Positives in defeat for Boston United as West Brom youngsters edge cup points

The young Baggies edged the points thanks to an own goal by Ben Hammond, but Waterfall said: “I thought George was a positive tonight.

"He looked good going forward, got high up the pitch and showed his quality, putting crosses into the box at times.

“Connor was another big positive. Again, I thought he showed what he can do with flashes of his quality and finding the ball in the spaces and pockets we want him to in that No.10 position.

“He showed intent running forward as well which was good.

“But the main thing for him was getting 90 minutes.”

On the game overall, Waterfall said: “First half was okay but second half we were slightly disappointed again.

“We changed shape second half but didn't get enough pressure on the ball and allowed the young West Brom team to get control of the game and dominate midfield.

“We were not on the front foot enough for me in the second half.

“We had put a team out there to go and win a football match.

“Rightly or wrongly, it was a massive game for the West Brom players, not that we don't want to win every match we're in.

“But it was a game that put their players in the shop window, looking for loans, and I think they showed a bit more intent.”

Boston know they could probably bring in one or two of the opposition if they wanted after post-match discussions with West Brom staff.

Waterfall said: “We spoke to them after the game and they did give us a couple of names of lads they want to loan out. And they would love to loan them to a place like ours.

“They know we're a good club and they'd be looked after.”

The Pilgrims had named a strong matchday squad, but found the Championship youngsters a tough nut to crack.

United boss Paul Hurst had made seven changes ahead of kick-off, with loanee Gent handed his debut.

Boston almost took the lead inside three minutes when Charlie Blackshields' 30-yard backpass inadvertently smashed into the post.

Gent was given licence to get forward and cracked a 15th minute effort into Brian Okonkwo's sidenetting.

The Baggies' keeper then denied Ken Aboh from distance.

Rio Parmar was Albion's liveliest presence and fired two efforts off target when well-placed during the first half.

The Pilgrims made three changes at the break, with Connor Teale, Jake Rooney and Lewis Shipley all introduced.

However, the hosts fell behind on the hour mark in unfortunate fashion when Lenell John-Lewis' defensive header on the end of an Albion corner crashed off the back of Hammond and flew into his own net.

Lennon Wheeldon and Kai Mauro soon joined the action, but Albion went close to extending their lead when Nathan Dlamini's effort rattled back off the post.

Teale was denied by a late Okonkwo save, but the Baggies held on relatively comfortably for all three points.

Boston new prepare for home National League clashes with Wealdstone on Saturday and Woking on Tuesday and Waterfall said: “It's full focus on Wealdstone now.

“We've had a look at them this week alongside preparation for this game. So we know what they're about.

“We now have two home league games on the spin and we need to follow up on the away point at Tamworth and, hopefully after these next two games, we'll look back on that as a good point.

“Not many teams will go to Tamworth and win easy. It is a difficult place to go and you have to defend a lot.”

BOSTON: Faxon; Sachdev (Teale 46), Ward, Grimes (Rooney 46), Gent (Mauro 61); Clayton, Hammond, Pozo, Aboh (Shipley 46); McBride; John-Lewis (Wheeldon 61). SUBS NOT USED: Cursons, Chadwick.

REFEREE: Kavan Hurn.

ATTENDANCE: 387.