Pilgrims 1-1 Bath City

Dr Martens League

This match between the top two teams in the Dr. Martens League ended somewhat predictably in a draw. For the Pilgrims it was essential that they didn't lose against the team who were only one point behind them with two games in hand. A loss would have seriously dented their championship hopes. Following on from their exits from the FA Cup and Trophy, both team morale and match attendances could have begun a terminal decline. Boston had a new face in their starting line-up. Manager Steve Evans had signed up former Mansfield and Grimsby midfielder John Walker from Kingstonian as midfield cover following a spate of recent injuries. First impressions indicate that this could be a shrewd signing, especially after Walker has played a few games for the club and worked out how to play with the rest of the team. After a goal-less first half in which neither keeper was troubled enough to have to make a difficult save, a mistake by Walker led to Bath taking the lead five minutes into the second half. Mike Davies robbed Walker of the ball and was able to break clear. Despite a desperate lunge by Paul Bastock, DAVIS rounded the keeper and ran the ball into the net.

Not surprisingly, along with a brief torrential downpour, this woke the Pilgrims from their stupor. September's "Player of the Month" David Norris and the industrious Mark Rawle began to look dangerous. Kevin Noteman was sent on to replace defender Paul Wilson in the hope of creating more goalscoring chances. Ten minutes from the end the Pilgrims got their deserved equaliser when RAWLE was in the right place to slot home when the ball landed at his feet after a cross had not been dealt with and initial shots had been saved. The closing minutes had more excitement than the rest of the match put together. The Pilgrims, spurred on by the large crowd, went in search of the winner and Bath looked dangerous on the break. But despite a few saves at both ends the match ended with both sides sharing the points.

United team: 1. Paul Bastock, 2. Joby Gowshall, 3. Paul Wilson, 4. Colin Hoyle, 5. Gary Childs, 6. David Rennie, 7. Andrew Stanhope, 8. John Walker, 9. Mickey Nuttell, 10. Mark Rawle, 11. David Norris, 12. Ross Nicholls, 14. Jim Dobbin, 15. Kevin Noteman.