PILGRIMS v SAINTS: Knowles strikes late as Boston United earn first-ever home win against Brackley Town

(Dominic Knowles 86)

In a real smash ‘n grab, Dominic Knowles slotted home an 86th minute goal to give Boston United their first-ever home win against Brackley.

In a game where the Saints dominated possession and chances, the hosts made the most of an extremely rare foray forward to seal victory at the death and end Brackley’s 11-game unbeaten league run.

After six defeats and one draw, the Pilgrims eventually broke their Brackley hoodoo as Knowles slotted high into the roof of the net with four minutes to go.

But Knowles’ late finish would have been insignificant had it not been for a fine defensive display from the home team, and some vital stops from Peter Crook.

United lost Scott Garner to a calf injury before kick off, Simon Ainge returning to the heart of defence.

The contest appeared open from the first minute, with both sides having golden opportunities in the opening stages.

Jordan Thewlis beat the offside flag to volley into the chest of Saints stopper Danny Lewis while Ainge was called upon to clear off the line at the other end as Matt Lowe looked set to prod into an unguarded net.

Crook kept United level with two vital saves midway through the first half, tipping wide James Armson’s 20 yarder and reacting well to deny Gareth Dean’s header from the resultant corner.

When Dean did get the better of Crook his effort was cleared off the line, despite Brackley protestations that the ball had crossed over.

Crook began the second half with another fine save, combining with the crossbar to keep out Lee Ndlovu’s close-range header.

And when Luke Shiels’ sliced clearance put Ndlovu through on goal it was Crook again, diving at feet and timing his challenge perfectly, to deny the Saint as he prepared to pull the trigger.

Ainge was called upon again for another goalline clearance as Glenn Walker sent a low drive goalwards.

The Brackley onslaught continued with Armson seeing a header and then a volley whizz wide of the target.

In the 83rd minute a rare Boston attack, Tom Platt saw a header loop onto the roof of the net.

Just three minutes later Knowles settled it and Craig Elliott got his first win over the Saints.

UNITED: Crook, Penny, Whittle, Platt, Ainge, Shiels, Thanoj (Wafula 66), Abbott, Knowles, Thewlis (Jackson 90), Woolford (Rollins 58); Subs (not used): Tuton, Willis.

BRACKLEY: Lewis, Myles, Franklin (Faiorlamb 87), Byrne, Audel (Daire 90), Dean, Lowe, Murombedzi, Ndlovu, Armson (Baker 78), Walker; Subs (not used): Maye, Langmead.

REF: Andy Humphries.

ATT: 967 (6).