Why legendary commentator John Motson is hoping for a Boston United-Barnet double in the play-offs

Legendary commentator John Motson will be rooting for a Boston United-Barnet double in the play-offs this weekend.

The much-loved man with the mic will be following keenly as both of the teams he supports push for promotion.

The Pilgrims host Gateshead at York Street in the National League North semi-finals on Saturday (KO 5.30pm).

At the same time Barnet will be looking to book their place in the National League final as they are in action at Notts County (KO 5pm), where Boston drew 3-3 in a friendly last week.

"That's a big coincidence that both my non-league clubs are playing in the play-offs at the same time," Mr Motson told The Standard.

"I hope both go up, that would be the perfect outcome.

"I'll be glued to the Premier League on Sunday but taking a big interest on Saturday."

Turning his attention to the Pilgrims, Motty added: "I wish them all the best.

"Home advantage is sometimes overrated but they raised their game that night against Rochdale, so hopefully they'll raise their game again

"I'm sure the team have enough in the locker to give Gateshead a real decent game."

Motson's career may have taken him to World Cup finals, but his love affair with the sport began watching United in action while visiting family in Lincolnshire.

"Of course, I went there when it used to be called Shodfriars Lane many years ago," he continued.

"All my grandparents, uncles, aunties and cousins lived in Boston.

"My father was a Methodist minister who did his preliminary training in the area and I was Christened in the Centenary Methodist Church in 1945."

Mr Motson's relationship with Barnet began several years later as he cut his teeth in journalism.

He continued: "I joined the Barnet Press in 1963 as a trainee reporter and did four years there covering local clubs including Barnet.

"Then in 1967 I moved to the Sheffield Morning Telegraph and, from there, I did a little bit of work on Radio Sheffield and then on to the BBC."

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