Pilgrims 1-0 Lincoln City

Coca-Cola League

A Lincoln win would have put them on top of the table, and after winning all their away games this season to date, it looked a good possibility. But as is often the case in such situations, the side second from bottom beat the side second from top. An early mistake by Mark Albrighton gave Mark Stallard a shooting opportunity, but his effort lacked power and was easily saved by Andy Marriott. The ball soon fell nicely for Lee Frecklington, but he couldn't quite control his shot and again Marriott was able to save. Boston then began to put Lincoln under pressure - winning a series of corners - but the Lincoln defence held out. A long range shot by Tim Ryan was almost deflected into the net by Anthony Elding, but the striker couldn't connect cleanly and the ball went just wide. Another mistake by Albrighton let Jeff Hughes in, but his lob cleared both the 'keeper and the bar. Jamie Forester then got one-on-one with Marriott but his shot was saved. Just before half-time Elding saw a chance, but Alan Marriott made the save look easy. In added time former Pilgrim Lee Beevers made a goal-line clearance to deny Francis Green.

Boston began the second half in lively fashion. A 25 yard strike by Tim Ryan was only just off target. At the other end Lee Beevers somehow managed to miss the goal from two yards out following a mix-up between Marriott and a Boston defender. The Pilgrims took the lead on the hour when former Imp Francis GREEN out-witted Alan Marriott with a mis-hit shot that slowly crept in just the right side of the post. Seconds later Lincoln thought they had equalised when Forester put the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Mark Stallard then turned and shot, but the ball went across the face of the goal and wide. That was about the last chance Lincoln had as Boston controlled the game and played out the remaining minutes. After the match Steve Evans said: "It was a determined performance because we needed three points".

United team: Andy Marriott, Tim Ryan, Paul Ellender, Mark Albrighton, Stewart Talbot, Richie Ryan, Chris Holland (David Farrell 90), Dany N'Guessan, David Galbraith, Anthony Elding, Francis Green (Bob Davidson 74). Subs not used: Ben Kirby, Paul Tait, Jamie Stevens.