Worcester City 3-0 Boston United

The Pilgrims started extremely well and could have taken the lead through Ben Fairclough’s flying header but soon trailed to strikes from Rob Elvins and Matt Birley.

Tom Thorley added a third from the penalty spot shortly after half-time to compound United’s miserable afternoon and ensure they was no way back for the visitors.

The Pilgrims had been dealt a blow ahead of kick-off with striker Spencer Weir-Daley ruled out through a suspected appendix problem.

The United reshuffle saw Tyrone Kirk handed a starting position and he almost carved out the game’s opening goal on five minutes.

Kirk delivered a brilliant ball from the left and Ben Fairclough’s diving header, which was destined for the roof of the net, forced a stupendous save from home keeper Matt Sargeant at the expense of a corner.

United’s excellent start failed to yield a breakthrough and the visitors soon found themselves behind. Thorley delivered an inswinging free-kick from the left flank and with the United defence sitting too deep, ELVINS glanced the ball home from close-range.

Boston continued to have the better of the opening stages despite Worcester’s deadlock-breaker on nine minutes. Worcester soon stepped up a gear and speed demon Michael Taylor raced clear to blaze an effort well wide from 20 yards.

City doubled their lead on 29 minutes. Mike Symons flicked the ball on and after Bastock did brilliantly to keep out Taylor’s drive, BIRLEY slammed home the rebound from 10 yards.

United sought an instant response and Danny Sleath’s firm drive was turned behind by Sargeant.

With the first goal of the second half destined to decide the game, it was the home side who struck six minutes after the break. Taylor turned away from Nathan Stainfield and was clipped, allowing THORLEY to drive home the resulting penalty.

Sargeant made another excellent save to keep out a Sleath drive, but Worcester created a host of chances as they sought to add further goals.

Bastock did brilliantly to keep out a Kevin O’Connor drive, before Symons turned the rebound against the post. The excellent Greg Mills then blazed agonisingly across goal and marginally wide.

Kevin Austin was introduced midway through the second half to bring a calming influence to the United rearguard and the Pilgrims reached the 90-minute mark without too many further scares.

United thought a consolation had arrived in stoppage time but Marc Newsham sent his 20-yard effort the wrong side of the post.

Worcester (4-3-3): Matt Sargeant; Tyler Weir, Jacob Rowe, Rob Elvins, Ellis Deeney; Tom Thorley, Kevin O'Connor, Matt Birley (Lee Ayres 74); Michael Taylor (Phil Green 60), Mike Symons (Danny Carey-Bertram 77), Greg Mills. Subs (not used): Ryan Clarke, James Dormand (gk).

Boston (4-3-3): Paul Bastock; Conor Marshall, Tom Ward, Nathan Stainfield (Kevin Austin 65), Gareth Jelleyman; Ben Milnes, Ian Ross (Chris Hall 74), Danny Sleath; Ben Fairclough, Marc Newsham, Tyrone Kirk (Leon Constantine 65). Subs (not used): Lee Canoville, Jason Lee.

Referee: Andrew Quelch