“They’re too good not to be getting minutes!” Boston United fringe players will be given chances - Elliott

Boston United’s fringe players could soon find themselves in the thick of the action.

The Pilgrims have made a blistering start to the season, unbeaten in their opening five matches.

But this has left manager Craig Elliott reluctant to tinker too much with a winning formula, meaning a number of squad members haven’t been enjoying the game time they want.

Add in the two-week break when the squad was forced to self isolate due to positive Covid tests in the camp, and the start of this season will have felt like a frustrating period for a number of the team, especially those who hadn’t seen action since last season was halted in March.

Jordan Archer may have left for Southport without making a start, but the bench remain packed with players wanting their chance.

Full backs Tyrell Warren and Josh Askew plus winger Fraser Preston had all made just one start, while midfielder Connor Dimaio is yet to make back-to-back starts.

Club captain Jay Rollins, who looks set to return from injury this week, will also be eager to see action for the first time while Lewis Gibbens - who had been on loan at Worksop Town as he looks to get back to full match fitness - is back in contention due to the Tigers’ campaign being postponed.

However, as United face three matches in eight days, beginning with tonight’s clash at Darlington, Elliott has reiterated that his whole squad will have their say this season.

“There’s no doubt, and its not just empty words, they will play a part - and when they’re needed they’ll need to be ready,” he said.

“They are very, very good players and they will all want to be playing.

“Obviously, it’s early days and you hope they do get the chances soon - they’re too good not to be getting minutes.

“But we all know there’ll be a lot of games and a lot happening. They know they’ll be needed.

“They’ve been absolutely brilliant with their attitudes.”

United, travel to Darlington tonight and will play their third consecutive away game at AFC Fylde on Saturday (KO 3pm), as left back Scott Duxbury returns to his former club.

On Tuesday the Pilgrims host Kettering Town (KO 7.45pm) in what could well be the first match to be played at the Jakemans Community Stadium, following the club’s spell at The Northolme.

Elliott believes these matches may give him an opportunity to offer more game time to the fringe players.

“That’s the hardest thing at the minute,” he confessed when asked about trying to keep his talented squad happy.

“I look at the bench last Saturday (the 1-0 win at Southport) and Josh Askew didn’t even get a shirt.

“We’ve got Jay to come back and it’s not something I enjoy, making the difficult decisions.

“But that’s what happens at a successful team.”

While admitting team selection is causing him a headache, Elliott added that the stiff competition for places is exactly what he wants in his squad.

He cited the battle for the wide attacking positions - which will include Jordan Thewlis, Terry Hawkridge, Rollins and Preston as an example.

“I want them under pressure,” he added.

“If you’re going to do well this year you always need strikers and wingers that’ll be taking their chances and bring you that cutting edge in matches.”

MORE PILGRIMS: Striker joins SouthportMORE PILGRIMS: Express yourselves - Elliott MORE PILGRIMS: Elliott unsurprised by early pacesettersMORE PILGRIMS: The players are leading - ElliottMORE PILGRIMS: Club captain close to returnMORE PILGRIMS: Match postponed twice