"We need more goals!" Craig Elliott demands Boston United attackers show cutting edge

Pilgrims boss believes dominance in matches must be turned into more victories...
Craig Elliott. Photo: Oliver AtkinCraig Elliott. Photo: Oliver Atkin
Craig Elliott. Photo: Oliver Atkin

Craig Elliott has demanded his Boston United attackers show more cutting edge.

The Pilgrims exited the FA Trophy this evening following a penalty shootout defeat to National League Chesterfield in a game where the hosts failed to ask enough questions of academy keeper Dylan Wharton.

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And in a season where missed opportunities have cost United points, the manager is demanding his side begins to put contests to bed.

"I've lost my head in there a little bit because I just think there's some forward thinking players that are not doing enough," Elliott said.

"They're not being the players who have been brought to this club.

"Connor (Dimaio), he's one on one with the keeper - you see him in training he's unbelievable and then he does that (shoots well off target).

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"Jordan Burrow, back post first half. He moans he doesn't get enough crosses. For me that's his game and he should scoring. Jordan Thewlis falling down too often, he's got to be better.

"We've gone down the route of confidence and telling them how good they are. We've gone down the route of working them hard in training and getting some sharpness in there.

"There's only so many times we can do things before we say 'you're not doing what you should be doing, you're at this club to get goals and assists'. Even the midfielders. We need more goals - have a shot. Sometimes they try that extra touch, that extra pass."

Centre back Scott Garner netted for the Pilgrims in normal time this evening, taking his tally to four for the season, making it a total of seven so far for him and defensive partner Luke Shiels.

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Only Burrow (five) has scored more than Garner and Elliott wants his attackers to follow the example set by the back line.

"I've got to say nearly every game I think we've dominated, been on the front foot and been box to box," Elliott added.

"The defenders have been brilliant all season and there comes a point the strikers need to step up and be the difference in games. There's just not enough cutting edge, just show more cutting edge.

"Tonight it's taken a centre back to score a goal. All Shielsy and Garns do is show that bit of extra appetite in the box to get on the end of things, and we need forwards to do the same. I need somebody to stand up and take this team forward. We're a good team."

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Reflecting on the shootout defeat to Chesterfield, Elliott added: "I thought, performance-wise, it was good.

"We defended well, we were organised and rode our luck at times, but you're going to do against quality players.

"I thought We were the best team, on the front foot, especially second half, they only got in our box once - and scored."

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