Boston United 2-1 Gainsborough Trinity

The Pilgrims led Gainsborough Trinity at the break courtesy of Mark Jones' 10th goal of the season but the visitors rallied strongly and eventually levelled through Liam Davis midway through the second half.

Southwell settled the encounter eight minutes from time after Cliff Byrne had been penalised for fouling Carl Piergianni in the box.

It was United's fourth league win in a row and lifted Dennis Greene's side into the play-off positions.

United, missing the services of injured defender Zak Mills, struggled to find their early rhythm against a dogged and resilient Trinity side looking to make amends for their 6-0 defeat at The Jakemans Stadium 13 months earlier.

Trinity's on-loan Hull City keeper Rory Watson did make a crucial save to keep out Southwell's angled drive while Piergianni's header was soon well off target following Nicky Walker's corner.

Jones' stinging snapshot then cleared Watson's crossbar following neat link-up with Walker.

United edged in front on 35 minutes with a bullet header at the near post from JONES, which just evaded Watson's grasp, following Kaine Felix's brilliant right-wing run and cross.

The Pilgrims knew that a second goal would potentially put the contest to bed but Scott Garner's header cleared the bar before the break, while Southwell swept an effort into the arms of Watson following Rene Steer's excellent cutback.

Trinity levelled proceedings on 63 minutes when DAVIS applied the finishing touch from close-range after the Pilgrims had failed to clear substitute Stephen Brogan's corner.

United took their time to respond but suddenly sprung to life in a mad minute when the game swung decisively back in the favour. Substitute Jake Sheridan rattled the post and Watson clawed Garner's follow-up behind.

The resulting corner was met by Piergianni, being grappled by Byrne, and as the ball flew wide, referee Anthony Tankard awarded United's spot-kick. After delays with Watson and Paul Beesley being cautioned for their protests, SOUTHWELL kept his cool and sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

United survived a late aerial bombardment to keep Trinity at bay and maintain their increasing hopes of reaching the top five.

Boston (4-4-2): Max Stryjek; Liam Marrs, Scott Garner, Carl Piergianni, Rene Steer; Kaine Felix, Kyle Dixon, Grant Roberts, Nicky Walker (Jake Sheridan 68); Dayle Southwell, Mark Jones. Subs (not used): Marc Newsham, Michael Hollingsworth, Louis Saebe, Sam Vince (gk).

Gainsborough (4-4-2): Rory Watson; Dominic Roma, Cliff Byrne, Adam Quinn, Josh Lacey; Liam Davis (Chris Hamilton 76), Simon Russell, Charlie Binns, Jamie Yates (Stephen Brogan 60); Paul Beesley (Darryn Stamp 85), Danny Forrest. Subs (not used): Jake Picton, Ciaran Toner.

Referee: Anthony Tankard.

Attendance: 1,319 (53 visitors).

PIC: Tim Hoff.