"You don't turn down the play-offs!" Matt Challoner wants back-to-back promotions following long-awaited Boston United debut

Defender signed pre-COVID suspension...
Matt Challoner.Matt Challoner.
Matt Challoner.

Matt Challoner is gunning for back-to-back play-off promotions... after finally making his Boston United debut.

The defender signed for the Pilgrims in March after leaving National League Chorley, but after one training session the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Everything literally stopped. I thought that was that, my shortest ever spell at a club," said Challoner.

"It was crazy, I thought it was finished and then I got the call off the gaffer asking if I wanted to play.

"You don't turn down playing in the play-offs and I was delighted."

After helping the Magpies defeat Spennymoor in last season's National League North play-off final the right back is hoping for a repeat the following season.

After a committed debut in this week's 5-3 victory over Gateshead, Challoner wants on more victory with the Pilgrims against Altrincham on Saturday.

The defender was so convinced the season was over he has already been unveiled as a Southport player for next season.

But he says his focus is currently on the Pilgrims, and thanked his new teammates for making him feel welcome.

"I'm fully committed, there's no better feeling than getting promoted. It goes on the CV and it's a brilliant buzz," he said.

"I was really happy (to link up). The lads are good, they brought me straight in.

"I knew a few of them already through playing with and against them. It's mutual respect as well, you just crack on."