Goodson's 19th minute penalty set the Pilgrims rolling - with Shiels and Burrow striking in quick succession after the break to wrap up all three points.

Ben Liddle reduced the arrears with nine minutes to play - but the Pilgrims held on without too many scares.

United included goalkeeper Cameron Gregory for his debut, with Tom Nixon back in action too after sealing his midweek return from Hull City.

The Pilgrim edged in front when GOODSON converted from 12 yards after Ben Pollock had been upended by Adriano Moke, presenting referee Callum Walchester with a straightforward decision.

United seized full control after the break. Billy Chadwick's 49th minute corner was met by SHIELS, who saw his header blocked by Nathan Newall, before sweeping in the rebound while grounded.

BURROW added United's third goal three minutes later - tapping home at the back post after Tommy Taylor could only parry Nixon's cross from the right.

Shiels was withdrawn after an earlier collision and although Darlington pulled a goal back in the 81st minute through LIDDLE, following a Gregory save to deny ex-Pilgrim Kaine Felix, the home side stood firm to record their first win since December 3.

Boston (3-4-3): Cameron Gregory; Jo Cummings, Luke Shiels (Will Atkinson 58), Ben Pollock; Tom Nixon, Zak Mills, Tom Platt, Ethan Sephton; Zak Goodson (Luther Munakandafa 70), Jordan Burrow, Billy Chadwick (Lirak Hasani 70). Subs (not used): Tre Mitford, Sam McLintock.

Darlington (4-1-4-1): Tommy Taylor; Niall Brookwell, Jake Lawlor, Jassem Sukar (Ben Hedley 57), Nathan Newall; Alex Purver; Kaine Felix, Adriano Moke (Theo Williams 61), Ben Liddle, Jack Lambert; Jacob Hazel. Subs (not used): Danny Rose, Junior Mondal, Jarrett Rivers.

Referee: Callum Walchester.

Attendance: 1,541 (224 visitors).

PIC: Russell Dossett.