Pilgrims 3-2 Hartlepool United

Avon Insurance League

by Craig Singleton

David Town netted a goal in the last minute to secure a dramatic win for Boston United Reserves on Wednesday. Town's strike completed a remarkable turnaround after visitors Hartlepool United had led 2-0 at half-time. However, goals from Jamie Cook and Tom Bennett got the Pilgrims back into the match and Town sealed all three points with his fourth strike in the reserves this season. Boston included three trialists - Notts County right-back Ryan Clarke, former Chelsea midfielder Paul Thornton and ex-Luton and Bury forward Liam George. The latter impressed sufficiently to be recruited on a non-contract basis following the match. Hartlepool had seized the initiative as early as the sixth minute when Kevin HENDERSON fired home past Nick Conroy following a long throughball. Boston responded with Bennett's 20-yard free-kick flashing wide and then Town drove wide of the target after latching onto Clarke's telling pass. James Sharp saw his header clear Conroy's crossbar before HENDERSON doubled his tally to increase Pool's lead in the 29th minute. He chased onto a long ball over the top, out-muscled Clarke and drilled a low shot past Conroy.

Town was subsequently denied a goal by a great save from Jim Provett after the Boston frontman had found himself one-on-one with the visiting keeper. Boston pulled a goal back on the hour when COOK rifled home from the penalty spot after the lively George had been felled by Matty Robson. The goal signalled a wave of Boston pressure as they sought an equaliser and the Pilgrims came close when George's header was tipped over the bar by Provett. Further untaken chances fell to Bennett, whose low shot was hacked away by Jon Bass, and James Gould who saw his header collected by Provett. But the equaliser deservedly arrived on 71 minutes when BENNETT picked the ball up around 25 yards from goal, composed himself and fired home an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net. The hosts almost went in front moments later when great play involving Stuart Douglas and George — former team-mates in Luton's youth ranks - led to Town seeing a low drive blocked by Provett. However, Boston nicked the game in the final minute when TOWN slotted home from six yards following Gould's great cross after Thornton had provided the Boston number three with an excellent ball to centre from the left.

United team: 1. Conroy, 2. Clarke, 3. Gould, 4. Bennett, 5. Ellender, 6. R Weatherstone, 7. George, 8. Thornton, 9. Douglas, 10. Town, 11. Cook (N Thompson 67).