BPA v PILGRIMS: Fast start sees Boston United move into play-off spots following victory at Bradford Park Avenue

(Nicky Clee 39; Dominic Knowles 1, Simon Ainge 38)

Boston United gave Craig Elliott the reaction he demanded as the Pilgrims moved back into the National League North play-off spots following a 2-1 victory at Bradford Park Avenue.

Indeed, the table makes much happier viewing as Boston moved up to sixth place.

All thoughts of that 3-0 home defeat to leaders King's Lynn on New Year's Day were wiped out within just 45 seconds as Dominic Knowles got the away side off to a dream start at the Horsfall Stadium.

Simon Ainge doubled the advantage before Nicky Clee gave the basement boys hope with a long-ranger.

However, United held on for three vital points.

United have now responded to all seven league defeats with a victory, showing that bouncebackability the manager deems vital to keep the promotion ambitions alive.

Elliott made three changes to the side which kicked off the new year with defeat to the Linnets.

Scott Garner, back at the club after being signed from Guiseley, replaced suspended skipper Luke Shiels in defence.

Alex Penny, back from injury, and Jordan Thewlis came in at the expense of Ben Middleton and Dayle Southwell.

Boston were in front inside the first minute after Jake Wright robbed Liam Hughes and his grateful strike partner forced the ball beyond keeper Joe Green for his ninth goal of the season.

Martyn Woolford thought he had doubled the advantage but was denied by the offside flag.

However, Ainge did make it 2-0 as he forced home Brad Abbott's corner at the back post against his former club.

But seconds later and Clee reduced the arrears with a 20-yard strike as Boston failed to clear.

Elliott stuck with keeper Peter Crook, who has been on the receiving end of criticism lately, and the number one repaid his boss' faith with some important saves.

He denied Ryan Hall with his chest with the score at 1-0 and - as the first half drew to a close - kept his side in front with a fingertip save to deny ex-Pilgrim Tom Clare.

Desperate defending from Park Avenue in the second half saw efforts from Knowles and Thewlis blocked, the latter ending a mazy run with an effort saved by Green.

With one goal in it, the hosts always had a chance and Clee saw an effort clear Crook's crossbar, much to United's relief.

Into stoppage time, Crook denied Billy Priestley and Oli Johnson sailed an effort across goal.

BPA: Green, Toulson (Lund 82), Staunton, Nowakowski, Hughes, Priestley, Hall, Hibbs, Clare (Johnson 67), Hurst, Clee; Subs (not used): Marriott, Nicholson.

UNITED: Crook, Penny, Whittle (Jackson HT), Platt, Ainge, Garner, Woolford, Abbott, Knowles, Thewlis, Wright (Rollins 84); Subs (not used): Southwell, Wafula, Willis.

REF: Paul Brown.

ATT: 481.