Alfreton Town 1-2 Boston United

The 18-year-old struck inside 52 seconds and then again in the 61st minute to fire the Pilgrims into an unassailable lead.

Joe Ironside reduced the arrears eight minutes from time, but the Pilgrims held on for three valuable points.

The performance was in stark contrast to the one served up by the Pilgrims at Worcester City in midweek and maintained their position on the edge of the play-off places.

With Liam Marrs restored to the line-up and Ryan Robbins relegated to the bench, United led inside 52 seconds. Dayle Southwell skipped past ex-Pilgrim Stefan Galinski and BLINCO eventually swept home amid a crowded box.

The Pilgrims remained in the ascendancy and almost made it 2-0 when John Sands' back post drive bounced to safety off Matt Duke's right-hand upright.

Alfreton soon fashioned two half-chances with Sam Smith's back post header lacking power and being easily gathered by Henrich Ravas, while Jordan Robertson's low drive was saved on the stretch by the United keeper.

The Pilgrims had two glorious chances before the break, with Southwell freeing Sands who cut inside before seeing his shot deflect narrowly wide. A great move involving Grant Roberts and Southwell then concluded with the latter blazing over from 16 yards.

United had further opportunities after half-time, with Sands' header gathered by Duke following Southwell's assist, before Southwell's angled drive was beaten aside by Duke.

Boston finally added their second goal 16 minutes after the break. Jordan Richards' cross from the left was headed down by Scott Garner and BLINCO crashed it home from 18 yards for his second of the game.

Liam Marrs soon produced a superb goal-saving challenge to deny Sam Jones an instant response, while United sub Kaine Felix sprung the offside trap and Duke was required to turn his shot behind for a corner.

Alfreton stepped it up a gear in the final 10 minutes and having seen Jones' long-range drive deflect wide, Town cut the deficit shortly afterwards. An almighty scramble from Ryan Wilson's corner ensued and IRONSIDE eventually turned the ball home after Ravas had saved and the post had been struck.

United required brilliant blocks from Kyle Dixon and Zak Mills in the dying moments but once substitute Jamie Jackson's drive flew agonisingly wide, Town knew the game was up.

Alfreton (4-1-3-2): Matt Duke; Cliff Moyo, Stefan Galinski, Niall Heaton, Ryan Wilson; Joe Leesley; John Johnston (Tom Allan 55), Andi Thanoj (Jamie Jackson 72), Sam Jones; Jordan Robertson, Sam Smith (Joe Ironside 72). Subs (not used): Todd Jordan, Nick Draper (gk).

Boston (4-3-1-2): Henrich Ravas; Liam Marrs, Zak Mills, Carl Piergianni, Dylan McEvoy; Scott Garner, Jordan Richards, Grant Roberts; Jordan Blinco (Kaine Felix 67); Dayle Southwell, John Sands (Kyle Dixon 66). Subs (not used): Ryan Robbins, Alex Simmons, Cameron Johnson.

Referee: Paul Graham.

Attendance: 602.