Boston United 1-0 AFC Telford United

The United centre-half converted a Zak Mills long throw on 48 minutes to settle an absorbing encounter against the rock-bottom Bucks.

Henrich Ravas produced a brilliant first half save to deny David Hibbert, before keeping out Connor McCarthy's second half spot-kick.

It was the Pilgrims' first home win since August 22 and lifted them to eighth in Vanarama National League North, albeit having played one game more than the majority of their play-off chasing rivals.

Sunderland loanee Dylan McEvoy made his debut at left-back, while Ryan Robbins was handed his home debut following his recent move from Stamford AFC.

McEvoy's inviting eighth minute cross almost led to the game's opening goal as Scott Garner was denied by visiting keeper James Montgomery and Mark Jones' rebound was heroically blocked by Curtis Tilt.

Dayle Southwell's cross-shot was then palmed behind by Montgomery following a terrific throughball from Notts County loanee Jordan Richards.

Ravas spectacularly denied Hibbert with a big left hand after Mills had already hooked an initial effort to safety. Hibbert then fired a ball across for Kyle Brownhill to clip the top of the crossbar.

Piergianni's volleyed effort was not far wide after Tilt had inadvertently headed back across his own goal following a United corner while Southwell's drive skipped up off the turf and nestled just wide.

The Pilgrims took the lead three minutes after the break when Mills' long throw was powered into the top corner by an unmarked PIERGIANNI.

Richards' fizzing drive from 25 yards was only a fraction over Montgomery's crossbar moments later while the Pilgrims soon lost the services of defender Mills to another hamstring twinge.

The game's defining moment unfolded at the mid-point of the second half with Richards seemingly adjudged to have fouled Ryan Rowe and Ravas responded with an excellent save, low to his right, to keep out McCarthy's penalty.

United substitute and former Telford loanee Kyle Dixon should have doubled Boston's lead but blazed wildly wide from 18 yards, while Robbins shrugged off the attentions of Graham Hutchison but dragged his shot across goal and wide.

There was a huge chance for Telford in the 89th minute, but Tilt smashed an effort millimetres wide following Mike Grogan's knockdown and United survived to chalk up Dennis Greene's 50th league win as Boston boss.

Boston (4-3-3):Henrich Ravas; Liam Marrs, Zak Mills (Kyle Dixon 58), Carl Piergianni, Dylan McEvoy; Scott Garner, Jordan Richards, Grant Roberts; Mark Jones (Jay Dowie 90), Dayle Southwell, Ryan Robbins. Subs (not used): Nicky Walker, Harry Limb, Cameron Johnson.

Telford (4-4-2): James Montgomery; Graham Hutchison, Paul McCone, Curtis Tilt, Darren Campion; Josh Ashby (Niall Flint 76), Jack Rea, Robert Paratore (Mike Grogan 54), Kyle Brownhill (Ryan Rowe 58). Subs (not used): Dwayne Samuels, Mark Lees.

Referee: Graeme Fyvie.

Attendance: 1,153 (48 visitors).