AFC TELFORD UNITED 1 BOSTON UNITED 0: Pilgrims slip to ninth

Boston United slipped out of the National League North play-off spots following a 1-0 defeat at New Bucks Head.
Jordan Slew. Photo: Eric Brown.Jordan Slew. Photo: Eric Brown.
Jordan Slew. Photo: Eric Brown.

AFC Telford United’s Shane Sutton proved the difference, his first-half finish earning the hosts the three points which saw themleapfrog their guests

Altrincham’s 2-1 victory at in-form team Chester saw them also move above Boston,who ended the afternoon in ninth-place.

However, with the tight nature of the division, they remain just two points behind seventh, and six of top spot.

Craig Elliott made three changes to the side which drew 1-1 at Ashton seven days earlier.

Keeper George Willis and defender Ben Middleton were back from suspension and back in the team at the expense of Sebastian Malkowski and Max Wright, while the injured Nicky Walker made way for Spencer Harris.

Brad Abbott was unavailable for selection following his red card the previous week at Hurst Cross, while new signing Danny Rowe took his place on the bench.

The Bucks took a 1-0 lead ino the interval courtesy of Sutton, who opened the scoring in this fixture last season.

Dead-ball specialist Stephan Morley sent in a deep corner which the Telford man met to power his header home.

Boston pushed for a leveller but home keeper Andy Wycherley kept his side in front, twice denying Jordan Slew.

Slew’s first effort was denied by the legs of the keeper after the Pilgrims forward was slipped in by Andi Thanoj, while the second was a flying save at his near post.

Wycherley also pushed away a 25-yard effort from Ryan Qualter, keen to add to his long-distance finish seven days earlier.

Elliott’s side received a let-off after the interval when Darryl Knights skied his effort over the bar when well placed, Andre Brown going close for the hosts soon afterwards.

The Pilgrims’s calls for a penalty, after Norris appeared to be fouled in the box, were turned down by referee Nathanael Cox, while Wycherley was again called upon, this time to claim Thanoj’s hopeful hit.

As Boston pushed for a leveller gaps were emerging at the back, Amari Morgan-Smith rattling the woodwork and Willis using his legs to deny Henry Cowans.

TELFORD: Wycherley, White, Morley, McQuilkin, Sutton, Streete, Cowans, Royle, Morgan-Smith (Barnes-Homer 90), Brown (Barnett 72), Knights (Dawson 85); Subs (not used): Smith, Brantley.

UNITED: Willis, Davies, Jackson, Middleton (Parkhouse 84), Jones, Qualter, Thanoj, Harris, Allott, Slew (Wright 72), Norris (Rowe 72); Subs (not used): Hine, Malkowski.

REF: Nathanael Cox.

ATT: 1,146.