FC United of Manchester 0-3 Boston United

Two Brad Abbott strikes sandwiched a sublime Andre Johnson effort as the Pilgrims notched up their first away win of the National League North campaign at the second time of asking.

Abbott's 23rd minute opener set the Pilgrims on their way and once Johnson had added United's second in the 77th minute, Abbott wrapped up three points five minutes from time with his second goal of the afternoon.

Johnson had been handed his first league start ahead of kick-off, with Jonny Margetts the man to miss out.

He played his part in a dominant display from the visitors who carved out early chances through Abbott and Ashley Jackson. Johnson then forced a retreating Luke Ashworth into a crucial block.

The Pilgrims took the lead on 23 minutes when Nathan Arnold supplied a short corner to Adam Marriott and his dinked cross into the box was swept home by ABBOTT from 12 yards.

United’s offensive continued and Jonathan Wafula’s header cleared the bar following Arnold’s corner before Fleetwood Town loanee Billy Crellin stood tall to deny Johnson on the angle.

Boston came even closer to a second goal when Ryan Qualter met Arnold’s corner with a firm header, but the ball was nodded to safety off the line by Jamal Crawford.

FC United’s first proper chance of the afternoon fell to player-manager Tom Greaves three minutes after half-time but he lost his composure at the crucial moment to smash high and wide.

United were unable to grab their second goal despite a string of chances, with Wafula’s header dropping off target and Abbott’s 30-yarder sailing wide.

Arnold and Marriott linked up to provide Wafula with a fine assist but the flag went up as the ball hit the back of the net.

Crellin made a fine save to deny Wafula moments later and Qualter’s subsequent header from an Abbott cross nestled agonisingly wide.

The Pilgrims made the game safe with 13 minutes to play when JOHNSON skipped away down the right before cutting infield and beating Crellin with an emphatic angled finish.

United’s final goal was crafted by substitute Nicky Walker, who waltzed around Stephen O’Halloran to deliver a telling cross from the left and ABBOTT stroked home his second and Boston’s third.

FC United substitute Liam Dickinson, lucky still to be on the pitch after catching Spencer Harris with a flailing arm, clipped the top of the crossbar with a header in the closing stages but the hosts were well beaten.

FC United (4-4-2): Billy Crellin; Joel Senior, Chris Lynch (Sam Baird 74), Luke Ashworth, Stephen O'Halloran, Jamal Crawford, Elliot Simoes, Danny Racchi, Sam Tattum (Liam Dickinson 56); Tom Greaves, Kurt Willoughby. Subs (not used): Brodie Litchfield, Jack Banister.

Boston (4-4-2): George Willis; Ben Middleton, Ryan Qualter, Spencer Harris, Ashley Jackson; Jonathan Wafula, Brad Abbott, Andi Thanoj, Nathan Arnold (Grant Roberts 90); Andre Johnson (Craig Westcarr 87), Adam Marriott (Nicky Walker 72). Subs (not used): Jonny Margetts, Toby Lees.

Referee: Elliott Swallow.

Attendance: 1,686.