Stalybridge Celtic 1-1 Boston United

Scott Garner's first minute header had looked like triggering a big away win but Stalybridge Celtic survived United's first half onslaught and eventually levelled after half-time through Michael Powell.

United had further chances late on, with Dayle Southwell seeing a last-gasp header fly fractionally wide.

The Pilgrims included Marc Newsham and Nicky Walker from the start and it was the latter who provided the ammunition for United's breakthrough inside a minute.

Walker sent over an inviting cross from the left and GARNER buried a 57th second diving header past keeper Ross Etheridge.

It should have been 2-0 on six minutes when Rene Steer delivered from the left and Kaine Felix headed against the crossbar.

Further chances came and went, with Etheridge palming aside Southwell's firm drive, terrific defending from Peter Wylie keeping United's top scorer at bay and Newsham's near post drive was beaten behind by the on-loan Derby County keeper.

Felix and Grant Roberts also cleared Etheridge's crossbar before half-time as the Pilgrims maintained their dominance.

Newsham and Garner were denied in quick succession by Etheridge after the break before Celtic finally came to life, with Aidan Chippendale's free-kick flying narrowly wide of Max Stryjek's left-hand post from 25 yards.

Celtic levelled on 69 minutes when POWELL found a yard of space to hook home Chippendale's corner delivery.

United gradually re-asserted themselves and Carl Piergianni's header cleared Etheridge's crossbar with the keeper grounded and Steer advanced from his own half to drive wide for the Pilgrims with seven minutes of normal time to play.

Boston thought they had taken maximum points when substitute Kyle Dixon delivered a terrific ball from the right but Southwell could only glance his close-range header narrowly wide.

Stalybridge (4-5-1): Ross Etheridge; Oliver Crowley, Matt Hughes, Peter Wylie, Harley Wigley; Michael Potts (Ben McKenna 59), Michael Powell, Scott Kerr, Alec Mudimu (Paul Ennis 59), Aidan Chippendale; Tom Bentham (Jamie Allen 59). Subs (not used): Sam Staunton-Turner, Lewis King (gk).

Boston (4-4-2): Max Stryjek; Liam Marrs, Zak Mills, Carl Piergianni, Rene Steer; Kaine Felix (Jake Hall 85), Scott Garner, Grant Roberts (Louis Saebe 68), Nicky Walker; Marc Newsham (Kyle Dixon 56), Dayle Southwell. Subs (not used): Jamie McGhee, Sam Vince (gk).

Referee: Paul Marsden.

Attendance: 601.

PIC: Tim Hoff.