Impressive Boston United kick off season with 4-0 win at Leamington

Boston United kicked off their National League North campaign with a 4-0 win at Leamington.

Paul Green, Luke Shiels, Scott Garner and Jordan Thewlis got the vital goals for Craig Elliott’s side at the New Windmill Ground.

Green gave the Pilgrims a 1-0 lead at the interval, getting to Andi Thanoj’s corner before Brakes keeper Jake Weaver in the 39th minute.

Shiels doubled that advantage in the 68th minute.

Thanoj’s deep free kick was nodded across goal by Tom Platt, offering the Pilgrims defender the opportunity to force home from close range.

Garner marked his 150th Pilgrims appearance with goal number three eight minutes later, powering his header home after meeting Thanoj’s free kick.

Substitute Thewlis netted his first of the season from close range as Fraser Preston’s free kick was nodded back across goal.

It was a professional performance from the Pilgrims who matched their opponents physically and - against a side who have traditionally frustrated Boston with stoic defensive performances - found their a vital cutting edge from set pieces.

Elliott made five changes to the side which won 4-2 against AFC Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Full backs Matt Tootle and Scott Duxbury made their competitive debuts while Garner returned from injury as only Shiels remained from the weekend’s back four.

Green and Fraser Preston were also handed first starts as Jordan Thewlis, Tyrell Warren, Josh Askew, Connor Dimaio and Lewis Gibbens made way.

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