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Boston United vs Eastwood Town

Things didn't exactly start well in United's final encounter of the calender year.  Troubled Eastwood were ahead within two minutes, ex-Pilgrim and Boston hero, Franny Green converting from a whipped cross.  Despite the poor start, United were flying!  Milnes and Kirk were denied by the excellent Severn in the Eastwood net.  A headed effort by Ward was kept out on the line.  Newsham had two chances to restore parity, putting one over the top off his head before slotting home his second chance superbly, only to be ruled offside.  With the pressure building on Eastwood, they extended their lead.  A fantastic curling effort from Franny Green, who is surely too good for this level, curling out of the reach of Bazza.

Boxing Day football at York St.

This seemed to be the story of the season in one 12 minute period, playing well but getting nowhere.  It was looking like one of those days as Severn denied Jason Lee from close range.  Sleath broke that spell with a long range drive into the bottom corner and Boston were up and running.  Franny Green was still causing the back line plenty of trouble forcing Bazza to tip an effort over the bar but it was Boston in the ascendency.  The home team were soon level, Ward powering home a Milnes corner with his head minutes before the break.

After half-time United piled yet more pressure onto the beleaguered Eastwood back-line.  Gaffer Lee was in the thick of the action knocking one onto the post before flicking on to Newsham who's neat finish put Boston into the lead.  The Eastwood heads dropped and United piled forward.  An hour in and United put another away.  Lee, again in the thick of things, smashing home forcefully after a blocked Milnes effort fell kindly.  Constantine was thrown into the action for the first time as the pace of the game slowed.  United, having tied things up with the fourth goal, took their foot off the gas.  Eastwood nearly reduced the deficit, rattling the woodwork before Green was denied excellently by Bazza, but it was to be United's day.

Eastwood Town vs Boston United

Following the entertaining Boxing Day clash, United made the return leg on an extremely wet New Years Day.  The rain had made the pitch slick and with Eastwood having played well just days earlier this wasn't going to be an easy encounter by any stretch.  United walked out into the rain unchanged in-front of a predominantly Bostonian crowd; well, unchanged except that we had two number fives on the pitch, a fact not noticed by the officials for several minutes.  Clubs never seem to expect Boston to bring fans and Eastwood were no different, selling out of programmes in the club shop an hour before kick off.  There were a few parallels to be drawn between the Boxing day game and this encounter.  Mainly that Boston started well, Ross chipping just over; before Eastwood took the lead.  A cross, resulting from Fairclough being brushed aside with worrying ease, let in Green who punished United yet again with a massive deflection off Ward foxing Bazza.

A very soggy Eastwood.

Eastwood players were starting to dive in a bit and a horrendous challenge was inevitable.  Milnes was the victim, hobbling off injured.  The ref then went from hindrance to help a minute or so later.  A fifty-fifty challenge between Austin and an Eastwood player on the edge of the home team's box saw the Eastwood player come off worse and give away a free-kick too.  The salt was really rubbed into the wound as a masterful Ross free-kick curled beautifully into the top-corner, the 'keeper having no-chance.

Boston weren't level for long.  A complete lack of communication between Bazza rushing out of his net and Fairclough rushing the other way saw Fairclough head neatly over the 'keeper for Christie to tap home.  Fairclough shouldn't head towards his own net but then Bazza should've given a shout.  Either way, United were behind again.  Fairclough was also making inroads at the other end, planting a shot firmly into the side netting.  Bastock was needed to tip the ball just over the bar, preventing United conceding a third from a free-kick.

United search for the winner.

Half-time saw the introduction of Ryan Semple.  Semple absolutely destroyed Eastwood time after time when he had the ball.  Boston nearly scored from a corner early on in the half but the ball was blocked by Burge and was neither a handball or over the line from my perspective.  Boston were barrelling forward and leaving bigger gaps at the back than usual.  Bastock made a good double save to deny Eastwood.  The save proved to be vital as minutes later United scored from their second corner in quick succession.  Ross cut the ball back to Semple who delivered a telling cross into the box.  Newsham was on hand to convert.

The Eastwood number seven spent much of the game making a tit of himself and seemed more interested in trying to get one over on the Boston fans than actually playing.  Sadly for him he failed miserably and was subbed off before he was sent off, what an idiot.  Boston sensed a win with 20 minutes left.  Newsham hit a fantastic effort on the turn but it was well blocked.  United were pressing hard, Jason Lee putting an effort wide with minutes to go.  This time round Eastwood did hang on and claimed a point as United went home ruing mistakes in the back-line and an inability to convert chances.

Next up for me: Dartford FC away in the FA Trophy second round proper.

Dr Jekyll

Boston United vs Hyde FC

The first round proper of the FA Trophy brought yet another new team to York St... no, wait... brought the same team that was here barely a month ago.  Hyde did us over on that occasion with a couple of soft goals.  Since then United have been in good form, with the exception of the last Trophy game, even if results haven't quite been there.  In an effort to maintain this momentum the line-up was unchanged.

Apologies for the lack of photos, my camera doesn't like to focus when it's cold.

The story of Boston's season was played out in the first half as the Pilgrims did well but struggled to threaten in the final third.  There were very few chances of note, Hyde seeing a chance flicked just wide of the post while United saw Newsham and Semple shots blocked.  Ian Ross had a go from range, forcing the Hyde 'keeper to save well.  United went behind just before the break, the otherwise good Jordan Fairclough was done down the Pilgrims right and the resulting cross was smashed past Bastock via the head of Spencer.  Boston tried to respond immediately but Jason Lee's header was cleared off the line.

The second half performance was much improved and the Pilgrims pushed Hyde back.  The good Boston play was rewarded on the hour.  Austin converting a Milnes corner to notch up his eighth goal in twenty something years and his first for the Pilgrims.  As the Pilgrims celebrated, Hyde's Griffin stupidly mouthed off and earned himself a second yellow.  Possibly the daftest sending off since Jamie Yates threw a ball in a players face when Boston were 10-0 up against Durham!  

Moonrise over the York St end; brass monkeys.

Ben Fairclough was thrown into the mix as ten-men Hyde struggled to handle United.  United scored their second through Ben Fairclough, the shortest player on the pitch - possibly in the world - heading home a driven cross from Ross.  Hyde recovered well and maintained possession in the closing stages but the return of Tom Ward in the middle of the defence, after Jelleyman was subbed off injured, ensured that nothing got through.  Ward has been a massive miss for Boston so hopefully he's nearly back to match fitness.  Despite their possession it was Hyde who looked more likely to concede.  United were giving the Manchester club a taste of their own medicine and playing confidently, with pace on the break.  Sleath was twice denied by the Hyde shot-stopper who then had to be alert to keep Ross out just before full-time.

Boston through to the second round then and the draw has thrown up Dartford away.  Dartford are doing well in the BSB South and will be a tough challenge for the Pilgrims.  Don't they have grass on their roof or something?

Next up for me: Eastwood Town at York St on Boxing Day.

Boston Boys

Boston United vs Burnley

York St.

The youth system at Boston United, headed by Steve Welsh, has been a fantastic set-up for many years now. This seasons FA Youth Cup has seen the youth team receiving the rewards and success that they deserve, whilst simultaneously showing the first team how to play cup football. The lads had beaten Lincoln United, Mickleover Sports, Pinxton, Stourport Swifts, Burton Albion and Bradford City to get into the third round of the competition, one of only four non-league youth set-ups to do so. The reward for this run was to host Championship club Burnley in front of a fantastic 492 at York St. That's a greater attendance for United's youth team on a Tuesday night than seen at eight out of the nine BSB North games in mid-week.

Hipwell barking orders at his defence.

Very early on in the game United matched the visitors but it was soon apparent that Burnley were a class above.  United were dogged - Charlie Rossington playing particularly well at left back - but never really threatened Burnley's net.  Hipwell in the Boston net, giving vocal encouragement to his back-line throughout the game, was forced into a good save before centre-back Jordan Nuttell was called into action to hook the ball off the line.  Hipwell was forced into another good save and then it was the bar to the Pilgrims rescue as Burnley dominated possession and chances.

The pressure finally told in the 34th minute, Gilchrist turning to plant the ball home well.  Nuttell was needed to clear off the line for the second time, to save the blushes of Hipwell.  Burnley were soon two up though.  A deflected Hewitt free-kick foxing Hipwell.  Boston had a chance to reply but the Burnley 'keeper was paying attention and saved well.

After the break United had another opportunity to pull one back, Elliot Price deftly chipping the ball over the onrushing Burnley shot stopper.  This time it was the Clarets' turn to have blushes spared by a goal-line clearance.  Boston were to rue these missed chances as a crazy twelve minute spell saw them concede five goals and be reduced to ten men.  The twelve minutes were began with a diving header from Howieson to plough home a Williams cross.  Nuttell made a hash of a clearance, slicing the ball past his own 'keeper before Mullin made it five from just inside the box.

Burnley line up a free-kick.

Boston were reduced to ten men as Sanders got himself sent-off for what the linesman saw as a cynical elbow to the defenders face.  Shortly after the dismissal the Pilgrims conceded their sixth, Gilchrist heading past Hipwell.  Gilchrist completed his hat-trick, and United's rout, two minutes later as he converted a Hewitt shot which had come back off the bar.  Boston re-grouped and regained a bit of composure to pin Burnley to seven goals but the damage had been done.  The Pilgrims were unlucky not to pull one back through Tricks just before the final whistle signalled an end to their FA Youth Cup run.

Next up: Hyde at York St in the FA Trophy first round proper.

Magic Of The Trophy

Boston United vs Workington

Poor turnout in the Town End.

Following two exciting fixtures the magic of the FA Trophy was bound to provide another, right?  Erm... not quite.  The Trophy isn't exactly a prestige competition in this corner of south Lincs.  Until the later stages of the competition the Boston public fail to get excited about this competition, only 743 could be bothered to turn out for the final qualifying round.  Unfortunately in recent seasons Boston have failed to trouble the later stages of the competition with a worrying consistency.  Luckily for United, Workington are struggling this season.  Add that to the fact that Workington have and abysmal record against the Pilgrims - P11, W1, L10 - and United must at least stand a chance of going through to the first round proper.

Magic of the Trophy.

After all the rumours, Ian Ross joined the Pilgrims and went straight into the starting line-up alongside Tyrone Kirk; harsh on Chris Hall and Ryan Semple who were the stars of the fantastic performance at Gainsborough.  This left the Pilgrims with three in the middle of the park and only on winger.  The game itself mirrored the enthusiasm of the crowd in as much that almost nothing happened in the first period.  The only action of note was a fantastic triple save from Bazza minutes before the break to keep Workington at bay.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first had ended.  There were few chances for either side until the introduction of Semple in place of Ross on the hour mark.  Semple was duly fouled.  The resulting Milnes free-kick was headed down by Austin and converted by Newsham.  Workington were almost level when their tubby striker slid in and pinged one off the post.  Workington had a couple of chances as the game started to develop an edge.  Tackles flew in, including one horrendous challenge that could've easily broken Newsham's leg; a fight ensued as the referee lost the plot.

Milnes had a curling free-kick well saved, Semple and Sleath also had chances as the game drew to a close.  Not the most exciting of matches then but through to the First Round Proper is the important part.  The only real conclusions to be drawn were that Bazza is still pretty agile, Ian Ross still has it and the Trophy is still uninspiring in the early stages.

Next up: Stalybridge Celtic away.

Centurion.

Boston United vs Hyde

My 100th post on this blog is celebrated by a gala event, the league leaders at York St.  Sadly it is not the home team which brings this honour but the team from the outskirts of Manchester.  Having really struggled to stay-up last year, Hyde have undergone quite a transformation.  Training equipment from Man. City and a few players from Hoddle's Spanish academy have revolutionised the club who are now flying and are surely title contenders.

An unseasonably sunny and warm York St.

Boston, on the other hand, aren't struggling but aren't flying either; the Pilgrims seem to be hit and miss at the best of times.  The rearranged Hyde game kicks off a difficult run of league games that sees the Pilgrims face Hyde, Gainsborough and Stalybridge; a good start to the run was a must.  Newsham was the only change, starting up front in place of Burrow.  United started brilliantly, pressing Hyde every time the team in blue had the ball.  The first ten minutes saw United have the best of the play but Hyde defended well, limiting Boston to shooting from distance; Newsham and Hall's efforts dealt with easily by the 'keeper.

Hyde were being pressed back but did have a penalty shout turned down by the referee.  Bastock claimed the ball before taking the man, thankfully the ref was pretty decent (two in two weeks?!) and competent enough to see the touch.  So the pen was turned down despite the appeals of the Hyde support.  Next it was the Hyde 'keepers turn to cut it a bit fine, sidestepping Newsham with the ball at his feet.  United were ending the half the better, the 'keeper denying Newsham a couple more times before the break.  Hall also had a flying finish to the first period, booked for a nothing foul on Payne who made the most he could of it.  He then went on a stunning run from deep inside the United half but couldn't pick out anyone in support.

Payne showing what he can do when he isn't falling over!

United's failure to take advantage was to cost them as the Payne showed he was capable of more than just falling over by out-foxing White superbly to gain space from which he placed the ball past Bastock.  United came back brilliantly and thought they were level when Newsham placed a sublime finish into the back of a net, however, he was adjudged to be offside when Lee's flick on came in.  Payne was in the thick of it again as Bastock committed himself.  Payne, seemingly through on goal, saw his shot kept out by Canoville, the gaffer back covering for his over-committed 'keeper.

It wasn't long before Hyde were two up.  A cross was thrown in to the United area and Hyde's Hall was able to knock down to Broadbent - both completely unmarked - who smashed the second home.  Boston heads dropped and the pressing had taken it's toll on the Pilgrims' stamina.  Hyde hit the woodwork twice in stoppage time but if losing by two was a little unfair on the Pilgrims, any more would have been a travesty!  So, not quite the flying start needed for the tough games ahead but a performance like that at Gainsborough away will surely bring a win.

Next up: Gainsborough Trinity away.

Colwyn cheats, a rubbish referee and a deserved comeback

Boston United vs Colwyn Bay

Colwyn Bay are the first welsh team to face United since the last day of the Fat Cheat's Boston career, away at Wrexham, which in hindsight is appropriate.  Boston were coming off the back of a good two game response following some poor form.  Utility man, Armstrong, had left the club for pastures new and was therefore amongst the four changes; Hall, Milnes, Austin and Burrow coming in to replace Newsham, the departed Armstrong, Wilkinson and Mulready.

The teams shake hands in front of the 16 Colwyn fans.

Boston got off to a flier and took the first real chance.  Semple, who'd already caused the Bay back-line problems, arrowed in a superb cross for Lee to power home a header with ten minutes on the clock.  Bay tried to get back into the game but Lloyd-McGoldrick was off target before being denied by Bastock minutes later.  Bay had further chances but couldn't convert before Boston were denied a stone-wall penalty by a seemingly blind ref who's performance was, astoundingly, shaping up to be nearly as bad as the joker from last week!  Semple was turning on the skill and made the full-back look even sillier than a snapshot of their ill-advised, unprofessional and what may be considered borderline racist tweets could do!  The combination of Semple, Hall and Burrow set-up Sleath for a sighter before Semple set himself up for a well-struck 20 yard drive which the Bay 'keeper dealt with neatly.

It was looking like United were going to go in 1-0 up as the clock ticked over 45 minutes but there was late drama in first half stoppage time.  United gifted McEvilly too much space on the edge of the box, which is a miracle in its own right, allowing him to scuff a shot home for the equaliser.  A minute later and Stainfield completed the Pilgrims' implosion, taking out Noon and giving McEvilly the chance to put home his second from the spot.

The second half should have seen Boston's second penalty of the game but this time not only did the ref not see it but he contrived to book Milnes for "simulation" when the midfielder was through on goal.  Bay tried to extend their lead but could only manage to belt the ball across an empty box.  The already tense atmosphere soured further when a Bay centre-back cut his head and required treatment, 5 minutes of treatment in-fact.  What's wrong with that, you may ask?  It was the fact that they carried out the treatment entirely on the pitch, wasting time and slowing the pace of the game.  The game was then restarted with a drop ball despite the stoppage being instigated due to a foul on a Boston player.  How cynical can you get?

Hall attacks down the left.

Newsham and Ben Fairclough were brought on to replace Hall and Lee as Boston went on the offensive.  Newsham was soon involved when he broke through and unselfishly set-up Sleath; for once the midfielder somehow managed to bang over when it was easier to score.  The second half also saw the poor-penalty-decisions tally increase, Boston saw yet another appeal for handball turned down while a Bay striker fell over theatrically seeing nothing given.  Surely there should be some consistency, either it was a pen. or another booking for simulation?

The Bay 'keeper kept them in the game, making a fantastic save as United searched for an equaliser.  The search was made significantly easier when, in what can only be described as a disgraceful bout of petulance, the Bay captain was sent off for swearing and hurling abuse at children sat in the main stand.  The horrendous excuse for a person then took as much time as possible walking slowly across the pitch.  It was this, along with the rest of Colwyn's time wasting which was to cost them.  Boston were knocking at the door and, with Bay down to nine as the still bleeding centre-back was forced off yet again, Milnes struck a beauty into the top corner.  The thousand plus Boston supporters were universally delighted with a point even though the Pilgrims clearly deserved all three.

The drama for the day didn't end there though.  The disgraced Bay captain thought it would be a wonderful idea to improve his reputation further by camping out in the referee's room to remonstrate with the, admittedly poor, official.  There were also reliable reports of the Bay party being quickly ushered out of the Pilgrim Lounge after the game by stewards and police.  The colossally unprofessional comments from both the official Colwyn Bay twitter account, who wasn't even there, and the comments of their players previously noted all go some way to making this astonishing story believable.  With all these things considered Colwyn Bay must go down as one of the least professional clubs I have ever seen, especially at this level.

Next up: Solihull Moors away.

Wef-a-wee!

Boston United vs Workington

OK, OK... I know I should be used to it by now, I mean there is a contentious issue every week, but this guy was something else.  One of the worst referees I have ever seen, and that is saying something!  Workington were the second team to meet United twice in the league this season and they brought a surprisingly large following, well into double figures, especially considering the distance and the fact that their team are rubbish at best.  Since losing to Boston in the last minute in the first fixture of the season Workington have only notched up two wins and two draws; finding themselves sitting firmly in the relegation spots.  United surely couldn't fail to lose, especially after losing at home to lowly Solihull Moors.  Lightning surely can't strike twice.

A disappointed Boston kick-off after conceding first.

Only one change was forced on the United team following the neat performance at Histon; Alan White dropping out for personal reasons to be replaced by Ben Wilkinson as Canoville shifted inside.  Workington didn't look like one of the worst teams in the league but then United do have a tendency to make their opposition look good.  Add to that the referee giving some horrendously inexplicable free-kicks and it all amounted to Workington being on top of things as United struggled to find any rhythm.  Workington were doing all the pressing and were soon in front.  Arnison was allowed to run the length of the pitch, brushing aside weak challenges from Lee, Wilkinson and Canoville before slotting past Bastock.

Confusion between Bastock and the excellent Stainfield nearly saw United trail by a greater margin.  Bazza threw all his experience from 651 starts in a Pilgrims shirt out of the window in one fell rush of blood, came flying out of goal and left Arnison clean through to put away his second.  Except, he didn't.  Don't ask me how he contrived to hit the post but the collective sigh of relief around York St was tangible.  Had he put the chance away the ref may have failed to make it off the pitch alive at half time, having got yet another decision badly wrong in the build up.  The linesman decided he wanted a part of the fun and got involved by giving a free-kick for a dive Luis Suarez would be proud of!

Workington giving it a good go.

Boston started to play in spite of the ref and Mulready had the Pilgrims first real chance of the half.  Jason Lee, having contrived to get himself booked for nothing, got his revenge by smashing home a delightful Semple cross with his head.  Workington heads dropped and United could've been in front; Jelleyman, Lee and Newsham combining well to put Mulready through.

Once again, Boston were brighter in the second half.  Sleath had an early effort but United huffed and puffed  at Workington without much success.  It was Workington who had the chances, Bastock getting himself into trouble with Austin bailing him out with a goal line clearance.  United were playing the better football and passing it around neatly against the 14 men.  It seemed to be just a matter of time until United were in front, five minutes before the whistle in fact.  Wilkinson and Semple getting together to arrow the ball back across the goal for the winner via Burrow's head .

Jason Whitely, Phil Booker and Tom Bramall: Take a bow.
The worst refereeing team I've ever seen!

There was a fantastic chance for Boston to put the game well and truly out of reach, a break leaving them through 3 on 2 against the Workington defence.  Semple shot against the outstretched arms of the 'keeper when squaring might have been the better option.  United proceeded to shamefully waste the last few minutes of the game and would have been punished if Anison could've hit the proverbial barn door.

The solid United performance, amazingly, put Boston just outside the play-offs on goal difference.  If the team really hit their stride a promotion challenge could still be on because as bad as Boston are it seems a lot of other teams in the league are worse!

Next up: Colwyn Bay visit York St.

United don't do cup competitions...

Boston United vs Kidsgrove Athletic

Boston fans of recent years have had a less than romantic experience of the FA Cup.  Since returning to non-league United have been unceremoniously dumped out of the world's premier cup competition in glamour-ties against the likes of Workington, Cambridge, Lowestoft and Worcester; in fact United have failed to go on a non-league cup run since the 1997-98 season.  Kidsgrove provided the second qualifying round opposition for the Pilgrims.  That's Kidsgrove who sit in 15th in a league two levels below United with 11 points from a possible 27; the same Kidsgrove that United knocked out of the FA Trophy three years ago, beating them 6-0 at York St.  United made one change from the mid-week home win against Droylsden with Burrow replacing a very slightly injured Lee.

A rare Kidsgrove effort in the first half.

Kidsgrove had the better of the opening exchanges and were passing it through the United midfield with virtual impunity.  An under-pressure United received another blow as Tom Ward was forced from the pitch with an ankle injury, he was replaced by Austin with five mins gone.  In truth there was very, very little to write about in the first half with the afternoon heat adding to the distinct pre-season feel of the day.  This feeling was reflected in the most inanimate 16 away fans I have ever seen in York St, the 801 home fans weren't exactly pulsating either.

Despite Kidsgrove playing some neat passing football it was the Pilgrims who enjoyed the scant first-half chances.  Semple and White both putting the ball high and wide.  Burrow failed to worry the Athletic 'keeper following a set-up from Newsham and Sleath.  It was Newsham himself who finished off the drab first-half on a high with a headed effort drawing a brilliant save from Kidsgrove's shot stopper.

Two-footed lunge, not a red card
apparently.

Kidsgrove actually had a shot in the first few minutes of the second period and this seemed to galvanise United who stepped up a gear.  United were much crisper in the pass and began to draw late challenges from the Athletic players.  The ref seemingly completely lost the plot, giving free-kicks and bookings for nothing challenges while giving nothing for leg-breakers, two-footed dives and elbows in the face.  Boston should have been in front but Burrow couldn't control a good ball into his feet while inside the area and the chance slipped away.  Burrow was again guilty of profligacy as he and Newsham failed to get on the end of a great ball across the face of goal from Semple.

A free-kick saw Semple fire over as the fouls started to pile up.  Kidsgrove's Dave Walker was lucky to escape a straight red for a two-footed, flying lunge on Bastock, the Athletic (not athletic) front man had further luck when he again took exception to Bastock and seemed to kick him in the chest!  Walker kept pushing his luck though and finally received his marching orders when he decided it would be a great idea to hack down Austin without reason.  What an idiot.

Lee and Fairclough were introduced in place of Burrow and Newsham in an attempt to freshen the attack up.  It worked, to an extent.  Boston were flying now with superb, patient build-up play piling pressure on the visitors.  Sleath was denied from close range by the 'keeper and then on the line by a defender within seconds as United looked to walk the ball into the net.  White headed just over the bar from a Milnes corner, then did it again a minute or so later.  The luck really wasn't with White who had his next shot blocked by defensive partner, Austin; the United centre-back could've shot from six inches out into an empty net and he'd still have missed!

Boston pile on the pressure in the closing stages.

The final chance of the afternoon went to player/manager Jason Lee who got up well to draw a fantastic tip over the bar from the Kidsgrove 'keeper as the ten men held on for the replay.  It was astutely pointed out that the game was reminiscent of the 2009/10 FA Trophy tie against Quorn; we lost that replay...

Next up: Altrincham away.

Plan B

Boston United vs Droylsden

United were swiftly back in action at York St following the mid-week encounter with Hinckley.  Droylsden were the team who brought a close United's ten game unbeaten run last season.  The Bloods start to the season had been remarkably similar to the Pilgrims' with both teams having won four, drawn two and lost four; even the goal difference was identical.  The Pilgrims were looking to continue the good-ish form of mid-week and get a second win on the board.  The weekend and the much improved weather brought out a few more fans for this fixture, the attendance was still a worryingly low 1127.

A much sunnier York St.

The only change from Tuesday's encounter was the re-introduction of Jelleyman at left-back.  Both sides showed attacking intentions from the off, Sleath hitting the woodwork from an off-side position following a saved Milnes shot.  Droylsden had their own opening shot with a header flying narrowly wide of Bazza's post.  Hall was looking dangerous and playing some superb stuff on the wing alongside the always sublime Sleath.  Sleath it was who fashioned a difficult opportunity, firing a looping shot just over from the edge of the box whilst falling over.  Boston's next chance came in an odd manner to say the least, one of the Bloods defenders placing a belting volley just over after Semple's first real run of the game.  Despite the good play from Boston it was Droylsden finishing the half just on top with Bazza doing well to hold a sharp effort.

Boston were in front following the half-time break once again with Ward on the end of the Milnes corner this time round.  United were strong as Lee was denied by a good piece of goal-keeping.  Lee subsequently subbed himself off and Burrow came on to replace him.  This substitution signalled a change in the flow of the game as Drolysden asserted themselves.  Like the Hinckley game in mid-week there was a second goal in short order.  This time though it was Boston on the receiving end.  Kilheeney taking advantage of a rare Ward/Bazza mix up to slot home an equalizer.  Boston were under pressure and Droylsden should have been in front following a Jelleyman mistake.

The team celebrate Tom Ward's goal.

Ben Fairclough was brought on in place of Newsham as Boston, for the first real time this season, switched to "Plan B"!  The pace of Fairclough, and to a lesser extent, Burrow was telling and the Pilgrims went back on the offensive.  Fairclough nailed one wide before Burrow got up well and headed down, doing everything right, but seeing the ball fly just over the bar.  The Bloods had the odd chance but it was United who took the lead minutes later.  The ball wasn't cleared properly and Burrow got up well again, this time his header found the back of the net to put the Pilgrims into a deserved lead.

United should have put the game to bed as some excellent work from Semple saw him clean through on goal but his decision making was poor and he ultimately chipped it tamely into the 'keepers arms.  This nearly cost United as Bastock had to pull out two superb saves to keep the Bloods at bay in the closing stages of the match.  Despite these scares the Pilgrims held on to claim six points out of six.

Next-up: Kidsgrove Athletic at York St in the 2nd qualifying round of the F.A. Cup.

HINCKLEY!!!

Boston United vs Hinckley United

The teams shake hands under the floodlights.

Boston United came into this fixture searching for their opening home win of a listless season so far.  The Leicestershire club provided the opposition for the night and deranged cries of "Hinckley" coming from the home fans may, to the uninitiated, have suggested that York St was full of mentally unstable people; it probably is to be fair.  Not as many mentally unstable people as usual turned up on the turgid Tuesday night, a disappointing 813 in attendance for the competition between one of the weakest strike-forces and one of the most profligate defences in the league.

Jason Lee picks himself on a
miserable night at York St.

United were trying to shore up their flagging front-line by introducing player/manager, Jason Lee, in place of Mikel Suarez.  Hinckley, seemingly much improved from last season, looked the most dangerous in the early stages.  Clarke and Kerry both narrowly off target while a deflected Reynolds shot pinged off the Pilgrims' crossbar.  The despite playing some improved football the Pilgrims could only muster a Ryan Semple effort which flew past the far post.  Semple was having the best of Boston's efforts and was handed another opportunity to score, unfortunately this effort was dragged past the near post this time round.  Hinckley should have been one up at the break but Clarke couldn't convert a golden opportunity from a few yards out.

New boy Stainfield, fresh from a trip out to the States, came into the line-up to replace Kevin "Keith" Austin at left-back.  I'd been reliably informed by my Boston Town contact that Stainfield should be about the right level for our reserves.  This was thrown into doubt six minutes into the second period when a towering Stainfield header planted the ball firmly past ex-Pilgrim Dan Haystead in the Hinckley goal.  This triggered a frenetic period of end to end football in which Milnes hit the crossbar before Jason Lee expertly chested the ball back to Sleath who finished with a 25 yard half-volley to put the Pilgrims two in front.

United attack a sparsely populated Town End.

Boston seemed to switch off and Hinckley tried hard to force a way back into the match in the closing 30 minutes; Newton saw a couple of good chances go away from him.  Suarez and new boy Ben Fairclough replaced Lee and Semple respectively as the Pilgrims went for pace up front.  Yes, pace!  Boston had to clear one off the line and be saved by the off-side flag before finishing the game the stronger side with Suarez and Fairclough both being denied before the final whistle.

Next-up: Boston United vs Droylsden at York St.

It's All A Bit Mickey Mouse

England vs Wales and Boston United vs Solihull Moors

Wembley: Theatre of boredom.

I was going to write a blog post about the England - Wales game but it was uninspiring and frankly pretty rubbish so I didn't have the will to do it before the Solihull game rolled around.  This game was also an appalling display of "football" and so I thought "why not dump these two together into one really depressing blog post?"  So now the scene is set here is what happened...

1,700 odd Welsh fans.

England took on Wales at Wembley in the hopes of securing a win and a foot in the door of Euro qualification. Anyone who watched the game will have seen what can only be described as a "professional" showing from an England team who so often lack the creativity needed to excite.  England went 1-0 up through a neat Ashley Young goal but had a lucky escape when Earnshaw missed an open goal from a couple of yards out deep into the second half.  It would be fair to say that the only ones drawing any inspiration from the drab and boring Wembley surroundings were the Welsh players and their meagre 1,700 or so fans.  With the turnout at 77,000 the question surrounding the return of home internationals seems academic, there just isn't the interest from the public.  The evening was marred by the sad death of a Wales fan before the game.

Coincidentally the first leg of England - Wales fell on the same day as Solihull's last league win, against Boston on the 27th of March.  Since then Solihull had gone 17 games without a win, only managing two draws in the process.  Boston have been playing some rubbish football, if you can call it that, recently and also have some sort of psychological issue with playing against teams who wear pink as matches against Nuneaton and Harrogate have shown.  With Solihull's poor run of form it was inevitable that United would mess up the chance to claim three points and that was exactly what happened.

Pink: United's bogey colour.

The York St Mickey Mouse
Show.

The home team started with Stones and Suarez up front while Newsham was pushed onto the wing in place of Holsgrove, so we're going for pace then.  Despite the ponderous front line the Pilgrims started the stronger and with only a few minutes gone it looked like Moors might be on the end of a right drubbing.  There were a couple of chances for Stones but when he did get to the ball his headers were either weak, off-target or saved by the impressive Singh in the Solihull goal.  Suarez was also unable to hit the target and put a difficult chance wide.  That was about it for United.

Solihull came into the game and made the Pilgrims look lacklustre and mediocre at best.  Much like England, Boston suffered from a chronic lack of creativity and there was seemingly no plan B.  As soon as the high ball into the box option had been sussed by the Solihull back-line, United were out of ideas.  Only Moors' profligacy saved Boston's blushes before the break and the home team walked off with boos ringing in their ears.

The second half saw more of the same dull rubbish from United.  This time Solihull were more accurate, Bastock flapped at a cross, the defence failed completely in their attempted clearances and Thompson-Brown slotted home his second chance of the half.  Holsgrove and Milnes were thrown on for Stones and Hall to chase the game but the reaction was toothless.  United had the odd chance, Semple heading on target from a difficult position while Milnes and Holsgrove shot wide, but the Pilgrims scarcely looked like troubling the Solihull defence who deservedly claimed their first points of the season.

Head in hands time for United.

As for United, something needs to change and fast; this game saw the first instance I've seen of fans calling for the managers to resign.  The attendance was 1,117 and with performances and results like that it won't stay above 1,000 for long so things really need to pick-up and quick.  Any pace up front, even if it came from the right back Jordan Fairclough, would be appreciated as a back-up plan at the very least.  At the moment the United game-plan is very, very predictable.

Next up: Boston United vs Hinckley at York St.

You Can Shove Your Yorkshire Puddings Up Your Arse!

Boston United vs FC Halifax Town

Apparently Boston played much better against Harrogate, probably something to do with me not going.  Reports told of a much improved defence, Alan White coming back once again to partner Tom Ward in the centre of the defence in place of the extremely fragile Parker and Austin combination.  Sleath was also back in the middle of the park and Boston apparently looked a lot brighter.  The consistency of this improvement would be tested a few days later on Bank Holiday Monday against FC Halifax Town.

An unchanged Pilgrims line-up took to the field against opponents with similar experience of financial woes.  Halifax took the easy option of "letting" their club die and starting again, an option not afforded to United.  As such Halifax are something of an enigma, they are a relatively big club recovering up through the leagues, whether this means they'll do well this season is anybodies guess.  They, like Boston have started slowly and  are looking to build up a run of form that will put them in the mix (and other assorted footballing clichés) at the end of the season.

Nice to see an away following for once!

One thing Halifax can guarantee is a good away following.  As such they were given the Town End and they didn't disappoint, bringing more fans than the efforts of the rest of the league combined (probably).  This set the stage for the best atmosphere at York St since, well, the play-offs last season.  Stones started in his usual clumsy, inactive fashion until he took a blow to the head.  The blow seemed to spark some life into non-leagues very own Andy Carroll and his performance was much improved.  Maybe we could employ the fitness coach to knock Stones round the head with a bat; it'd be more useful than what he is currently doing, whatever that is.

Boston were playing the better football and were much, much improved from the Nuneaton game.  The sides traded long range shots before United, playing a neat passing game, started to apply pressure.  Newsham went close following some good work by Holsgrove.  Semple was next to supply for the Pilgrims and Stones, actually winning a header, had his effort blocked on the line.  Boston had the best of the first half but couldn't create the chances to take advantage of their superiority.

Boston apply some pressure.

Halifax came out the stronger in the second-period and created a few chances which Bastock kept out comfortably.  They should've scored from a corner but couldn't hit the target following a free header.  United were under pressure and dropping a little deep but still looked reasonably solid at the back.  White was playing well supported by man of the match contender Ward; Ward even had a shot on target as he headed down from a corner.  Set pieces were the only chances that Boston seemed to be able to create, presumably as they resulted in the opportunity for the front-men to get into position without having to be mobile in any significant way, shape or form.  Suarez was brought on to replace Stones who was in serious risk of being sent off for leading with his elbows but it was a like for like substitution and Suarez couldn't make an impact either as the game died out.

Halifax could have snatched all three points right at the death.  Holsgrove contributing for the first time in the second half by failing to track his runner enabled a free back-post header to fly narrowly over.  A point a piece was about right in the end.  United's attacking line up was still woefully immobile and lacking in ideas, nothing a pacey striker couldn't fix though.  The midfield looked to have a much better balance and the defence actually looked solid for once; it's progress.

Next up: Bishop's Stortford away.

Missing: One Midfield.

Boston United vs Vauxhall Motors

After the slight disappointment of not collecting all three points in the first home game of the season there was a quick chance of redemption as Vauxhall Motors visited York St a few days later.  Good, a chance to build on the attacking performance and put the defensive frailties to bed.  Even better that it was against a reportedly very average Vauxhall side, time to get back on the horse before the trip to a considerably better Nuneaton side in midweek.  The promising Fairclough started for the injured Canoville while the managers brought in Semple for Millson as they switched it to a 4-4-2.

Holsgrove nailed a 30 yarder in the first minute or so, drawing an excellent save from the portly Motors 'keeper and after that it all went a bit wrong.  The "very average" side, who had lost their first two games 2-0 to Gloucester and Worcester, were playing some nice stuff.  Their defence looked solid and their midfield lively.  Bastock had to make the odd save as the poor finishing was Boston's only saviour.  United weren't saved for long though as on 19 minutes Motors' centre-back Jackson converted a headed opportunity.  The defence were no-where near him and the communication in the back-line was conspicuous by it's absence.  Jelleyman repeatedly being ignored by Parker at centre-back, not great from the captain.

Percy the Pilgrim Penguin. Not sure how that is relevant to Boston...

With Hall holding deep and Semple and Holsgrove drifting in and out of the game on the wings the entire of the centre of the park was being held by Milnes, on his own.  Consequently every time United got hold of the ball it ended up being pumped long straight back to Vauxhall.  Newsham and Dudfield won the their fair share of the long balls but there was no support following up and possession was lost repeatedly.  This was even more apparent in the defence.  On several occasions Fairclough did well to head clear and then caught stick for there being no-one following his clearance up.

Not content with a penguin,
we also have an elephant.

It was Vauxhall who were looking more likely to score again and probably would have done if they weren't so inept in the final third.  In fact Boston's only threat in the first half came from Newsham who had one high and one wide.  The Pilgrims must have received a rocket from the gaffers at half time and their second half performance reflected that.  Following an early scare in the second period, Motors' striker McGivern continued his wayward finishing by slamming into the side netting when he probably should've done better, United started to play a bit.

Semple and Holsgrove drifted back into the game and started to trouble the defence, both having shots blocked.  Fairclough was also causing problems with some enterprising runs from right back.  The Vauxhall 'keeper was doing well to keep United at bay and it was starting to look like one of those days.  Vauxhall were still playing well and the game was fairly even until Millson replaced Semple and United reverted to 4-3-3.  This resulted in Milnes getting a bit of support in the middle and Boston being able to pass it around on the floor a bit instead of lumping it forward at every opportunity.

The chances were starting to build up for Boston, Austin once again failing to head a ball in anything like the right direction was followed by repeated goal line clearances as Parker and Dudfield were both denied.  The Pilgrims were going for broke and switched to a 3-3-4 as Austin was pushed up front to add a "goal threat"; we could only hope he'd inadvertently clear the ball from just inside the opposition area and it'd fly in by mistake.  Pushing forward was Boston's undoing, a horrendous mix up between Jelleyman and Milnes resulted from a lack of communication and general fannying about.  This, combined with what seemed a blatant handball that the official somehow contrived to miss, left Mahon free to square to Wilson who placed the ball neatly past a flailing Bastock.

Vauxhall slow the game down.

Five minutes left for United to rescue something from 2-0 down.  Vauxhall were being smart and wasting a little time, in fact their 'keeper had been booked for wasting time earlier; he was no-where near as bad as the Histon 'keeper last time out.  Boston were attacking when they had the ball but seemed to pass it around neatly on the floor before running out of ideas and spraying it into a virtually empty box.  This tactic did eventually pay off as a hopeful cross from Holsgrove was headed over his own 'keeper by Hannigan.  While it worked this time I fear that relying on own-goals may not be a tactic for the season.

Fair play to Vauxhall, they were definitely one goal better than United today.  There was a little disorder after the final whistle.  The Vauxhall 'keeper appeared to have incited the crowd to have a go at him at full time.  I was fully prepared to have a go at the shot stopper, who had otherwise played superbly, until I learned that some of the children in the front row of the Town End had been spitting on him when he went to collect his bottle.  Disgusting behaviour.

Next up: Boston travel to Nuneaton, I hope we're better then than we were today!

All The Time In The World.

Boston United vs Histon

My first Boston game of the season proper and it's an evening match at York St.  There is something a bit special about evening football below the floodlights; a different sort of atmosphere.  It all seemed a bit pre-season to begin with; a swift beer in the Pilgrim Lounge with the regulars, a moan about the price of the admittedly excellent programme which has gone up for what seems like the first time in living memory (£3, how dare they?), quiet whispers about how rubbish we were at Workington but that three points are three points...

Dusk at York St.

Then it's on to the turnstiles for what seems like the first time in an age, despite the fact it was only about two weeks ago, tearing out a crisp new piece of paper from the season ticket.  While the ground hasn't really changed, although it was hardly likely to inside of two weeks, the team has.  Injuries keeping Joachim and Suarez out and confining Semple to the bench while Lawrie Dudfield makes a very welcome return to the squad and the starting line up.  The opposition has too, Histon were one of the league new boys having been relegated from the Conference the previous season.

The game gets under way.

The game started and the Pilgrims were well on top for all of three minutes before Histon went in front.  Calamity at the back allowed Histon's star striker, Risa, to nonchalantly wander through the defence and square to a totally unmarked Holman who smashed the ball past Bastock from a few yards.  The United defence were in disarray and the crowd were starting to get a little restless already.  It was almost like the team had never defended and/or played football before.

Going forward the Pilgrims looked dangerous and chances came and went.  Holsgrove's excellent attacking play was causing the Histon defence problems and winning possession for United in dangerous areas.  In spite of Holsgrove's menace it was swift footwork from Austin who provided the Pilgrims' first real chance by playing in Parker, only for the Histon 'keeper to save from close range.  The 'keeper used the opportunity in the same way he used every opportunity during the match, to time waste.  The degree of time wasting even at this early stage was bizarre, especially as Histon looked like they could score with every attack!  In spite of all this Boston were still having the better of the possession,  Newsham and Dudfield conspired to play in Milson and only a superb last ditch challenge could dispossess the United midfielder.  It was a well timed challenge as well, not, as someone close to me insisted on pointing out, a stonewall penalty!

Just as the Pilgrims seemed to be steadying the ship at the back Canoville sustained an injury and Fairclough was thrown on as a replacement.  This potentially could have caused problems but Fairclough performed admirably and Boston really began to assert their dominance over the game.  Holsgrove was yet again at the centre of the attacking play for the Pilgrims providing flair and pace to the attack.  However, it was Dudfield who set up the equaliser, nodding the ball through for Newsham who calmly dinked the ball high into the net with 26 minutes gone.

Histon were reduced to playing on the break with long balls being banged over the top which were either snuffed out by the defence or blasted well wide.  The Pilgrims, meanwhile, were playing some really neat football and Newsham was unlucky to see a shot tipped just over the bar.  Holsgrove went clean through on goal, running past a couple of Histon defenders on the way, only to be flagged off-side; balance was restored as the half-time whistle went just as Histon looked to break.

Histon's 'keeper: the world's biggest time waster?

It was more of the same after the break with Dudfield and Milnes both being denied by the Histon shot stopper.  Boston weren't shy of shooting from distance, a belter from Fairclough arrowed just wide while Hall had several efforts fly either high, wide or both.  After this the game slowly degenerated into a midfield scrap combined with a painful amount of time wasting from the Histon 'keeper; exemplified when the 'keeper tried to take the ball off Milnes' boot by going through his legs, resulting in handbags.

Holsgrove did manage to provide one moment of magic to brighten an otherwise frustrating second half.  Despite falling over he still managed to flick a back-head onto the Histon left-back and out for a Boston throw.  The man is class, even on his arse!  Dudfield was withdrawn from the action having put in a sublime shift, to be replaced by Semple.  Semple could've brightened the Boston attacking line up, if the other United players had been able to see him in the acres of space out on the right wing!  As it was he seemed to be wearing some sort of magic camouflage and received barely any service during the remaining 15 mins.

It was then that Bastock decided that he fancied being a full-back again, perhaps inspired by memories of the Boston Town friendly.  He sprinted out of goal to deal with a situation which was well under control and nearly took the centre-back out in the process.  As it was the ball was scraped clear by Parker, Bastock was left to dust himself off and Risa was in a heap in "agony".  Whilst he got away with it this time, this could've easily cost United dearly.  The remainder of the game saw United pressing hard for a winner with all but Bastock in the Histon half.  The away defence stood strong through luck and judgement in equal measure;  leaving the Pilgrims to settle for a point and a chuckle as news of a heavy defeat for Grimsby drifted through the crowd.  Can we still get compensation if Scott and Hurst are sacked?

Next up: Vauxhall Motors visit York St.