Play-offs: part two - that's why I don't play the lottery

Boston United vs Guiseley AFC

This play-off semi-final, second leg was put into context with the announcement of the sad death of Pilgrims Safety Officer, Richard Carrington, on Sunday morning following a lengthy illness.  A minute silence was impeccably observed in his honour by both sets of fans.

The players walk out to a packed York St.

An early trip to York St gave to opportunity to watch the Black Country derby, it also offered an opportunity to drown the nerves under several pints of beer while praying that Boston could defend more effectively than West Brom.  The ground started to fill early and the fantastic home support of 2538 was bolstered by a pitiful 102 from Guiseley, one fifth of the support the Pilgrims took to Yorkshire on a Tuesday night first leg.  The Pilgrims were hoping to field a full first team but unfortunately Kev 'Keith' Austin aggravated an injury in the warm up and so Kieran Murphy started.  Pearson and Dudfield did manage to make it back into the team with Clarke and Boyes missing out as the Pilgrims looked to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit.

Churchy lines up a free-kick.

Boston were flying from the off as Pearson had his first effort cleared off the line, Yates put in the resultant corner and this time Pearson buried it.  Walshaw tried to restore Guiseley's advantage and managed to get a shot away without falling over much to the home support's amazement.  Dudfield and Weir-Daley both had chances but couldn't take advantage and neither could Guiseley as a shot was blocked by the Boston back line.  It was Boston who were having the better of an end to end game though and they were nearly ahead in the tie when Church smashed the ball into the crossbar either side of the break, including one from a belting free kick.

In a repeat of the first leg Guiseley were better after the break.  This improvement resulted in a goal as a free-kick deflected off the wall and fell to Rothery who beat Bastock from close-in.  Despite the improvement from the visitors it was still the Pilgrims creating most of the chances as Davidson and Clarke replaced Weir-Daley and Canoville respectively.  Yates had a great effort saved by the Guiseley 'keeper.  Yates was at the centre of most of United's good work in the second half and had another shot deflected just wide before his corner was returned to the box by Clarke, allowing Church to level the tie again.  Boston should have been awarded two or three spot-kicks during normal time but these were added to the one from the first leg in being turned down incorrectly.

The sublime Yates receives treatment in front of a heaving Town End.

Davidson had a chance to put United ahead early in extra time but could only nod wide from another great Yates cross.  Three minutes into the second period of extra time and a woeful clearance from Murphy allowed Stamp to spank in a wonderful effort from 20 plus yards.  The crowd was silenced except for a small contingent of joy in the corner of the York St stand.  The quiet lasted five minutes at the most.  Yet again Yates was at the centre of things, swinging in a brilliant cross for Davidson to convert to put Boston 3-2 up on the day and level 3-3 on aggregate.  The chance to win the tie fell to Boyes a few yards out completely unmarked and with only a minute or so to go but he leant back as he hit it and the ball sailed over.

Before this season I had never seen a Boston penalty shoot-out, now I've seen two.  Church and the cheat, Walshaw, both converted theirs but Sleath's penalty was brilliantly saved and Stamp gave Guiseley the advantage.  The Guiseley 'keeper made yet another superb save to deny Jelleyman, Boshell couldn't take advantage as his spot kick was fired straight at Bazza but Boston couldn't level up either, Boyes hitting the post.  Toulson spanked his kick against the bar giving Dudfield the opportunity to keep United in it.  Guiseley had to score to win the tie and Payton duly rolled the ball past Bazza to put United out.  I hate penalties.

The gutting feeling was tempered by immense pride in the performance and the overall achievement of the season.  The lads have done so well to even get to the play-offs.  Guiseley, whilst good enough on the pitch might not be good enough off it for the Blue Square Prem. and so I hope Telford win the play-off final, having seen off Nuneaton in the other semi.

Next up: England Ladies vs Sweden Ladies at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford will follow my 2010/11 season awards post.