Halesowen Town 2-0 Pilgrims

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by Barbara Singleton

Two first half goals from Dr Martens League Premier Division newcomers Halesowen were enough to account for an experimental Boston United line-up last night. The Pilgrims featured three trialists in the pre-season clash with Alfie Carter from Walsall and Leicester City youngsters Brett Darby and Eamon Zayed all playing a part. But the overall Boston performance never really hit any great heights and in the end, there was little argument with the outcome. The home side had opened the brighter with Mark Taylor finding space to shoot but his effort drifted wide of the target. In reply, Boston developed a good move down the left before David Town cut inside and saw a low drive well saved by Tim Clarke. Later on, neat link-up play between Mark Angel and Carter created an opening for Zayed, but his low effort skimmed a post.

In between, on 13 minutes, a bad kick-out by United goalkeeper Nick Conroy almost triggered a goal, but he recovered to make a good save close to a post. Seven minutes later however, Halesowen took the lead when Andy JONES cashed in on defensive uncertainty to tap home. Worse was to follow as in the 29th minute. A poor back-pass by James Gould set up another opening for the home side which culminated in Les HINES slotting in from six yards. Boston tried to hit back and either side of the interval Zayed missed good chances, first when heading over from a Brady cross and then, on 48 minutes, when seeing a drive hit the bar. United went close twice more midway through the second half when substitute Brian Hardie brought an excellent save from Clarke with a well-struck shot. And moments later the home keeper did even better to deny the same Boston player.

United team: 1. Conroy, 2. Hocking, 3. Carter, 4. R Weatherstone, 5. Foran (Elding 85), 6. Gould, 7. Darby (Hart 70), 8. Brady (Hardie 46), 9. Town, 10. Zayed, 11. Angel. Sub not used: Warburton.