Boring, boring Boston.

Boston United vs Eastwood Town

Kick-off at York St.

Well that was boring.  There isn't much more to say than that really but I'll try anyway.  Eastwood managed their first win of the season at home to Corby on Saturday and are looking to build up a head of steam.  Boston are looking to put the woes of the Nuneaton game behind them by building on the solid performance at Harrogate.

Churchy and Sleath: bypassed.

Lazy August Bank-Holiday sunshine greeted the teams out of the tunnel and there was a slight air of pre-season amongst the 1579 supporters in the stands.  This feeling seemed to rub-off on the players and both teams were a bit slow out of the blocks.  Eastwood looked tidy and played some nice quick passing football.  They were unlucky not to take the lead when Stevenson skinned Jelleyman, not for the last time in the game, and pinged a shot against the crossbar.  Boston were having a few chances as well, one of which was powered to the back of the net by Pearson to put the Pilgrims one up just inside the half-hour.  The goal came slightly against the run of play and Eastwood continued to trouble United with several chances.  Boston had one further decent chance before the break as Semple put a free-kick wide, it seems he can only score from twenty-plus yards on the road.

The second period saw Eastwood continue their pressure but there were few real chances with the Badgers spurning two golden opportunities.  Boston couldn't really create either as long balls bypassed a non-existent midfield aiming for the useless Davidson up top.  There was still no flow from the Pilgrims but the crowd started to wake up as the heavy challenges began to fly in.  Players on either side were lucky to escape bookings as the ref. went from poor to totally losing the plot.

The ball drops in the Eastwood box.

The refereeing really marred the game as Andy Newbold missed several fouls and handballs whilst over-ruling his linesmen arbitrarily and handing out seemingly random bookings.  Eastwood should probably have been gifted a penalty in the first period when Davidson made a mess of heading/chesting a ball clear (yes, apparently that is possible) and handled inside the area instead the referee gave a free-kick on the edge of the box.  There was also a possible shout for a United penalty, again in the first half and again only a free-kick was given.  The referee's final insult was playing seven (SEVEN) minutes of added time when five were indicated and two would have been more realistic.  Ultimately this was irrelevant and Boston held on to win 1-0.  Looks like we can only score two or more away from home.  Still three points, five wins from six and the Newsh. got a bit more game-time.  Overall it was a  lethargic match, the Pilgrims always seem to struggle after good away wins.  Eastwood will have nothing to worry about this season, they are clearly a better side than their league position would suggest and will pick up soon.

Next up is Corby Town at Rockingham Triangle on the 4th of September.  It's non-league day so if you aren't doing anything then pop down your local ground and show some support.