Gainsborough Trinity 1-0 Boston United

Bignall struck in the 66th minute to settle a tight encounter as the Pilgrims tasted defeat at The Northolme for the first time in a competitive fixture since 1996.

Jan Budtz and Henrich Ravas both made crucial saves before the break but Trinity edged the second period and were rewarded with Bignall's defining strike.

Young centre-half Lionel Stone, signed late on Friday, made his United debut, with Grant Roberts and Jordan Deacey also starting. Zak Mills, Carl Piergianni and Kaine Felix were joined on the sidelines by groin injury victim Jamie McGhee.

Trinity carved out the game's first opening, with Bignall sailing an effort narrowly wide from 20 yards.

Home skipper Dominic Roma was inches away from an own goal moments later, clearing Deacey's cross over his own bar with Mark Jones lurking.

Rollins subsequently failed to hit the target from 12 yards following Dayle Southwell's cutback, while Budtz made a terrific save to deny former team-mate Roberts with Jonathan D'Laryea charging down Southwell's follow-up.

Ravas made two excellent saves before the break, tipping Nathan Jarman's 22-yard dipper on to the roof of the net and then blocking with his feet to deny Liam Davis following Bignall's cutback.

Ravas saved again from Jarman after the break before Scott Garner's drive deflected over off Roma and then Southwell's header clipped the outside of the post following Kyle Dixon's deep corner.

The game's defining moment arrived on 66 minutes when Ravas was caught in no-man's land and after saving the initial effort from BIGNALL, the striker walked home the rebound.

United threw bodies forward in search of a leveller, with Jack Friend and Cameron Johnson introduced to form a four-man attack.

Johnson miskicked in front of goal when a chance presented itself and Rollins fired the rebound wide as United meekly surrendered their 19-year unbeaten record in Gainsborough.

Gainsborough (4-4-2): Jan Budtz; Dominic Roma, Adam Quinn (Stephen Brogan 46), Jake Picton, Josh Lacey; Liam Davis, Charlie Binns, Jonathan D'Laryea, Jamie Yates (Danny Forrest 75); Nathan Jarman (Marc Newsham 90), Nick Bignall. Subs (not used): Darryn Stamp, Cameron Rigby.

Boston (4-3-3): Henrich Ravas; Liam Marrs, Lionel Stone, Scott Garner, Aziz Deen-Conteh (Jay Dowie 49); Grant Roberts, Kyle Dixon (Jack Friend 77), Jordan Deacey (Cameron Johnson 77); Jay Rollins, Mark Jones, Dayle Southwell. Subs (not used): Harry Limb, Jason Alexander (gk).

Referee: Ben Cooke.

Attendance: 846 (295 visitors).