Pilgrims want to take the King’s throne! Boston United skipper Shiels eager for Lynn challenge

The Pilgrims travel to old foes King’s Lynn on Boxing Day before hosting the Linnets - who currently sit top of the National League North - on New Year’s Day.

In between those contests, longstanding rivals Kettering Town will visit York Street one final time on Saturday.

And Pilgrims skipper Shiels is determined to pick up vital points in United’s promotion push.

“I like them when they come thick and fast and, to be fair, it can put us in a good position if we beat these teams,” Shiels told The Standard.

“Obviously, King’s Lynn are flying at the minute.

“But I’m inviting it and looking forward to it.”

Shiels and teammate Tom Platt enjoyed the festive period last season as they helped Alfreton Town win 1-0 at Boston last season, before the Reds secured a last-gasp equaliser against the Pilgrims at the Impact Arena on New Year’s Day.

Now they’re looking for United to edge closer to top spot.

“It gives us the chance to catch the teams above us, and you want to play against the top two or three teams in the league,” Shiels continued.

“You want to challenge yourself. If you want to win the league - and everyone in the changing room does - we have to go out and beat those teams.”

Former Pilgrim Adam Marriott is currently the division’s leading scorer with 21 goals in the competition, while Boston’s all-time appearance record holder Paul Bastock is assistant at The Walks.

Seven places and 13 points currently separate the two sides, although Boston have played two fewer matches.

Both sides were left without a fixture at the weekend as United’s home contest against Gateshead and Lynn’s fixture at Gloucester City both fell foul of the weather conditions.

Kettering, meanwhile, will pose a different challenge.

The Poppies - who were promoted this summer along with the Linnets - are fighting for survival at the other end of the table.

They are currently eight points clear of the bottom two.

United left Latimer Park with a 2-0 victory in September.

Second-half goals from Jay Rollins and Sam Cartwright, who diverted into his own net, proved the difference.