Pilgrims 5-1 Vauxhall Motors

Conference North

There were three changes to the starting line-up over that which had played at Leigh last week. Tony Crane was left out after being unwell, Alex Notman was out injured and Mbiyeye Medine was dropped to the subs' bench. The gaps were filled by Stewart Talbot back from injury, Tom Matthews returned to defence and Jon Stevenson forming a three man strike force up front. In the opening minutes Jon Froggatt had a great chance to put Boston into the lead when Jon Stevenson threaded the ball through to him to put him one-on-one with the Vauxhall Motors 'keeper but Froggatt put his effort wide. The Pilgrims took the lead in the 23rd minute when Ashley NICHOLLS headed home. Tom FIELD then equalised for the visitors on the half hour, poking the ball into the top corner after good approach play on the edge of the box. Boston regained the lead two minutes later when Jon ROWAN got on the end of a great cross by Tom Matthews and put the ball in the net with a downward header.

Just before half-time Keiran Leabon turned his marker inside out only to be brought down just inside the area and the referee gave the penalty. In the absence of Tony Crane, Jon STEVENSON stepped up and extended Boston's lead. In the second half Boston sat back allowing Vauxhall Motors to create a few good chances, but Lee Crockett was in good form and made a string of good saves. A minute before the end Jon FROGGATT finally added another goal to the Boston total after getting on the end of a cross. Deep into injury time Ashley NICHOLLS finished off the scoring with a cracking shot after running through the Motors' defence. After the match Tommy Taylor said: "I'm very pleased. Second half I thought we passed the ball very well. I've got an outstanding team here and if they don't get in the playoffs they need shooting."

Boston United: Lee Crockett, Adam Smith, Matt Bloomer, Paul Ellender, Tom Matthews, Stewart Talbot (Lee Thompson 68), Ashley Nicholls, Jon Rowan (Mbiyeye Medine 62), Jon Froggatt, Jon Stevenson (Matt O'Halloran 76), Kieran Leabon. Subs not used: Paul Alexander, Luke Foulkes.