South Shields 1-2 Boston United

Hazel had handed the Pilgrims a 12th minute lead following an excellent start, although Dillon Morse equalised from a corner 17 minutes later.

Hazel struck what turned out to be the game's decisive blow in the fifth minute of additional time at the end of the first half - and United defended resolutely after the break to seal victory.

Demonstrating his expanding squad depth, manager Ian Culverhouse once again opted to make three changes ahead of kick-off. Jai Rowe, Sam Smart and Jimmy Knowles were all recalled.

The Pilgrims opened like an express train and Keziah Martin's ninth minute drive nestled narrowly wide via a deflection off Morse.

Knowles then rifled agonisingly wide from range, before Martin Woods squared for HAZEL to wrongfoot keeper Miles Boney and roll United into the lead.

Shields responded, with Rowe forced into a majestic block to deny Aaron Martin, following a Paul Blackett cross, before Blackett himself blasted wide after advancing into the penalty area.

United failed to deal with Mackenzie Heaney's 29th minute corner and MORSE headed home the Mariners' leveller.

The home side should have gone in front when Martin Smith sprung the offside trap but fluffed his lines in attempting to tee up Martin, rather than shooting himself.

Boney made a pair of incredible saves to keep out Hazel and Knowles before the break. United were undeterred though - with Brad Nicholson teeing up HAZEL to cleverly dink the ball over Boney and squeeze it blissfully underneath the crossbar to hand the visitors a half-time lead.

Blackett was denied an equaliser five minutes after the break by a fine Aaron Chapman save. Newcastle United loanee Dylan Stephenson, making his Shields debut, subsequently hit the post in the 70th minute.

United's clear-cut chances in the second period were limited - but they defended superbly, led by the excellent Michael Bostwick and Tom Leak, to repel any threat posed by their northeast hosts.

South Shields (4-4-2): Miles Boney; CJ Clarke, Dillon Morse, Tom Broadbent, Blair Adams (John Lufudu 45); Will Jenkins, Robert Briggs, Martin Smith, Mackenzie Heaney; Paul Blackett, Aaron Martin (Dylan Stephenson 64). Subs (not used): Jed Abbey, Dan Savage, James Sloan.

Boston (4-1-2-1-2): Aaron Chapman; Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick, Tom Leak, Brad Nicholson; Martin Woods (Zak Mills 80); Jordan Richards, Keziah Martin; Sam Smart (Keaton Ward 80); Jimmy Knowles, Jacob Hazel (Kelsey Mooney 85). Subs (not used): Michael Gyasi, Deji Sotona.

Referee: Rob Claussen.

Attendance: 2,259.

PIC: Ian Kelsey.