Boston United 3-0 Tamworth

The trio were on target as the Pilgrims defeated Tamworth 3-0 at The Jakemans Stadium, despite seeing Grant Roberts denied from the penalty spot.

Fairhurst fired United into a fifth minute lead before being substituted with a hamstring injury, while Colley and Hilliard struck after Steve Tomassen had been sent off for fouling Roberts who in turn saw his spot-kick spectacularly saved by James Belshaw.

In his latest attempt to find a winning formula, United boss Dennis Greene had made four changes ahead of kick-off, although three were enforced with Kalern Thomas, Herve Pepe-Ngoma and Jay Rollins all ruled out through injury.

United were afforded a dream start when FAIRHURST dispossessed Jack Lane to run on and finish with aplomb from 18 yards, although he injured himself in the process and was duly replaced by Colley.

Tamworth responded strongly and Christian Dibble excelled to keep out Danny Newton with his legs before Connor Taylor and Ross Dyer hit the crossbar in quick succession. Dibble then performed heroics to keep out Newton’s close-range header.

United were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute when Tomassen barged Roberts over, before receiving his marching orders, but Belshaw saved brilliantly from the spot-kick.

Jason St Juste blasted off target from distance at the start of the second half, while Tamworth went close through Jed Davies, Dyer and Newton.

Belshaw made a tremendous save to claw Colley’s header to safety, while the United striker lifted another gilt-edged chance over the bar.

The Pilgrims doubled their lead on 68 minutes when Joe Burgess’ long throw found its way across to COLLEY, who sent home an effort-on the-tumble from 12 yards.

HILLIARD added the goal of the game four minutes later, jinking into the box to roll the ball into the far corner following Marcus Marshall’s clever assist.

Substitute Cameron Johnson had two chances for United while Dibble made a late save to deny Lambs’ player-manager Andy Morrell as the hosts held on for a valuable three-point haul.

Boston (4-4-2): Christian Dibble; Joe Burgess, Ollie Price, Joe Maguire, Courtney Wildin (Cameron Johnson 75); Marcus Marshall, Grant Roberts, Lewis Hilliard, Jason St Juste (Callum Chippendale 67); Waide Fairhurst (Lamin Colley 7), Gregg Smith. Subs (not used): Liam Adams, Michael Emery (gk).

Tamworth (4-4-2): James Belshaw; Andy Burns, Steve Tomassen, Jack Lane (Louis Ezewele 15), Anthony Breslin; Connor Taylor (Greg Mills 69), Joe Clarke, Ellis Deeney, Jed Davies; Ross Dyer, Danny Newton (Andy Morrell 69). Subs (not used): Louis Briscoe, Lee Smith.

Referee: Declan Bourne.

Attendance: 965 (33 visitors).