Nuneaton Town 2-0 Boston United

Lee Smith opened the scoring for the home side during the first half and Robbie Burns doubled Town’s lead six minutes after half-time.

The Pilgrims created a number of presentable chances — with Mickey Stones denied by two particularly notable Neil Collett saves.

However, the home side were worthy winners to chalk up their first victory of the Blue Square Bet North campaign.

With Adam Millson starting in place of Ryan Semple and Stones replacing the unavailable Lawrie Dudfield, United showed two changes from Saturday’s starting line-up against Vauxhall Motors.

The hosts started well and Paul Bastock had to make a smothering save at the feet of Danny Glover early on.

United were presented with a good chance when Marc Newsham found himself clear, but Collett responded with a low save.

Town went close again when ex-Pilgrim Mark Albrighton fired goalwards—only for Bastock to save well. Jordan Fairclough blocked Burns’ follow-up.

United were not without chances and Ben Milnes fired wide from distance, while a good finish from Stones was ruled out for offside, after Kevin Austin had flicked on a free-kick.

Town took the lead on 27 minutes when Adam Walker seized on a poor headed clearance from Kevin Holsgrove to free SMITH centrally who buried the ball past a stranded Bastock.

Collett made a breath-taking low save to deny Stones, whose goalbound effort was destined for the bottom corner. Milnes had provided the assist.

Nuneaton doubled their advantage on 51 minutes with BURNS get up well to head home Smith’s excellent right-wing cross.

Jason Lee threw himself on a bid to re-ignite the Pilgrims’ attack and his presence certainly started to unsettle Albrighton and defensive partner Gareth Dean.

Collett made another terrific flying save to keep out Stones’ effort, while the United striker also had an effort hacked off the line following a Semple corner.

Lee headed wide following a raking Liam Parker cross as United threw caution to the wind, but the visitors were unable to force a route back into proceedings.

Nuneaton (4-2-3-1): Neil Collett; Graham Ward, Gareth Dean, Mark Albrighton, Aaron James; Mark Noon, Adam Walker (Richard Lavery 49); Robbie Burns, Lee Smith, Lee Moore (Eddie Nisevic 90); Danny Glover. Subs (not used): Guy Hadland, Sam Belcher, Justin Marsden.

Boston (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Liam Parker, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Adam Millson, Chris Hall, Ben Milnes (Jason Lee 66); Marc Newsham, Mickey Stones, Kevin Holsgrove (Ryan Semple 56). Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Liam Ogden, Harry Deane.

Referee: Guy Stretton