Life's a pitch! Boggy surfaces stifling Boston United striker Jordan Thewlis - Elliott

Jordan Thewlis' goalscoring record has slowed down as the National League North pitches have deteriorated, according the Craig Elliott.

The Pilgrims' leading marksman scored 11 goals in his first 16 appearances for the Pilgrims, and four times in his last 16.

But manager Elliott believes the pacy forward's game is being stifled by the boggy surfaces, which have been caused by recent heavy rainfall.

"I think he's done alright. I'll be honest, I think it's the pitch," Elliott said.

"I don't think the pitch suits his style of play. It's so heavy.

"It suits certain players. Aingey (Simon Ainge) and Shielsy (Luke Shiels) can get through this mud and they love it.

"Jordan, away from home on good pitches, is unplayable. I think it's just the muddy, slow pitches holding him up a bit.

"Thewlis - who scored his last goals in December 16's FA Cup defeat to Rochdale - grabbed a hat-trick at AFC Telford United earlier this season.

And he will be keen to cause the Bucks more problems as they visit York Street on Saturday (KO 3pm).

Thewlis was an unused substitute in United's last game, February 8's 3-1 win over York City.

But Elliott has hinted his forward may be in line for a return to the starting XI.

"Jordan Thewlis is our leading goalscorer, a great player," he added.

"It hurt me to put Jordan and Jay (Rollins) on the bench.

"It's not something I like doing, they're both fantastic players and we'll need them. We'll need to change things around for different opposition."

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