Gainsborough Trinity 1-2 Boston United

The Pilgrims overturned an early deficit to defeat county neighbours Gainsborough Trinity — and book a final place later in the season against Grantham Town or Stamford AFC.

Striker Darryn Stamp had given Trinity a deserved early lead, but the Pilgrims showed plenty of resilience to dig deep and fight their way back into proceedings.

Holsgrove levelled with a quality strike before the break before Suarez sealed the win with a terrific header on 72 minutes.

With both sides fielding near full-strength sides, it promised to be a lively encounter — with seven starters on show lining up against their respective former clubs. Danny Sleath and Marc Newsham later emerged from the bench too.

Gainsborough raced out of the blocks — and could have got themselves on the scoresheet prior to their breakthrough at the mid-point of the first half.

Bastock saved well from Ryan Kendall while Jamie Yates — eager to make a positive impression after swapping the amber side of Lincolnshire for the royal blue in the summer — soon rattled Bastock’s right-hand upright from distance.

United skipper Gareth Jelleyman was also called upon to block Gavin Cowan’s goalbound header following Yates’ flag-kick.

The opening goal arrived with STAMP firmly heading Yates’ corner beyond Bastock’s grasp.

Boston were stirred into life and Phil Barnes clutched Ben Wilkinson’s looping effort, while Suarez nodded wide following Semple’s inviting cross.

The Pilgrims levelled on 32 minutes when Ben Milnes cleverly slipped the ball infield for HOLSGROVE, who rolled aside the challenge of Cowan before slamming home at the near post.

Gainsborough went close twice before the break with Yates’ outside-of-the-foot effort clipping Bastock’s bar, before Kevin Austin headed Ryan Williams’ follow-up off the line.

Both sides made changes on the hour mark, as the Pilgrims gradually imposed their passing game on proceedings.

Andrew Boyce was booked for cynically ending Milnes’ charge forward and Austin went close with a header following Hall’s free-kick delivery.

Bastock saved expertly from Kendall moments later, but the Pilgrims were soon in front for the first time.

Semple took advantage of casual play from former United loanee Rory Coleman to keep the ball in play, deliver a brilliant right-wing cross and allow SUAREZ to do the rest with a brilliant headed finish from close-range.

The noteworthy match action was concluded with a nasty looking neck injury for ex-Pilgrim Shane Clarke, who was involved in an innocuous tangle with Newsham on the touchline.

Gainsborough (4-4-2): Phil Barnes; Dominic Roma, Andrew Boyce, Gavin Cowan, Rory Coleman; Ryan Williams (Michael Leary 60), Shane Clarke (Luke Waterfall 80), Jonathan D’Laryea, Jamie Yates (Lewis McMahon 60); Darryn Stamp, Ryan Kendall. Subs (not used): Ryan Paczkowski, Mark Gray.

Boston (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Lee Canoville, Tom Ward, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Wilkinson (Danny Sleath 60), Chris Hall, Ben Milnes; Ryan Semple, Mikel Suarez, Kevin Holsgrove (Marc Newsham 67). Subs (not used): Julian Joachim, Mickey Stones, Jordan Fairclough.

Referee: Keith Lawson