The opening ten minutes or so of the game, saw the visitors exert their dominance on proceedings. Moving the ball around well. And it took Trinity time to get a foot hold in the game – but the best chance of the period fell the way of the hosts, as Declan Howe raced down the right, squaring for his strike partner Dayle Southwell. The former Pilgrims’ striker seeing his effort blocked. That only served to poke the bear though, as Dan Mooney launched a 25 yarder past Josh Render, in goal for the Holy Blues. Trinity struggling to get any clear purchase on the clearance. And Mooney making no mistake.
Render was in action a couple of moments later. Making a strong block as Sam Osborne tried his luck from distance, following more good approach play. Boston, from two divisions higher, were zipping the ball about at a quicker tempo. Just past the quarter hour mark, Southwell had the ball in the back of the net. Only to have his effort chalked off, for offside. Racing on to a ball over the top, he was able to prod past the en-rushing ‘keeper and roll home into the unguarded net.
Boston were looking to play with a high line, and Howe and Southwell were looking to cause problems in behind. On one such occasion, Michael Bostwick could consider himself lucky to only be shown a yellow card, when he scythed down Howe on his way to goal. Southwell stepped up to flo
at the freekick over the wall, but his effort was read comfortably by Gregory.
The visitors went close again, clipping Renders’ left hand upright, before Simpson looked to raid down the Carlilse Street stand side of the ground. The Crossfield pass from centre back really inviting the former Salisbury full back forward. His ball in towards Howe, headed behind for a corner. As the Blues looked to ramp up the pressure as half time approached, a succession of corners ultimately came to nothing. Boston just able to clear the danger, even when Gregory failed to safely gather a Lewis Butroid centre.
Half Time: Gainsborough Trinity 0 Boston United 1
Render was forced into action at the start of the second half, but spread himself well at the feet of the forward, to keep the Pilgrims in sight. Then, as the Blues set about attacking the Stuart Horsley Stand end, Aaron Simpson measured a brilliant ball down the line. Howe used his pace to get behind the back line, reaching the ball ahead of Gregory. As he looked to fire home, Jai Rowe (on at half time for the cautioned Bostwick) was in the right place to block Howe’s goal bound effort.
With just under twenty minutes to play, two substitutes combined down the right. Youngster, Kyle Simpson released Jordan Helliwell, who floated a delicious ball in towards the near post, where another of the substitutes, Glen Sani rose to meet the ball, unfortunately for the Trinity sub – a couple of minutes after entering the fray – he wasn’t quite up to match speed. And his effort didn’t trouble the Boston ‘keeper.
Aaron Simpson then recovered well to close out an opening for Jacob Hazel. One of a number of former Trinity players in the Boston United travelling party. Simpson showed great pace to get back into a position where he could win the ball cleanly.
Whilst at the other end, some great skill from Joe Stacey, saw the attacker bring the ball brilliantly under his control, before turning his full back inside out, and delivering an inviting cross into the box. Helliwell met the centre – but somehow, the Boston goalkeeper was able to help the ball over his crossbar!
Fraser Preston, another of the former Boston men in the Gainsborough side, got to a clever ball round the corner first. But as he went to ground, the Referee was content to only award Trinity the corner.
As the visiting ‘keeper went AWOL, Sani couldn’t generate enough power in his header to beat the retreating Rowe, who had got back on the line – again – to avert the danger.
With six minutes remaining on the clock, Javelle Clarke was rewarded with some game time after 34 weeks on the side lines. He nearly had the dream return, when Kyle Simpson did well, this time on the left, delivering a ball deep to the back post, where Clarke stretched, but couldn’t connect – or bring the ball down, less than six yards out!
A really promising showing from Russ Wilcox’s men. There are plenty of reasons to be hopeful and optimistic regarding the new season ahead. A tight, close-knit squad, creating chances, and pushing one another all the way… and ready to now, embark on the league campaign. Let’s see what the 2024/25 season has in store!
The Teams
Gainsborough Trinity
Josh Render (Ollie Battersby 60’), Aaron Simpson, Ashley Jackson, Bailey Conway (Jordan Helliwell 60’), Sisa Tuntulwana, Trialist (Dylan Cogill 60’), Lewis Butroid, Bobby Johnson (Joe Stacey 60’) Dayle Southwell (Kyle Simpson 70’) Declan Howe (Glen Sani 70’), Fraser Preston (Javelle Clarke 84’)
Report by Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Photos by Bryan Pye (@bry_pyesport)