Moving stadiums, Covid cancellations and a play-off final - a look back at Boston United's historic and bizarre 2020

By Duncan Browne
Published 31st Dec 2020, 05:46 GMT
Updated 31st Dec 2020, 08:34 GMT
Luke Shiels featured in 27 of the 29 games. Photo: Oliver AtkinLuke Shiels featured in 27 of the 29 games. Photo: Oliver Atkin
Luke Shiels featured in 27 of the 29 games. Photo: Oliver Atkin
The weirdest year in Pilgrims history ends today...

The year 2020 was like no other for Boston United.

On the pitch it was a case of close-but not-quite as Craig Elliott's side were beaten 1-0 by Altrincham in August's National League North play-off final.

Off the pitch, it was a history in the making.

The first game at the Jakemans Community Stadium was a 2-0 defeat to Chorley. Photo: Oliver Atkin.The first game at the Jakemans Community Stadium was a 2-0 defeat to Chorley. Photo: Oliver Atkin.
The first game at the Jakemans Community Stadium was a 2-0 defeat to Chorley. Photo: Oliver Atkin.

That defeat was the Pilgrims' final ever game at York Street, their home since 1933.

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A handful of appearances at Gainsborough's Northolme followed before United finally played their first game at the Jakemans Community Stadium on December 5.

Fans have not yet been allowed to attend games, but have been given sneak peeks thanks to videos released by the club, detailing the bars and suites named after club legends.

Elliott took charge of a total of 29 matches in all competitions in 2020, winning 16 and drawing seven.

Jake Wright on his way to score against Gateshead in the play-off semi. Photo: Russell DossettJake Wright on his way to score against Gateshead in the play-off semi. Photo: Russell Dossett
Jake Wright on his way to score against Gateshead in the play-off semi. Photo: Russell Dossett

United only lost six times in 2020 but, frustratingly, those defeats included a play-off final, county cup final and the final ever game at York Street played in front of fans.

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Captain Luke Shiels made the most appearances (27) while Jordan Thewlis (six) scored the most goals.

The club's biggest winning margin was 4-0, against Leamington and Farsley Celtic, while the heaviest defeats were the 3-0 home reverses against King's Lynn and Gateshead.

The highest scoring contest was the 5-3 victory over Gateshead in the play-off semi-final.

In action at Leamington, a 4-0 win, the joint highest victory of the year. Photo: Oliver AtkinIn action at Leamington, a 4-0 win, the joint highest victory of the year. Photo: Oliver Atkin
In action at Leamington, a 4-0 win, the joint highest victory of the year. Photo: Oliver Atkin

The year began with United losing 3-0 at home to King's Lynn and ended by winning 4-0 at Farsley Celtic and also included the rarest of things, a Pilgrims penalty shootout victory.

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Amazingly, in a Covid-hit year, a total of 13 matches were been postponed - due to self isolation, floodlight failure, waterlogged pitches and FA Trophy involvement - one was abandoned and 10 were cancelled altogether as the campaign was halted in March and United were awarded third place via points per game.

A total of 39 players were utilised by Elliott in 2020, with Nicky Walker, Dayle Southwell and Lewis Gibbens all featuring just once.

Top five appearances: 27 - Luke Shiels, 25 - Jordan Thewlis, Tom Platt, 24 - Scott Garner, 22 - Jay Rollins.

United briefly called the Northolme home. Photo: Oliver AtkinUnited briefly called the Northolme home. Photo: Oliver Atkin
United briefly called the Northolme home. Photo: Oliver Atkin

Top five leading scorers: 6 - Jordan Thewlis, 5 - Dominic Knowles, 4- Jay Rollins, Jordan Burrow, Joe Leesley.

Thanks to Christian James for additional statistics.

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MORE PILGRIMS: Boston United is a club ready to go places - Paul Green

MORE PILGRIMS: Hard work pays off for Fraser Preston

MORE PILGRIMS: Near enough a complete performance - Elliott

MORE PILGRIMS: Celtic 0 United 4 - photo gallery

MORE PILGRIMS: Striker search continues - Elliott

MORE PILGRIMS: Legends honoured at Jakemans Community Stadium

Related topics:Boston UnitedCraig ElliottAltrincham

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