A Keaton Ward quickfire double resulted in the Poachers losing their first pre-season game of the season at home to Boston United.
Football was back at the Mortgages For You Stadium on Saturday afternoon as local neighbours Boston United visited the Poachers to begin pre-season. Both sides were looking to start their friendly campaigns with a win and the 2023 Boston derby didn’t disappoint.
It was a typical pre-season game during the opening 45 minutes with both keepers only having little to do. Travis Portas made some key saves to deny the pilgrims going into the lead from close range shots and a Layton Maddison free kick for Boston Town went straight into the hands of United’s number one, Cameron Gregory.
In the second half, the pilgrims began the second half well with a complete changed eleven with fresher legs. In the 53rd minute, a nice bit of one-two play between Keaton Ward and Jimmy Knowles resulted in Ward putting the visitors in the leader, beating Portas at his far post. Five minutes later, it was Ward again who doubled the lead for Boston United. After a well saved shot from Portas, the ball eventually found the right foot of Boston’s number seven who made it 2-0 from just outside the box.
The Poachers didn’t give in though and soon found themselves back in the game when a shot by Liam Adams deflected through to last season’s top scorer for Town, Fraser Bayliss, who converted the ball past Jake Lovelace, now in goal for United, to make it 2-1. It was hard to believe there is a three league difference between the two sides as Boston Town made a good account of themselves but ultimately, the Pilgrims’ better quality did show and they did enough to get the win.
The Poachers now travel to Louth Town on Tuesday to continue their pre-season campaign.
Crowd: 600
Matchday sponsor: TM Painting & Decorating
Match ball sponsor: Ropers Arms Italian Bistro
Boston Town FC 