Brown and out! Nat Misses season opener against Stalybridge Celtic as Boston United look for three points

Manager Dennis Greene was hoping that his captain and central defender would be fit enough to be thrown in to today’s action, despite missing most of pre-season due to a thigh injury.

However, the Pilgrims lost their race against time.

Brown will join the injured Shane Clarke, suspended Gregg Smith and unwell Cameron Johnson on the sidelines for this afternoon’s clash (KO 3pm).

Ollie Price, who received international clearance to play following his spell in the USA, will make his first competitive appearance for Boston since featuring in the final game of the 2014-15 campaign.

Kick off will be at 3pm.

UNITED: Dibble, Thomas, Price, Hilliard, Maguire, Pepe-Ngoma, Rollins, Chippendale, Colley, Marshall, St Juste; Subs: Wildin, Fairhurst, Roberts, Burgess, Adams.

STALYBRIDGE: McMillan, Chalmers, Wisdom, Hughes, Ryan, Platt, Hynes, Ball, Farrell, Owens, Pilkington; Subs: Shaw, Wylie, Mukendi, Tames, Sherlock.