Boston United 1-1 Blyth Spartans

The Pilgrims had trailed to Graeme Armstrong’s 52nd minute header and despite pushing strongly during the remainder of the match, had only Semple’s first goal of the season to show for their efforts.

Blyth could even have snatched victory in stoppage time, but Paul Bastock made a brilliant save to deny substitute Jamie Mole.

The result was not what the Pilgrims were looking for — but they were at least grateful to substitute Semple for a positive impact after emerging from the bench.

With Chris Hall and Leon Constantine selected from the start, United opted for a fluid 4-3-3 system, with Constantine linking with Jason Lee and Marc Newsham up front.

There was almost an immediate impact, with Constantine and Lee combining to free Newsham, but keeper David Knight responded with a low diving save.

United’s decent start continued with Constantine’s ambitious overhead kick being blocked, while Lee Canoville’s dipping volley was charged away.

Bastock made an excellent double save midway through the first half. He parried Max Harrop’s powerful drive before producing a brilliant follow-up save to keep out Armstrong’s driven rebound.

Blyth continued to carry a threat on the break and a magnificent challenge from Tom Ward was needed to deny Lee Mason a clear sight of goal, while Jordan Fairclough was well-positioned on the line to divert a miscued Hall defensive header to safety.

Spartans took the lead seven minutes after half-time. Wayne Phillips wriggled free to deliver a cross from the left and ARMSTRONG found space to arrow a header into the far corner.

Canoville succumbed to a back spasm moments later, with youngster Jason Field deputising from the bench.

United cranked up the pressure thereafter and from an Ian Ross corner, Kevin Austin’s goalbound header was blocked on the line by Dan Groves.

Semple and fellow sub Tyrone Kirk were introduced fractionally before the hour mark and both were soon in the thick of the action. Newsham teed up Kirk who rattled the underside of the bar, with Semple lashing the rebound wide.

Field delivered a deep cross from the left and after Lee had nodded the ball down, Newsham volleyed agonisingly wide.

Lee was in the mix once again moments later and having diverted Ward’s long throughball over onrushing keeper Knight, saw defender Jordan Mellish produce a hooked clearance off the line.

United deservedly levelled on 80 minutes when Field’s deep free-kick was helped on by Ross and SEMPLE looped a header over the despairing dive of Knight.

Lee completely miscued a header from a Ross centre in the closing stages, but Blyth twice came close to snatching an unlikely winner in stoppage time.

Sam Hodgson’s angled drive flew a fraction wide while Bastock was forced to keep out a Mole drive following a swift Spartans counter-attack deep into added time.

Boston (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Tom Ward, Lee Canoville (Jason Field 53), Kevin Austin; Chris Hall (Ryan Semple 59), Ian Ross, Danny Sleath; Leon Constantine (Tyrone Kirk 59), Jason Lee, Marc Newsham. Subs (not used): Tony Edwards, Nathan Stainfield.

Blyth (4-4-2): David Knight; Dan Groves, Wayne Buchanan, Jordan Mellish, Phil Cave; Lee Mason (Richie Slaughter 71), Neal Hooks, Max Harrop (Sam Hodgson 78), Wayne Phillips; Graeme Armstrong (Jamie Mole 62), Glen Taylor. Sub (not used): Matt Hunter (gk)

Referee: Anthony Tankard