Poachers clinch historic promotion

Boston Town have been crowned league champions for the first time in 25 years.

Chris Funnell’s side thrashed Hucknall Town 6-0 in their last game of the season to seal the United Counties League Premier North division title.

Their triumph was witnessed by the biggest crowd of the season in the sunshine at the Mortgages For You Stadium.

The Poachers have also earned promotion to Step 4 for their first time in their 61-year history – and will now wait to hear which league they will be placed in for 2026-27.

They started the day knowing a win would be enough to see them lift the title.

A Jordan Tate goal gave them a 1-0 advantage at half-time – and once Zak Munton had doubled that lead soon after the break, the floodgates opened.

It was party time for the Poachers as Matt Cotton, Harry Limb and Jordan Nuttell also got on the scoresheet.

Roger Walker from the United Counties League presented captain Richard Ford with the championship trophy after the final whistle.

It’s the first time Boston Town have won the league since 2000-01.

Several former players were at the game cheering on the current crop, including Graham Neal, who played in that last title-winning side, as well as Nigel Vince, Rob Himsworth and Dennis Reeson.

Last season, the two promoted clubs from UCL Premier North, Lincoln United and Bourne Town, both went up to the Northern Premier League Division One – but in different divisions. Lincoln were placed in the East Division and Bourne in the Midlands one.

As well as moving up to a different league, Boston Town will compete next season in the FA Trophy instead of the FA Vase. They will also move up to the Lincolnshire Senior Cup rather than the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy.