The Blues defied the league standings to record a comprehensive victory at the Jakemans Community Stadium, with Declan Howe and Lewis Butroid firing the visitors into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes.

Tony Weston rattled the post for the Pilgrims in the second half, sustaining a potentially serious injury in the process, with Howe adding Trinity's third moments later and ex-Pilgrim Fraser Preston wrapping up the victory with a late fourth.

United's evening never got going. Trinity were ahead inside three minutes when their top scorer HOWE was threaded through and he beat Ellis Craven with a composed, low finish.

The Blues doubled their advantage 12 minutes later when Jordan Helliwell, a scorer on Saturday, crossed for BUTROID to stab the ball home at the near post.

Boston's clearest opportunity fell to Weston after the break, but his effort agonisingly hit the inside of Dylan Wharton's far post and bounced back to safety. He was injured in the process and hobbled off with a foot problem.

HOWE sealed the deal for Trinity in the 68th minute with a firm finish on the end of Javelle Clarke's cutback.

Trinity completed the rout 11 minutes from time when the ball fell kindly to PRESTON to lash home the visitors' fourth.

Boston (3-4-1-2): Ellis Craven; Jai Rowe, Zak Mills, Tom Leak; Kieran Coates (Keaton Ward 61), Jordan Richards, Frankie Maguire, Dylan Hill; Sam Osborne (Pemi Aderoju 46); Tony Weston (Dan Mooney 67), Jacob Hazel. Subs (not used): Cameron Green, Michael Bostwick, Adam Marriott, Zach Marsh (gk).

Gainsborough (4-2-3-1): Dylan Wharton; Sisa Tuntulwana, Will Lancaster, Dylan Cogill, Ashley Jackson; Jordan Helliwell, Bailey Conway (Aaron Braithwaite 89); Javelle Clarke, Fraser Preston (Bobby Johnson 84), Lewis Butroid (Joe Stacey 89); Declan Howe. Subs (not used): Jacob McLoughlin, Kian Johnson (gk), Ollie Sykes (gk).

Referee: Richard Eley.

Attendance: 1,521 (197 visitors).

PIC: Chris Bray.