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Hartlepool United 1-0 Pilgrims

Avon Insurance League

by Craig Singleton

A solitary Gordon Watson strike condemned Boston United Reserves to defeat on Wednesday afternoon. The veteran striker was on target in the 58th minute to secure a win for Hartlepool United's second string at Victoria Park. It ended Boston's run of five straight victories in the Avon Insurance League Division One East. However, it was a useful exercise as several first-teamers were given run-outs, while several trialists were also utilised. Ryan Clarke (Notts County), Dave Jervis (ex-Mansfield) and Phil Gulliver (Middlesbrough) all figured, along with Ipswich duo Lee Beevers and Rob Dickinson, who both subsequently joined Boston on loan until the end of the season. The Pilgrims almost went ahead on five minutes, but Peter Duffield headed wide from Dickinson's free-kick. Hartlepool responded with Watson sending a low drive wide while Anthony Sweeney volleyed over from 18 yards. Stuart Douglas went close in the 17th minute as he sent a long-ranger just over Jim Provett's crossbar, while Jermaine Easter missed a great chance for Pool when he fired over from six yards following Sweeney's cross. Boston suffered a setback with just over five minutes of the first half remaining when Douglas was forced off after injuring his knee in a collision with Kevin Henderson.

Recent acquisition Graeme Jones came on to replace Douglas. Price saved his team either side of the break, denying efforts from Watson and Henderson as Pool really stepped up their search for the opening goal. Pool continued to press with ex-Newcastle player Paul Arnison drilling marginally over the bar from a Paul Smith centre, while Price again did well to deny Watson. Boston had two close calls of their own as Duffield saw a header well saved by Provett, while Tom Bennett curled an 18-yard free-kick wide of Provett's upright. Boston received a real let-off in the 55th minute when the lively Jermaine Easter saw his low drive cannon back off the post. The subsequent rebound was hacked clear by Beevers. WATSON then dragged another shot wide before he put his side in front in the 58th minute. He smashed home a six-yard volley following an excellent cross by Smith, giving Price no chance. Watson went close again moments later as his fierce volley cleared Price's crossbar following a smart ball from Jon Bass. Easter repeated the feat before seeing an attempted lob drop into Price's arms. Hartlepool ended the game in the ascendancy. Substitute Colin McKenzie fired a shot straight at Price, while efforts from Watson and Adam Boyd were gathered by the Pilgrims keeper, before Easter drilled another effort wide.

United team: 1. Price, 2. Clarke, 3. Jervis (Balmer 85), 4. Bennett (N Thompson 60), 5. Gulliver, 6. Beevers, 7. Dickinson, 8. Costello, 9. Duffield, 10. Douglas (Jones 39), 11. Gould. Subs (not used): Redfearn, Conroy (gk).