Boston United currently sit third in the Vanarama National League North having played the most games out of all the teams in the division – 29. The involvement of clubs in the FA Cup, FA Trophy and the numerous match postponements in the north of England have no doubt contributed to this curious anomaly.
The Pilgrims are one of the divisions’ form teams having won 6 out of their last 8 matches. Their last game, two weekends ago, saw them face off against the divisions in-form team Gloucester City. They lost 0-1 in a disappointing result that could have seen them rise to second in the table.
Points on the board are crucial for the Lincolnshire side at this moment in time as most of the teams around them will no doubt regain ground with their games in hand.
Dennis Greene, the Pilgrims’ manager, had a good off-season keeping together the spine of the squad that went so close to reaching the play-off final last season. A spectacular overhead kick from Adam Roscoe of Chorley saw Boston lose a lead, and then eventually on penalties, as they did in an equally thrilling tie versus Guiseley in 2011.
This weekend Boston will look to cement their play-off place (weather permitting) at home to Stalybridge Celtic. Dayle Southwell will be hoping to return from an injury picked up over the Christmas period, sooner rather than later.
The ex-Grimsby Town marksman has scored fifteen goals this year having made his mark last season finishing second to top goal scorer, Omar Bogle, of Solihull Moors. He cultivated a great relationship with Mark Jones, which has again blossomed this time around.
An early season blip briefly saw a few people question whether Dennis Greene could mount another promotion challenge but from being down in 15th after 9 games the Pilgrims have slowly risen up the table backed by their fantastic support – averaging 1,089 so far this term.
Having gone two weeks without a game, and facing mid-table Celtic, Boston will want to make their opportunity at York Street count. With four of their remaining 13 games against teams from the current top six the Pilgrims will believe a late title charge is even possible.
The carrot of National League football will not go unnoticed in south-east Lincolnshire as potential county derbies versus Lincoln and Grimsby possibly await next season.
With no distractions from any cup competitions and a vociferous home support, Boston look a good outside bet at 20/1 for National League North glory. With plenty of points to play for, the run-in to the end of April should be very exciting for the team in amber and black.
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