Canavan signed as Boston United end pre-season with defeat at Hednesford Town
Boston United completed their pre-season friendlies schedule with a 2-0 defeat at Hednesford Town on Saturday.
It followed a midweek 0-0 home drew with EFL club Grimsby Town and the Pilgrims now make their final preparations ahead of Saturday's big National League opener at home to Aldershot.
At Hednesford, Jamie Cooke headed the Pitmen into a 33rd minute lead.
Then 11 minutes into the second half Louis Chadwick spectacularly saved Aaron Jarvis’ spot-kick to keep the deficit at one.
But on 68 minutes the home side won a second penalty, and this time Chadwick was helpless to prevent ex-Pilgrim Ahkeem Rose doubling Town’s lead from the spot.
In midweek, a Boston side including two trialists had drawn 0-0 with Grimsby.
Boss Paul Hurst further then strengthened his defensive options ahead of Saturday's Hednesford clash with the signing of experienced centre-half Niall Canavan.
He followed the recent arrival of fellow defenders Jake Rooney, Jamie Grimes, and on-loan Sai Sachdev.
The 35-year-old Canavan has linked up with the Pilgrims on an initial one-year contract after completing his rehabilitation from injury over the summer months.
He has appeared in the Pilgrims’ most recent two pre-season friendlies as Trialist F.
Having started his senior career at Scunthorpe United in 2009, Canavan has made more than 400 EFL appearances.
He has appeared for the likes of Rochdale, Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City and Barrow - and now arrives at the Jakemans Community Stadium ahead of the new National League campaign.
Elsewhere, fellow defenders Ben Grist and Jacob Scott have headed out on loan.
Grist has joined National League North side Buxton until early October, while Scott has linked up with Southern Premier League outfit Banbury United until early September.