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Reserves 6-3 Appleby Frodingham

Lincolnshire League

Report by Colin Woodcock

Champions Boston United Reserves fielded a very strong side for their penultimate league match on Saturday, no fewer than nine of the starting XI having first team experience. They were also watched by far their largest crowd of the season - almost 300 - many of whom had gathered at York Street in anticipation of Bath's possible demise at Havant. Their expectation turned out to be somewhat premature, Bath winning 2-1, but they were nevertheless treated to yet another goal feast as United rattled in six in a demolition of Appleby Frodingham. Lee POWER opened the scoring, showing his class with a superb lob over the advancing keeper after being set free by Craig Allardyce, POWER quickly added a second with a quality finish into the roof of the net after Gary Walters pulled the ball back from the touch-line. Playing fast flowing football, United entertained the crowd with some slick play, but disaster befell them when keeper Lee Crew sustained a leg injury in a heavy collision, leaving him incapacitated. He attempted to continue, but his lack of mobility left him hopelessly stranded as Andy Lodge diverted a cross from the left into his own net.

Obviously struggling, Crew made one valiant save just before the break, but on the advice of the club doctor, he was replaced at the interval. Gary Pawson donned the keeper's jersey and substitute Paul Wilson came on at centre back. Pawson's first job however, was to pick the ball out of the net as the visitors equalised amid a suspicion of handball. This stung United into action and WALTERS restored United's lead when he turned in a Shaun Keeble cross. POWER then completed his hat-trick with a powerful header from yet another Keeble cross before WALTERS added his second, showing great control to turn his marker and clip the ball into the top left hand corner. The visitors then made it 5-3 before Paul WATTS scored the final goal of nine in what was a very entertaining game. The champions have one game left, against lowly BRSA Retford, inwhich to complete the season unbeaten. Whether the Lincolnshire League is a high enough standard for United's second string is open to question and with 130 goals this season for United, the question begs answers.

United team: 1. Lee Crew, 2. Mark Melson, 3. Andy Lodge, 4. Adie Hayes, 5. Gary Pawson, 6. Craig Allardyce, 7. Paul Watts, 8. Ian Stringfellow, 9. Lee Power, 10. Shaun Keeble, 11. Gary Walters, 12. Paul Wilson, 14. Nicky Reeson, 15. Dane Thornton.