Home Results News Table Squad Statistics

Halesowen Town 2-4 Pilgrims

Friendly

by Craig Singleton

An impressive first half performance paved the way for Boston United to complete their away pre-season fixtures with a victory. The Pilgrims laid the platform for their success with a smooth display in the opening 45 minutes against Dr Martens League Western Division side Halesowen - a club managed by ex-Boston player Brendan Phillips. And a catalyst to their triumph was 33-year-old flank man Micky Brown, on trial from Third Division Shrewsbury. He was a constant source of concern for the home defence with some powerful wing play. His first major contribution was in the 13th minute when he supplied a cross from the right for Mark ANGEL to tap in from close range.

Then, six minutes before the break, Brown again centred to the near post where Gez MURPHY bulleted a header into the home net. In between, on 16 minutes Daryl CLARE had added a second, nudging in a well-flighted corner from Angel. Boston lost the services of defender Ross Weatherstone to a 49th minute calf injury and for a while in the second half, their rearguard looked somewhat ill-at-ease. This was emphasised when Halesowen hauled themselves back into the match with goals from Kerry GIDDINGS (69) and Michael GRAY (71). But the Pilgrims steadied their ship and cemented victory when skipper Mike MARSH fired home past keeper Tim Clarke from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute after Clare had been tripped from behind.

Boston team: 1. Bastock, 2. Clifford, 3. Lodge, 4. R Weatherstone (Cook), 5. Monington, 6. Marsh, 7. Brown, 8. S Weatherstone, 9. Murphy (Town), 10. Clare, 11. Angel (Elding). Subs (not used): Gould, Conroy (gk).


This report originally appeared in the Lincolnshire Echo.