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Pilgrims 2-1 Stockport County

Coca-Cola League

It's probably a bit too early to call this match a relegation dogfight, but both sides have had poor starts and are struggling near the foot of the table. David Farrell made his first start for Boston and throughout the first half he caused all sorts of problems for the Stockport defence by delivering some great crosses. Chris Holland got on the end of one but his shot was well blocked. Then another one was nodded down by Paul Tait but noone was able to capitalise before the ball was scrambled away. Stewart Talbot then produced a cracking shot that required James Spencer in the Stockport goal to produce a diving save. At the other end a snap-shot by Tony Dinning was well saved by Andy Marriott. Adam Le Fondre should then have opened the scoring when presented with an open net, but his shot lacked power giving Marriott time to get back and make the save. Boston took the lead from the penalty spot on 24 minutes when a Paul Tait header struck Ashley Williams' hands. Tim RYAN rifled the spot kick low and hard into the centre of the goal. The lead lasted just three minutes as Jason TAYLOR fired home from just outside the area.

Boston regained their lead on 38 minutes after Farrell won a corner. The Jamie Clarke kick wasn't cleared and the ball fell to ELDING who picked his spot. Just before half-time a header by Glen Murray beat Marriott but drifted just wide. The second half began with a Boston substitution with Dany N'Guessan replacing Paul Tait who had picked up a first half injury. It wasn't long before another Boston substitution, this time David Galbraith coming on for Chris Holland. Galbraith's first touch was a fizzing shot that almost increased the Pilgrims' lead. Stewart Talbot should have done better on 65 minutes when given a free header from a Jamie Clarke corner, but it went over the bar. Stockport's best chance of an equaliser came at the end of normal time when Ashley Williams saw his shot beat Marriott but go inches wide. After the match Steve Evans said: "It was a massive win for us. It was the least best we've played this season and we've come away with a win. We thoroughly deserved the three points."

United team: Andy Marriott, Lee Canoville (Richie Ryan 78), Tim Ryan, Mark Albrighton, Chris Holland (David Galbraith 54), David Farrell, Stewart Talbot, Jamie Clarke, Anthony Elding, Francis Green, Paul Tait (Dany N'Guessan 46). Subs not used: Ben Kirby, Bob Davidson.


Match report copyright © Ken Fox 2006.