Boston United 1-2 Vauxhall Motors

Goals at either end of the contest from Michael Jackson and Josh Wilson afforded Vauxhall a two-goal lead — with only Tom Hannigan’s bizarre own goal getting the Pilgrims on the scoresheet.

United had a sustained spell of pressure during the second period but were punished for two defensive lapses which allowed the visitors to claim all three points.

Ahead of kick-off, Jordan Fairclough was handed his full league debut at right-back in the place of the injured Lee Canoville, while Ryan Semple was preferred to Adam Millson.

The Pilgrims made a quick start and Kevin Holsgrove forced Scott Tynan into an early flying save.

The Motormen gradually got a foothold in proceedings and played some excellent football during a first half they controlled.

Paul Bastock saved well to deny David Mannix, but the Pilgrims were soon behind. The lively Leighton McGivern whipped across an inviting free-kick and JACKSON steered a header past an exposed Bastock.

Boston responded and Marc Newsham latched on to long ball over the top, but could only lob his effort too high, on the angle. The same player also crashed a half-volley wide following Ben Milnes’ corner.

Vauxhall almost extended their lead at the start of the second half, with McGivern sprinting clear only to drill an effort high into the side-netting.

Boston cranked up the pressure thereafter — forcing a succession of corners and free-kicks around the box. Semple and Holsgrove had shots blocked, while Tynan brilliantly kept out Newsham’s header from Milnes’ cross.

The barrage continued with Kevin Austin heading over the top following Holsgrove’s return ball. Milnes had provided initial corner delivery.

Liam Parker saw an effort blocked on the line by Hannigan, before Dudfield’s follow-up suffered a similar fate.

Motors wrapped up all three points with six minutes to play when Craig Mahon intercepted a stray pass to square the ball for WILSON to roll the ball past Bastock.

United cut the deficit on 89 minutes, with HANNIGAN spectacularly heading Holsgrove’s cross beyond Tynan — but Motors held on.

Boston (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Liam Parker, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple (Adam Millson 58), Chris Hall, Ben Milnes, Kevin Holsgrove; Lawrie Dudfield, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Mickey Stones, Harry Deane, Liam Ogden.

Vauxhall Motors (4-4-2): Scott Tynan; Andrew Taylor (Kevin Grocott 90), Tom Hannigan, Michael Jackson, Lee Dames; Craig Mahon, Sean Highdale, David Mannix, Steve Beck (John Bennett 80); Leighton McGivern, Josh Wilson. Subs (not used): Sean Williams, Anthony Wright, Josh O’Connell (gk).

Referee: Lee Betts