Braintree Town 0-0 Pilgrims

Friendly

Boston United continued their pre-season fixtures with a game conveniently located close to their pre-season Essex training camp. The last time that Boston had played at Braintree had been in the FA Cup back in 1993 and that had been a first qualifying round replay after the match at York Street had ended in a 1-1 draw. Boston won the replay 2-1 with goals by Noel Luke and Dean Trott. New signings Julian Joachim, Noel Whelan and Gavin Johnson again stayed on the sidelines - manager Steve Evans waiting for Joachim and Johnson to get to full fitness and for Whelan to resolve a personal issue. Chris Holland and Ben Futcher were the outstanding players in the first half. There was a big change around in the Boston side for the second half, with nine players being introduced at the start, leaving only strikers Daryl Clare and Jason Lee on from the first half.

Youngsters Ashley Edkins, Jamie Stevens, Ryan Doherty, Rob Norris and Lewis Brooks got a run out and keeper Nathan Abbey got his first pre-season action after missing out in last Saturday's match at Boston Town. Boston missed a chance to take the lead early in the half when they were awarded a penalty after Braintree's captain Ollie Adedeji handled the ball. Jason Lee's spot kick was however well saved by keeper Nick Morgan. The Ryman League side finished strongly, but Boston held on and the match ended goal-less.

United team first half: Scott Howie, Lee Canoville, Austin McCann, Ben Futcher, Mark Greaves, Stuart Talbot, Brad Maylett, Chris Holland, Daryl Clare, Jason Lee, Danny Thomas.

United team second half: Nathan Abbey, Ashley Edkins, Jamie Stevens, Paul Ellender, Alan White, Simon Rusk, Ryan Doherty, Lewis Brooks, Daryl Clare (Tom Hurst 80), Jason Lee (Stuart King 75), Rob Norris.