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Attacking header by Alan White

Pilgrims 3-1 Bristol Rovers

Coca-Cola League

Boston United won their third League game on the trot with a stylish display to overcome Bristol Rovers at York Street. With Nathan Abbey, Noel Whelan and Paul Ellender all out suspended, some changes needed to be made to the starting line-up. Teenager Chris Wright got his first Coca-Cola League game for Boston United in goal and Ben Futcher returned to the heart of the defence. Lawrie Dudfield partnered Julian Joachim up-front. Ashley Edkins stepped up from the youth team to a place on the bench. The game began with a goal by each side in the first twelve minutes. Boston were the first to score when Lawrie DUDFIELD turned and shot home from 10 yards out after receiving the ball from a throw-in by Lee Canoville. Rovers equalised two minutes later as Richard WALKER scored with a long-ranger curler giving Wright no chance. Simon Rusk picked up a thigh strain on the half hour and was replaced by Chris Holland. Alan White saw his header go just wide after getting on the end of a cross by Ross ten minutes before the break.

In the 52nd minute Boston won a penalty after Canoville was fouled by Craig Hinton as he ran into the area. ROSS took the spot kick only to see it parried by Scott Shearer, but the on-loan midfielder was able to drive home the rebound. Wright had to make a good save to deny Michael Leary. Then at the other end Joachim shot wide of the upright. Boston extended their lead in the 80th minute when JOACHIM scored from close range - tapping home a cross by Ross. Right at the end Edkins made his League debut, coming on for Joachim. After the match Steve Evans said: "I was pleased. We've got three goals today, one from a penalty and two from strikers. You've got to be happy with that. There's a lot we can improve on with this team and this squad."

United team: Chris Wright, Lee Canoville, Ben Futcher, Alan White, Mark Greaves, Simon Rusk (Chris Holland 33), Brad Maylett, Ian Ross, Stewart Talbot, Julian Joachim (Ashley Edkins 90), Lawrie Dudfield (Jason Lee 73). Subs not used: Danny Thomas, Austin McCann.


Match report copyright © Ken Fox 2005. Photograph copyright © Pat Everitt 2005.