Boston United 2-0 Gloucester City

Liam Agnew scored a first half stunner and Ricky Miller added a last minute penalty, but United lost Conor Marshall to a fractured cheekbone and eye socket after an accidental collision with own team-mate Junior Konadu.

The result lifted the Pilgrims back into fifth place ahead of three massive away games which could help shape their destiny this season.

The opening to the game was sedate, with United having been forced to shuffle their backline ahead of kick-off, as Jamie McGhee slotted in at right-back, with Marshall switching to the left.

Frantic defending from Scott Garner denied Nat Jarvis a clear shot inside the opening minute, while Miller and the recalled Spencer Weir-Daley fired efforts off target for the Pilgrims.

United took the lead in the 28th minute when AGNEW sailed home a fabulous long-range drive which veered away from keeper Mike Green at the last moment.

Green made a good save on the stroke of half-time when he clawed Ben Milnes' drive behind following Konadu's assist.

Chances remained at a premium after the break too, with City's Jake Gosling sailing an effort wide following Joe Hanks' deep corner.

The sickening clash between Marshall and Konadu unfolded at the mid-point of the half. Marshall was carried off on a stretcher and Konadu was replaced after failing to shake off the effects of his clash of heads.

Stefan Galinski and Indy Aujla slotted in seamlessly and United came close to extending their lead when Miller's crashing drive flew wide after Carl Piergianni had nodded down Agnew's free-kick.

Green then made a terrific save to tip Miller's rising drive over for a corner before United finally got the chance to add their second.

MILLER picked himself up after being fouled in the box by substitute Will Morford and dispatched the spot-kick beyond Green to ensure the ensuing seven minutes of stoppage time passed nerves-free.

Boston (4-1-3-2): Lewis King; Jamie McGhee, Scott Garner, Carl Piergianni, Conor Marshall (Stefan Galinski 70); Jay Dowie; Ben Milnes, Junior Konadu (Indy Aujla 70), Liam Agnew; Spencer Weir-Daley (Ben Fairclough 82), Ricky Miller. Subs (not used): Ian Ross, Andy Hewitt (gk).

Gloucester (4-4-2): Mike Green; Rory Winters, Matt Coupe, Jack Harris, Marcus Giglio (Will Morford 84); Matt Groves, Lewis Hogg, Joe Hanks, Jake Gosling (Ed Williams 77); Charlie Griffin, Nat Jarvis (Joe Parker 60). Subs (not used): Matt Roome, Tom Webb.

Referee: Paul Graham

Attendance: 1,208 (32 visitors)