Gainsborough Trinity 0-1 Boston United

Miller struck on 73 minutes to end Trinity's dogged resistance following the dismissal of Lincoln City loanee Adi Yussuf for a two-footed challenge seven minutes before the break.

United probed away and deserved their victory although they were indebted to keeper Lewis King for keeping out Darryn Stamp in the closing stages.

The result extended United’s unbeaten run at The Northolme to 12 matches, which includes 10 victories.

United boss Dennis Greene made a brave call ahead of kick-off by leaving out established stars Ian Ross, Conor Marshall and Spencer Weir-Daley.

The Pilgrims switched to a 3-5-2 system, with Stefan Galinski, Indy Aujla and Ben Milnes all coming into the line-up.

The match started in cagey fashion, with both sides eager to keep things tight in the early stages.

Trinity created the better chances early on, with Yussuf seeing a shot blocked by Scott Garner, while Bradley Barraclough cleared the crossbar with one effort and forced King into a smart save with his chest moments later.

Simon Russell also whizzed a 25-yarder wide before Boston had penalty appeals turned down when Miller tumbled under the challenge of former Pilgrim Tom Ward.

Miller then lifted an ambitious 25-yard effort wide before the game’s defining moment unfolded seven minutes before the break. Yussuf flew in on the unsuspecting Rene Steer and referee Alf Greenwood produced a straight red card.

Ross and Weir-Daley joined the action at half-time as Greene threw more bodies forward, but the Pilgrims found it tough going against the 10 men.

Barraclough stung King’s palms on the 55-minute mark, before United finally started to create.

Miller broke to see a shot deflected to safety, while Ross combined with Aujla to tee up Newsham but he uncharacteristically chopped his effort wide from close-range.

Garner then cleared Phil Barnes’ crossbar from 30 yards while the Trinity keeper was down quickly to deny Jake Hall, before grabbing the same player’s header from a Steer cross.

United’s breakthrough arrived 17 minutes from time when Ward fell over midway inside his own half, which allowed MILLER a free run down the left and he finished with aplomb inside the area.

Stamp, often United’s nemesis in recent seasons, emerged from the bench and twice went close to forcing an equaliser. He sailed an overhead kick wide with his first touch, before forcing King into a superb save four minutes from the end following John Williams’ assist.

Gainsborough (4-4-2): Phil Barnes; Dominic Roma, Tom Ward, Greg Young, Josh Wilde; Liam Davis (John Williams 46), Simon Russell, Ciaran Toner, Dan Clayton (Darryn Stamp 75); Bradley Barraclough, Adi Yussuf. Subs (not used): Josh Batty, Josh Lacey, Adam Martin.

Boston (3-5-2): Lewis King; Stefan Galinski (Spencer Weir-Daley 46), Scott Garner, Carl Piergianni; Liam Marrs, Ben Milnes (Ian Ross 46), Indy Aujla (Conor Marshall 81), Jake Hall, Rene Steer; Marc Newsham, Ricky Miller. Subs (not used): Charley Sanders, Sam Vince (gk).

Referee: Alf Greenwood

Attendance: 746 (230 visitors)