Boston United 2-1 Hyde FC

Second half goals from Kevin Austin and Ben Fairclough turned the tie upside down after Hyde had led on 40 minutes through the prolific Scott Spencer.

Hyde full-back Adam Griffin was sent off in the aftermath of the Pilgrims’ equaliser and United made full use of their one-man advantage.

United moved into the second round for the second successive season and will eagerly await the outcome of Monday’s draw at Wembley.

Showing an unchanged line-up from their last outing, the Pilgrims were aiming to avenge a home defeat against Hyde fours weeks previously.

United started well enough but Hyde threatened first as Danny Hall touched Griffin’s corner delivery marginally wide of Paul Bastock’s far post.

Ian Ross was at the heart of much of United’s best attacking play and it was from his cross that United carved out their first chances. Jason Lee nodded the ball down and Marc Newsham and Ryan Semple both had shots blocked.

Visiting keeper David Carnell then made a good low save to keep out a goalbound drive from playmaker Ross.

Hyde took the lead five minutes before half-time. Griffin found space to gallop down the left, outfox Jordan Fairclough and deliver a brilliant ball from the left which was slammed home at the back post by SPENCER.

United mustered a quick response and Hyde full-back Josh Brizell had to be alert to head the ball off the line after Lee had connected sweetly with Ross’ corner.

The match exploded into life on the hour mark. Substitute Tyrone Kirk produced a neat piece of skill which won the Pilgrims a corner and when Ben Milnes delivered the flag-kick, defender AUSTIN powered home a brilliant close-range header to record only his second goal since 1998.

In the aftermath of the goal, Griffin opened his mouth to vehemently and was handed a second yellow card, following a foul on Milnes in the first half.

Sensing their opportunity to win the game and avoid a midweek replay, the Pilgrims pushed forward at every opportunity, although they soon lost the services of skipper Gareth Jelleyman due to a hamstring problem.

The Pilgrims grabbed the game’s winning goal on 77 minutes. Jordan Fairclough delivered a ball from the right, which Lee nodded down with authority. Ross whipped the ball back into the danger area and Ben FAIRCLOUGH stooped to power home a low diving header beyond Carnell’s grasp for his first goal in United colours.

Hyde threw caution to the wind in their attempts to force an equaliser and subsequent replay, but the Pilgrims had the better chances on the break in the closing stages.

Carnell saved from Sleath, following Kirk’s wing wizardry down the left, while Sleath then saw a near post drive clutched by the Hyde keeper.

Ross was also denied expertly in stoppage time by a low Carnell save as the Pilgrims deservedly booked their passage into round two for the second year in succession.

Boston (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Alan White, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman (Tom Ward 64); Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ryan Semple (Ben Fairclough 72), Jason Lee, Marc Newsham (Tyrone Kirk 56). Subs (not used): Tony Edwards, Chris Hall.

Hyde (4-4-2): David Carnell; Josh Brizell, Andrew Pearson, Danny Hall, Adam Griffin; Chris Worsley, David Birch (Matthew Berkeley 81), Callum Byrne (Gianluca Havern 65), David Poole (Tunji Moses 9); Danny Broadbent, Scott Spencer. Subs (not used): Sean Williams, Nathan Martin.

Referee: Lee Betts