PILGRIMS v DALE: Boston United's FA Cup dream is over despite battling display at packed York Street

(Jordan Thewlis 49; Peter Crook OG 4, Aaron Morley (pen) 79)

Boston United's FA Cup dream is over.

What could well be the Pilgrims' final ever cup clash at York Street was a fitting send off as a crowd of more than 4,000 watched the hosts stand up to their League One opponents over 90 minutes.

But as the full time whistle blew it was two errors that cost Boston dearly, keeper Peter Crook fumbling into his own net and Jay Rollins' tired challenge handing the visitors a matchwinning spot kick.

In between those goals Jordan Thewlis sent the home crowd wild with a headed equaliser.

But it was the side 61 places higher up the pyramid who will host Newcastle United in January.

Following a lively minute's applause in memory of former Pilgrims manager Jim Smith, the contest kicked off at a frantic pace.

Jay Rollins drilled an effort into the Dale side netting before disaster struck in the fourth minute, Crook bizarrely diverting into his own net.

Ian Henderson's cross appeared to be flying harmlessly away from danger before the United keeper stuck out an hand and turned the ball over his own line, gifting the Dale the perfect start and settling any nerves in the process.

Back came Boston, causing Rochdale problems down the flanks but failing to turn possession into opportunities.

The League One side were playing more direct than the first meeting at Spotland, and United's Tom Platt was called upon to hook clear after Rekeil Pyke's effort had been prodded under the advancing Crook.

Pyke again beat the Boston number one with a low drive, this time his effort rebounding off the woodwork.

At the other end, Roberto Sanchez kept his side in front as a cute near-post reaction save denied Dominic Knowles after he hustled and bustled his way into a shooting opportunity.

United began the second half shooting towards the sold-out Town End, Martyn Woolford dragging an effort wide of the post before Jonathan Wafula rattled the bar.

But in the 49th minute pressure paid off as Alex Whittle's deep cross was nodded across goal by Wafula where Thewlis powered his header beyond Sanchez to net his 15th goal of the campaign.

With the scores level the contest descended into a midfield battle before Dale were gifted a second goal in the 79th minute.

A rush of blood to the head saw Rollins stick out a leg as Stephen Dooley charged away from goal, referee Ollie Yates pointing to the penalty spot.

Up stepped Aaron Morley, sending Crook the wrong way and Dale into the third round.

UNITED: Crook, Penny, Whittle, Platt, Bird, Shiels, Wafula (Wright 82), Woolford (Walker 90), Knowles (Ainge 86), Thewlis, Rollins; Subs (not used): Willis, Jackson, Byrne, Tuton.

DALE: Sanchez, Norrington-Davies, O'Connell, Camps, Keohane, Done (Andrew 88), Wilbraham, Ryan (Dooley 67), Morley, Henderson (Pyke 11), Matheson; Subs (not used): Williams, Baah, Tavares, Lynch.

REF: Ollie Yates.

ATT: 4,190 (234).