"It's not about being pretty, it's about being effective!" Winning is all that matters to Boston United boss Craig Elliott ahead of Altrincham in play-off final

Craig Elliott knows it will be a real clash of styles as Boston United and Altrincham meet in the National League North play-off final on Saturday - but his only concern is winning.

The Pilgrims are desperate to ensure their final-ever game at York Street, their home since 1933, is one to remember.

But first they will have to get past old foes Altrincham, who won 2-0 at York City prior to United's 5-3 home win at the expense of Gateshead on Saturday.

"I think I was half expecting them to beat York to be honest, they're a good team," said Elliott, who has enjoyed his tussles with former Nantwich manager Phil Parkinson during his days at Shaw Lane and Boston.

"I've had a lot of battles with Phil Parkinson's teams over the past, and I've got a decent record to be honest. I know how they play and how they're easy on the eye.

"But it's a play-off final and anything can happen. I'm just really pleased for everybody involved from fans to the chairman that we've created this moment and it's going to be fantastic."

Elliott may be building the contest up as a beauty and the beast clash, but his Boston side did beat the Robins 5-0 at York Street in August.

While a repeat scoreline may be a long shot, the Pilgrims boss is backing his side to scrap, battle and fight all the way.

"We've got a good group. It's not about being pretty, it's about being effective in this league that we're in," he added.

"We found a way to win (against Gateshead) and that's what I always say to them. We look at results and it doesn't matter how we score the goals, we've won a game of football and we're into a final."

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