Harrogate Town 2-0 Boston United

The Pilgrims were beaten 2-0 at the CNG Stadium courtesy of goals from Dominic Knowles three minutes before the break and Lloyd Kerry on 69 minutes.

United had chances once again, with both Waide Fairhurst and Callum Chippendale striking the woodwork.

Dennis Greene had opted to make three changes ahead of kick-off, with Fairhurst coming into the side along with Courtney Wildin and Grant Roberts.

United were almost behind after two minutes when Simon Ainge ghosted in to power a header over the bar following a Joe Leesley cross.

Jordan Robertson, a summer signing from Alfreton Town, rattled the United bar seven minutes later but the Pilgrims soon came to life, with Town keeper Peter Crook denying Joe Maguire and Lewis Hilliard in quick succession.

Crook and opposite number Christian Dibble made decent saves to deny Fairhurst and Andy Gascoigne respectively while Ainge cleared the bar following another Leesley set-piece.

Town edged ahead when KNOWLES shrugged off the attentions of Wildin to drill the ball beyond Dibble's reach from inside the box.

Dibble soon prevented Robertson from doubling United's lead, while Fairhurst's effort at the end of the half nestled behind via the post.

United were bright from the off after the break and Crook excelled to keep out a Maguire header. The Pilgrims forced Town back for spells, but it was the hosts who held firm to eventually add their second goal.

KERRY picked his spot from the edge of the box to beat Dibble with aplomb and effectively kill the contest.

Late chances fell to Chippendale, whose free-kick was touched on to the post by Crook, and then Jason St Juste and Lamin Colley, who were both unable to find a way past the Harrogate keeper.

Harrogate (4-1-2-1-2): Peter Crook; Lewis Turner (Warren Burrell 32), Simon Ainge, Luke Shiels, Ben Parker; Andi Thanoj; Lloyd Kerry, Joe Leesley; Andy Gascoigne (Jack Emmett 62); Jordan Robertson (Jon-Paul Pittman 84), Dominic Knowles. Subs (not used): Chib Chilaka, Danny Ellis.

Boston (4-2-3-1): Christian Dibble; Kalern Thomas, Joe Maguire, Herve Pepe-Ngoma, Courtney Wildin; Grant Roberts (Lamin Colley 72), Lewis Hilliard (Ollie Price 56); Jay Rollins, Callum Chippendale (Joe Burgess 84), Jason St Juste; Waide Fairhurst. Subs (not used): Liam Adams, Michael Emery (gk).

Referee: Simon Mather.

Attendance: 702.