Joachim. The Pilgrims responded with close calls for Marc Newsham and Ben Wilkinson while the home side answered with a Gareth Arnison effort. Boston went ahead on 42 minutes when a Joachim drive was handled by Kyle May and Holsgrove buried the resulting penalty. United remained grittily in control until 71 minutes when a spot-kick at the other end (when Holsgrove bundled over Lee Andrews) saw Arnison fire home. But the Pilgrims bagged all three points with the match ticking into stoppage time when Holsgrove cut in from the right before thrashing a low drive beyond keeper Aaron Taylor and into the far corner of the net. Referee: M Bristow. Attendance: 585.