Boston United 1-1 Corby Town

There was debate whether Kirk’s 87th minute leveller had crossed the line, but it was the least the Pilgrims deserved following a strong performance against physical opposition.

The game had been defined by two penalties. Matt Rhead saw his first half spot-kick saved by Paul Bastock, but after having Phil Gulliver sent off for a poor challenge on Ian Ross, substitute Jean-Paul Marna scored Corby’s second penalty of the game with 12 minutes remaining.

There had been little sign of the drama to unfold after a quiet opening period at The Jakemans Stadium, as a sparse crowd gathered in arctic conditions.

United had the better of the early chances — and winger Ryan Semple could have had a quickfire hat-trick. Semple crashed a cross-come-shot wide following Ian Ross’ assist, before getting in between keeper Jack Drury and full-back Paul Mayo to blast another effort off target. Semple’s trilogy of misses was completed by a near post drive which flashed wide.

Jason Lee also had a header repelled by Drury, who was only playing due to regular keeper Chris Mackenzie breaking down on his way to the match.

Corby were not without chances and Bastock made a terrific save to claw away Paul Malone’s goalbound header following a long Mayo throw-in.

Mayo then delivered a deep free-kick and Rhead glanced a header over the bar from close-range.

Corby boss Graham Drury made a bold double change towards the end of the first half, with Marna and Leon Hibbert replacing Andy Hall and ex-Pilgrim Lee Beeson as the Steelmen switched to a 4-3-3 system to match the Pilgrims.

Corby’s first penalty arrived three minutes before half-time. Alan White was penalised for holding Rhead and the burly striker picked himself up to fire a tame penalty straight at the dive of Bastock.

There was further danger before the end of the half when White hacked Marna’s drive off the line, after Bastock had done well to punch the ball off the head of the incoming Rhead.

Boston stepped up a gear after half-time and Drury clutched Ross’ firm drive at the second attempt, while Ben Milnes’ corner was headed off the line by Rhead, with the Corby keeper in no-man’s land.

A combination of Drury and the crossbar then prevented Lee from opening the scoring against his old club, with the United joint manager’s header winning the Pilgrims a corner.

Gulliver was handed a straight red card on 64 minutes following a wild lunge on Ross and midfielder Steve Towers dropped back into defence to partner Malone.

United cranked up the pressure and Drury made an excellent save to keep out a Ross drive, but the Pilgrims soon found themselves trailing against the run of play.

Tom Ward was adjudged to have fouled the lively James Ozmen and MARNA ensured lightning would not strike twice in the same game by firing low past Bastock’s dive.

Marc Newsham was introduced as the Pilgrims scarified full-back Jordan Fairclough to switch to a near 3-3-4 formation.

The bombardment paid off when Lee fired the ball across goal and KIRK stuck out a leg. Despite Drury’s best efforts on the line, the assistant referee signalled that the ball had crossed the line — despite the Corby contingent’s vocal protests to the contrary.

United sensed victory, but long-range strikes from midfield trio Danny Sleath, Milnes and Ross failed to trouble Drury and both sides were forced to settle for a point apiece from an absorbing contest.

Boston (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough (Marc Newsham 78), Alan White, Tom Ward, Kevin Austin; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Ryan Semple, Jason Lee, Ben Fairclough (Tyrone Kirk 60). Subs (not used): Tony Edwards, Chris Hall, Lee Canoville.

Corby (4-4-2): Jack Drury; Delroy Gordon, Phil Gulliver, Paul Malone, Paul Mayo; Lee Beeson (Leon Hibbert 40), James Ozmen, Steve Towers, Andy Hall (Jean-Paul Marna 39); Matt Rhead (Jordan Smith 62), Sam Mullarkey. Subs (not used): Jean Dessou, Jordan Spruce.

Referee: Guy Stretton