The Pilgrims eventually won 6-4 despite holding a four-goal lead on two occasions. Korey Dyer-Stewart and Liam Ogden both scored twice, while Joe French and Jordan Nuttell were also on target.

Skegness replied through Joby Gowshall, Max Foreman, John Courtney and Liam Papworth.

United took the lead on 14 minutes. Keiron Elliott picked out an excellent pass to send DYER-STEWART racing through and he beat keeper Shaun Robinson at his near post with a firm drive.

Dyer-Stewart turned creator a minute later. He squared the ball across the box for FRENCH to score from two yards.

United added their third goal on 23 minutes. Skipper Lewis Sturman linked up well with French and DYER-STEWART emphatically lifted home the resulting cross with real aplomb.

Boston increased their advantage on the half-hour mark when OGDEN scored with a low shot from 20 yards which flew past a bemused Robinson.

There was finally some cheer for the high-flying Lilywhites when GOWSHALL reduced the deficit four minutes before half-time after Ricky Drury had produced a terrific initial save.

United re-asserted their four-goal lead two minutes after the break with OGDEN running on to finish well at Robinson’s near post.

Skegness rallied and scored their second goal through FOREMAN from 25 yards, which clipped the post en route to the back of the net.

The visitors made further inroads on 63 minutes when COURTNEY produced a good finish after holding off the attentions of two Boston defenders.

United resumed their offensive and finally killed off their opponents with a sixth goal on 79 minutes. NUTTELL was set clear and he finished well with an angled drive across Robinson.

The scoring was not finished though and PAPWORTH stepped up in stoppage time to sail home a brilliant free-kick from 25 yards, high to Drury’s left, to cap an enthralling contest.

Boston (4-4-2): Ricky Drury; Lewis Sturman, Scott Dawson, Travis Munn, Jason Field; Joe French, Keiron Elliott (Jake Beauchamp 64), Grant Butler, Liam Ogden; Korey Dyer-Stewart (Nick Steadman 78), Joe Briers (Jordan Nuttell 53). Subs (not used): Dominic Thelen, Mark Thompson.