Blackstone 0-7 Pilgrims

Friendly

by Craig Singleton

In-demand Mark Rawle grabbed a hat-trick as Boston United thrashed local rivals Blackstone 7-0 at Lincoln Road last night. RAWLE, who is currently being chased by Scottish giants Hibernian, was the star of the show in the first half, with his lightning pace causing the home defence numerous problems. He opened Boston's account as early as the fifth minute when he fired under the keeper after being put clear by Jason Minett. Adie HAYES doubled the lead four minutes later, when he headed home Kenny Cramman's corner. And it was soon three, when RAWLE slid home his second following Cramman's centre in the 12th minute. MINETT despatched a penalty to make it four in the 15th minute, after Rawle had been bundled over in the box.

Miquel DE SOUZA scored number five in the 22nd minute, but in the process picked up a nasty looking ankle injury after clashing with a Blackstone defender. Replaced by Elding, the substitute marked his introduction by bursting clear of the Blackstone defence, rounding the keeper, and squaring the ball to RAWLE who slid home for his hat-trick goal. Manager Steve Evans introduced his youngsters after the break, with Gary Pawson, Andrew Markham, Danny Harrison and trialist Danny Steadman all taking the field. The scoring was completed in the 51st minute, when ELDING blasted home into the top corner, after getting the better of two Blackstone defenders.

United team: 1. Martin, 2. Wooding, 3. Cramman (Markham, 46), 4. Taylor, 5. Gowshall (Pawson, 46), 6. Herbert, 7. Stanhope (Steadman, 46), 8. Minett (Harrison, 46), 9. De Souza (Elding, 34), 10. Rawle, 11. Hayes. Subs (not used): Nuttell, Hoyle.