United bombarded the Altrincham rearguard in the second half, with Hutchinson making a string of saves and Zak Mills rattling the crossbar, while two huge penalty appeals in stoppage time were not given in the Pilgrims' favour.

Former Pilgrim James Gale lined up in attack for the hosts, with interim manager Neil Gibson taking charge of his first home match, while Keaton Ward and Jimmy Knowles were both on the bench.

Rhys Lovett had to make an early save to deny Kahrel Reddin, while Tom Crawford's firm header was ruled out for offside on the end of Charlie Kirk's free-kick delivery.

Crawford was soon penalised for hacking down Hiwula in the Altrincham box - but the United striker saw his low spot-kick well-saved by Hutchinson.

Altrincham typically took full advantage when Dylan Hill lost possession and in trying to retrieve his stray pass, was adjudged to have upended Reddin - with OSBORNE, only playing after seeing his red card from Saturday rescinded, rolling home the penalty.

United cranked up the pressure after the break, with fit-again duo Frankie Maguire and Lenell John-Lewis soon introduced from the bench.

Hutchinson made flying saves to deny Alex Lankshear and Kieren Donnelly while Mills' scissor kick cannoned back off the crossbar.

United had penalty shouts on debutant Ken Aboh and then a handball against Tyler Golden waved away - with management duo Graham Coughlan and Lee Bullen both yellow carded in the closing stages at the behest of fourth official Scott Henry.

Altrincham (4-2-3-1): Luke Hutchinson; Dan Sassi, Jake Cooper, Lewis Baines, Tyler Golden; Tom Crawford, Elliot Osborne (Isaac Marriott 88); Kahrel Reddin, Matty Kosylo (Keaton Ward 73), Charlie Kirk (Olly Crankshaw 88); James Gale (Jimmy Knowles 68). Subs (not used): Jack Hinchy, Louie Fallon (gk).

Boston (4-3-1-2): Rhys Lovett; Marcel Lavinier, Tommy Fogarty, Zak Mills, Alex Lankshear; Dylan Hill, Jordan Richards (Ken Aboh 73), Matty Carson (Michael Kelly 90); Liam Waldock (Frankie Maguire 54); Jordy Hiwula (Lenell John-Lewis 54), Kieren Donnelly. Subs (not used): Ben Grist, Rocco Coyle, Harry French (gk).

Referee: Matthew McQuillan.

Attendance: 1,273 (126 visitors).

PIC: Chris Bray.