Match Report | Boston United 3-1 Blyth Spartans | National League North | 2023/24

An 89th-minute equaliser and two stoppage time goals swept aside a first half Cedric Main penalty which saw Graham Fenton's side slump to an eventual 3-1 defeat in front of 1500 in attendace at the Jakemans Community Stadium in Lincolnshire.

The first action of the encounter resulting in an opportunity on goal came on four minutes as Will McGowan was fouled 20-yards out from goal allowing Nicky Deverdics to line up a free-kick. However, The Spartans' skipper's effort failed to beat the hosts' defensive wall to trouble Cameron Gregory.

Deverdics combined well with Rhys Evans on the right of the final third just after 10 minutes of play had commenced, his lofted cross into the area was met by Cedric Main whose header was glanced narrowly wide of the target.

Keaton Ward was presented with The Pilgrims' first clear-cut opportunity on 13 minutes as he flashed a driving attempt over the crossbar from close range.

Main utilised his strength and hold up play to set in Michael Liddle to the byline on 17 minutes whose cross was met by the advancing McGowan, but his first time strike was saved well down low by Gregory.

Deverdics was forced to leave the field on 23 minutes having sustained an injury in the opening proceedings of the clash seeing Harry Arnsion replace him in an advanced midfield position.

McGowan once again was demonstrating his usual tricky qualities around the penalty area before striding forward and being heavily taken to the ground by Finley Thorndike for where a penalty was awarded to Graham Fenton's side's delight

A slick stepover-turn from inside the 18-yard box drew the foul having initially been teed up by Cedric Main entering the box. The York loanee stepped up and steered the spot kick into Cameron Gregory's bottom right corner off the post before it nestled the netting.

Patient possessional play just after the half hour mark saw McGowan create an opening on goal from 25-yards; his effort, however, rose over the crossbar.

Moments later, Main received the ball with his back to goal before swivelling and striking a left footed attempt into the arms of Gregory.

Under pressure from Elliot Forbes and Finn Cousin-Dawson, the final chance on goal to conclude the first period saw Sam McLintock drag an effort wide for The Pilgrims from the edge of the box.

Half-time: Boston United 0-1 Blyth Spartans

Main teed up substitute Arnsion on the edge of the box on 53 minutes whose attempt was diverted wide of the mark by a deflection.

Jordan Hickey unleashed a powerful effort from range just before the hour, but his effort fell wide following a strong spell of possession for Spartans.

As the hosts aimed to find their equaliser, Harrison Clark was on hand to he defensively solid at the near post to head over Thorndike's shot as the Boston man tried to make amends for his foul which lead to Main's deadlock-breaking strike.

Against the run of play, Main was set through into the penalty area with 20 minutes left on the clock by Arnison but two low efforts were blocked out resiliently by covering defenders for The Pilgrims.

Alex Mitchell was called into action low to his left hand side to keep out McLintock's effort which was destined for the bottom corner before Kelsey Mooney glanced a header wide from point blank range.

On 89 minutes, the cohesion of Spartans' performance unravelled as Mooney tapped in Zak Mills' cutback from close range to level the scoreline.

With the game stretched as Spartans looked to go straight on the attack, Michael Gyasi then slotted in a second for the hosts three minutes into the added five of additional time having advanced past Clark to be one-on-one with Mitchell before Mooney added a third and a brace for himself two minutes later to wrap up three points for The Pilgrims.

Full-time: Boston United 0-1 Blyth Spartans

Boston United | Cameron Gregory, Brad Nicholson, Michael Bostwick (Dylan Hill, 60'), Keaton Ward, Kelsey Mooney, Jimmy Knowles, Jordan Richards, Sam McLintock (Michael Gyasi, 82'), Zak Mills, Tyler Knowles (Tom Edge, 75'), Finley Thorndike.

Subs not used | Sam Essien and Will Hall.

Goals | Kelsey Mooney 89', 90+5' and Michael Gyasi 90+3'

Blyth Spartans | Alex Mitchell, Rhys Evans, Michael Liddle, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Jack Bodenham, Harrison Clark, Elliot Forbes, Jordan Hickey, Nicky Deverdics (Harry Arnison, 23'), Will McGowan, Cedric Main (Charlie Aitken, 78').

Subs not used | Joe Oliver, Jon Shaw and Curtis Round.

Goals | Cedric Main 26'

Attendance | 1500 (43 away)

Referee: Elliot Bell

Spartans next face off against Farsley Celtic at Croft Park on Tuesday evening, 5th September, with a 7:45pm kick-off.