The Pilgrims battled manfully to keep their unbeaten visitors in check at the Jakemans Community Stadium - and crafted the game's clearest chances in the closing stages.

McNicholas denied Greg Sloggett, Jordy Hiwula and Zak Mills in quick succession as the Pilgrims made it three unbeaten in National League action.

Graham Coughlan had opted to include Alex Lankshear and Owen Hampson from the start, with Rocco Coyle and Kieren Donnelly dropping to the bench.

The early exchanges were cagey and it took until the 37th minute for either side to have a meaningful shot on goal, with Kairo Mitchell blasting wide of the far post.

United's nemesis of Chorley and AFC Fylde past, Nick Haughton, was introduced as a half-time sub by Robbie Savage - but the Pilgrims maintained their resolve to keep the league leaders at bay.

Haughton's fellow sub Christian Doidge glanced a header off target following Tre Pemberton's cross from the right.

McNicholas made his first save in the 88th minute when he denied Sloggett, after substitute Michael Kelly had delivered from the left.

In the third minute of added time, Hiwula galloped clear in the right-hand channel and forced McNicholas into a low save at his near post.

The Forest Green keeper saved the best for last, thwarting double centurion Mills at the back post following Kelly's deep corner delivery.

Boston (4-3-2-1): Rhys Lovett; Jordan Cropper, Connor Teale, Zak Mills, Alex Lankshear; Greg Sloggett, Jordan Richards, Matty Carson (Michael Kelly 83); Dylan Hill, Owen Hampson (Kieren Donnelly 62); Lenell John-Lewis (Jordy Hiwula 62). Subs (not used): Ben Grist, Rocco Coyle, Tommy Fogarty, Bobby Jones (gk).

Forest Green (4-2-3-1): Luke McNicholas; Tre Pemberton, Ryan Inniss, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Neil Kengni (Christian Doidge 69); Laurent Mendy, James Balagizi (Harvey Bunker 69); Tom Knowles (Jili Buyabu 49), Kyle McAllister (Jayden Clarke 60), Yahya Bamba (Nick Haughton 46); Kairo Mitchell. Subs (not used): Jose Marquez, Fiachra Pagel (gk).

Referee: Will Davis.

Attendance: 1,695 (96 visitors).

PIC: Russell Dossett.