Elliott says Matt Challoner and Jordan Nicholson have the experience to boost Boston United's promotion push

Boston United new boys Matt Challoner and Jordan Nicholson will bring valuable experience to the club’s promotion push, according to manager Craig Elliott.

The duo, both 26, have joined the club until the end of the season.

Midfielder Nicholson is a long-term target of Elliott’s, while right back Challoner knows what it takes to get promoted from the National League North, winning last year’s play-off final with Chorley.

“Both lads trained really well with us on Thursday they’re both a good age,” Elliott said.

“I’ve tried to get Jordan here two or three times since I’ve been at Boston.

“I’m delighted to have him here.”

With Andi Thanoj ruled out for the rest of the season, Elliott believes Nicholson is the right man to take on that playmaker role.

“He likes to play in that deep role, where we don’t really have a lot of players,” he added.

“He’s scored goals consistently, which is something we need from that position as well.

“He’s a creative player. Andi’s injured and George Green didn’t work out. They were the two players we had to be creative and play in that position.

“So we’re happy to have Jordan in to do that job.

“At the moment I think games are going to get a lot tighter so we need someone who can unlock doors and change games.”

Nicholson has previously been on the books of Cambridge City, Peterborough United and Barnet, but found first-team appearances hard to come by.

He has, however, featured against Boston with Darlington and Nuneaton and makes the move from National League North rivals Hereford, who visit Boston on the final day of the season.

Challoner has spent the past four years with Chorley.

Prior to that he played for Blackpool, Northwich Victoria and Southport.

“I was shocked when he became available,” Elliott confessed.

Boston have struggled to find a regular right back this season.

Ben Middleton, Karl Byrne, Alex Penny, Jay Rollins, Demeaco Duhaney, Ashley Jackson and Tyrell Warren, currently on loan from Salford City have all played in that position this term, Warren the most recent incumbent.

“Tyrell has been playing well in that position, but Matt offers competition for places.

“He’s an experienced player at this level.

“We all know how good the Chorley defence has been and he’s been a part of that for four seasons.”

Both Nicholson and Challoner would be eligible to feature for Boston in the pay-offs, if the club finish in the top seven this term.