Boston United safe after draw but boss unhappy with performance at Brackley Town
Lenell John-Lewis struck a crucial equaliser from the penalty spot as Boston United secured mathematical safety with a 1-1 draw at Brackley Town on Easter Monday, but boss Paul Hurst was disappointed with his side's display on the day.
“Looking at the bigger picture I would have snapped your hand off if you'd said that with four games to go we would be safe.
“With results that had been happening it looked like it was going to be a difficult task.
“But the lads had a good response from when we came in and did extremely well.
“That hard work that was put in has got us to this point.
“That initial target has been ticked off and I am delighted that the club get to have another season in the National League.
“But I was disappointed by quite a lot of today, so I have contrasting emotions.
“Our quality in the final third was severely lacking and I don't think we worked hard enough to get into our defensive shape without the ball.
“I don't think we had enough people who really wanted to win that game enough and that is hard to take in.
“I don't know if it's being safe, or almost safe, or the time of the season.
“I know it's a long, hard season, but you have to try to find it within to push yourself and each other to get the results you want, and I want to win all the games until the end of the season."
The Pilgrims maintained their 10-point buffer over opponents Brackley, who had briefly led through Aidan Elliott-Wheeler’s brilliant header.
Luca Barrington was subsequently fouled by goalkeeper Harrison Rhone, with John-Lewis coolly converting from the spot to ensure United’s advantage over the Saints proved to be unassailable.
Dan Cameron and Rhone made early respective saves to deny Elliott-Wheeler and Barrington, while Cursons lifted a 37th minute effort too high following good build-up play from Hiwula.
Brackley arguably should have taken the lead two minutes before the break when Morgan Roberts headed over from close-range.
Rhone denied Barrington after the break, while Cameron kept out a diving header from Roberts. Rhone made another fine stop to deny Cursons - moments before Brackley's breakthrough.
Tyler Lyttle dug out a brilliant cross from the right and Elliott-Wheeler thumped home an emphatic header to give the Saints hope.
Cameron made a huge save to deny ex-Pilgrim Scott Pollock three minutes later and it proved decisive, with Rhone tripping Barrington and John-Lewis sailing home his 15th goal of the campaign from the subsequent spot-kick.
Brackley had the ball in the net at the death, but the Saints were penalised for a foul on Cameron - much to United's relief.