Frustration as Boston United end up empty-handed again at Eastleigh
Boston United again finished with nothing to show for another good performance in a 4-2 defeat at Eastleigh on Saturday as frustration grew for boss Paul Hurst.
Lenell John-Lewis and Jake Rooney produced equalisers in an exciting first half.
But the home side edged ahead after the break and killed a tight game at the end with a fourth as Aaron Blair completed a hat-trick to send the Pilgrims empty-handed on their long journey home from the lunchtime kick-off.
“I thought it was a much better performance in general and I think it's the most we have probably dominated a game in that second half,” said Hurst.
“I thought we edged the first period as well, and we felt at half-time that the game was there to be won. In the main the lads approached it with that attitude.
“There were similar situations at both ends of the pitch – Ollie Bostock hit a great strike and Townsend produced a fantastic save.
“At the other end, Rankine hits it and it goes right in the corner of the goal, which in reality was the moment as it gave them something to hang on to.
“I know they scored late on through a mistake, but we were better on the ball by far.
“The wind played a bit of a role in that, but we kept pushing and I thought there was some bright play.
“But two really good saves from Townsend stopped us – one from getting in front and the other what would have been an equaliser from Tom Cursons.”
He added: “We also had a goal ruled out for handball from a very dangerous crossing position, and lots of play in the opposition's half, which is pleasing.
“But, ultimately, we don't get any points from it.
“It sounds strange as we conceded four but I think, in the main, that is probably one of the more secure we have looked in a lot of ways. So that frustrates.”
The early kick-off meant a very early start for the 125 away fans and Hurst added: “The fans were excellent before the game, during the game and after the game.
“I have said it before – they are truly proper fans.
“It was a fantastic effort to get here that they shouldn't be made to make.
“I heard a few came down the night before but I know for the ones that came today, it was an extremely early start for them on a weekend.
“It shows their love and passion for the football club. I am just disappointed we couldn't reward them with at least a point or a victory to celebrate.
“But I don't think it was through any lack of effort that's for sure.
“They got to see some goals at that end at least I suppose, but ultimately we came up short.
“We want to start to reward them as well well as, obviously, ourselves.”
After a midweek home clash with bottom club Gateshead, Boston face a big National League derby rematch with county rivals Scunthorpe United at home on Saturday after the Iron knocked them out of the FA Cup two games back.