SAINTS v PILGRIMS: Thanoj injury mars Boston United's point at Brackley Town, as both sides gain ground on leaders York City

Boston United gained ground on leaders York City with a goalless draw at Brackley Town, but the point was marred by an injury to Andi Thanoj.

The influential midfielder left the pitch on a stretcher during the first half, with the Pilgrims hoping their man will be able to make a speedy recovery.

Leaders York were surprisingly beaten 4-1 at home by Hereford, while second-placed King's Lynn picked up a point with a 0-0 stalemate at Leamington.

United's draw sees them move to within six points of the National League North table toppers with two games in hand.

The result suited Brackley too as they moved up to fourth in the standings, three points behind United having played a game more.

Craig Elliott made five changes to the side which lost 3-0 to Gateshead seven days earlier.

Captain Luke Shiels was ill while Alex Whittle was ruled out due to injury. Frank Mulhern, Brad Abbott and Dominic Knowles dropped to the bench, leading scorer Jordan Thewlis, Jake Wright and Ashley Jackson coming in as Tyrell Warren and Simon Heslop made their first starts for the Pilgrims.

United suffered a blow on the half hour mark as midfielder Andi Thanoj left on a stretcher, replaced by Abbott who attempted the fill that vacated role in true Thanoj style, but his free kick whizzed wide of the mark.

In a first half which had seven added minutes due to Thanoj's injury, the Saints saw a couple of efforts deflected wide before Peter Crook was called upon to turn away Shepherd Murombedzi's 20-yarder.

Just seconds into the second half Dan Holman chipped Crook but saw his effort land on top of the bar.

It was United, however, who enjoyed the majority of the chances after that.

Daniel Lewis had to work to keep out Wright's header, the same player seeing an effort blocked by Ellis Myles.

Abbott's strike and Simon Ainge's header just missed the target while, for Boston, Warren, Heslop and Garner had to be at their best to keep James Armson and Lee Ndlovu at bay.

The hosts turned the screw late on, Crook denying Ndlovu and Warren keeping out Myles' goalbound effort as Boston secured their fourth clean sheet at St James' Park in eight away league visits.

BRACKLEY: Lewis, Myles, Franklin, Byrne, Audel, Dean, Lowe, Murombedzi, Ndlovu, Holman (York 66), Maye (Armson 58); Subs (not used): Langmead, Daire, Smith.

UNITED: Crook, Warren, Jackson, Platt, Ainge, Garner, Rollins, Heslop (Woolford 90), Wright (Mulhern 85), Thewlis, Thanoj (Abbott 32); Subs (not used): Knowles, Middleton, Abbott.

REF: Sam Mulhall.

ATT: 403.