Three is a magic number! Elliott says Boston United's Abbott, Agnew and Thanoj as good as any midfield combination in National League North

Craig Elliott believes there is no better midfield trio than Brad Abbott, Andi Thanoj and Liam Agnew in the National League North.
Liam Agnew. ENGEMN00120140131100730Liam Agnew. ENGEMN00120140131100730
Liam Agnew. ENGEMN00120140131100730

While Abbott and Thanoj have built a strong partnership over the past 12 months, the trio took to the pitch together for the first time during Saturday’s 5-0 FA Trophy win at Ashton, following Agnew’s loan arrival from Harrogate Town.

“Coming into the game I was excited to see those three,” said Elliott.

Andi Thanoj.Andi Thanoj.
Andi Thanoj.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They’re as good as any in the league on paper. They’ve got to go out there and show that now.

“Obviously, we’re very lucky that Simon (Weaver, Harrogate boss) has let me have Liam for a month, there was no question about the quality he had.

“He’s added to Brad and Andi and I thought they wer terrific as a three.”

The Abbott-Thanoj partnership has suffered in recent weeks with Abbott missing games through suspension and Thanoj due to injury.

Brad Abbott.Brad Abbott.
Brad Abbott.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the matches they have started together since both joining Boston last December, the Pilgrims have won 19, drawn three and lost 10.

But the importance of their partnership is emphasised when you look at Boston’s record when the two don’t play together.

Of the 10 games where only one of the duo have started, United have only won twice. They have also drawn three times and lost five matches.

Agnew is back at Boston for his third spell, having first arrived on loan from Sunderland’s academy.

He then made a return after leaving the Black Cats, but a foot injury ended his stay before Harrogate snapped him up.