Pilgrims 2-1 Cheltenham Town

Coca Cola League

As is often the case with meaningless end of season matches between two sides with nothing much to play for, this turned out to be quite an entertaining affair. With all the pressure off, both sides could concentrate on producing some good football - trying out new moves without worrying about the consequences of failure. There was only one surprise in the Boston line-up and that was on the subs' bench. Striker Daryl Clare was ruled out with a virus infection, so to make the numbers up, 38 year old assistant manager Paul Raynor made only his second appearance on Boston's teamsheet since 2001. Boston took the lead on fifteen minutes. Courtney Pitt was fouled by John Finnigan on the left side of the area. From the resulting free kick Brad Maylett fired the ball across the area and Paul Ellender glanced the ball across to Jason LEE who headed home from close range. Brad Maylett was causing the Cheltenham defence all kinds of problems with his tricky runs down the right wing. Quite how Jamie Victory never found his name being taken by the referee after scything down Maylett time after time as he went past him is a mystery.

Cheltenham's best chance of the half came from a free kick conceded by Chris Holland and which resulted in a booking for David Noble for not retreating the required distance. Nathan Abbey made a good save to tip Brian Wilson's kick round the post. Ten minutes into the second half a good Boston move almost produced another goal. A quick break down the right by Jermaine Easter ended with a cross to Holland whose volley was well saved by Shane Higgs. Cheltenham won a series of corners but couldn't break through the Boston defence. Boston sealed the win when Jason LEE got his second goal three minutes from time. It was someting of a rarity - a Jason Lee goal scored with his feet. It was a beautiful strike from the edge of the area that curled into the smallest of gaps between the diving keeper and the right post. Cheltenham got a consolation goal right at the death when they were awarded a penalty after Austin McCann tugged on Damian Spencer's shirt. Martin DEVANEY gave Nathan Abbey no chance with the spot kick.

United team: Nathan Abbey, Brad Maylett, Alan White, Austin McCann, Paul Ellender, Simon Rusk, David Noble, Chris Holland (Dean West 80), Jason Lee, Jermaine Easter (Lee Thompson 70), Courtney Pitt (Danny Thomas 84). Subs not used: Paul Raynor, Stephen O'Donnell.