The Pilgrims had a glorious chance to take the lead through Lenell John-Lewis' 14th minute spot-kick, but he was brilliantly denied by keeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke, and the Shots countered within seconds to take the lead through Ryan Hill.

Theo Widdrington doubled the lead 13 minutes later, with debutant Charlie Warren millimetres away from a third - and United never recovered during a lacklustre second half.

United started on the front foot and had a first minute penalty shout waved away - but they were awarded a spot-kick when Maguire was fouled just inside the penalty area. John-Lewis went down the middle and was thwarted by Boyce-Clarke's trailing legs.

Aldershot counter-attacked and Josh Barrett whipped a ball in from the left for HILL to tap home at the back post.

WIDDRINGTON subsequently saw a 25-yarder nestle narrowly wide - but soon got himself on the scoresheet after prodding a low corner delivery from James Henry beyond the dive of Rhys Lovett.

Aldershot had a strong claim for a third goal waved away seven minutes later when Warren's back post effort was deemed not to have crossed the line.

United went close to a response through Maguire and then John-Lewis - but they did not carve out a meaningful second half chance as their comeback attempts fell flat.

Maguire was lost to a gashed forehead on the hour mark following a collision with Sam Inwood.

Boston (4-2-3-1): Rhys Lovett; Marcel Lavinier (Matty Carson 52), Oisin Gallagher, Adam Crowther, Alex Lankshear; Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett; Ken Aboh (Kieren Donnelly 52), Frankie Maguire (Liam Waldock 60), Dylan Hill; Lenell John-Lewis (Jordy Hiwula 72). Subs (not used): Connor Teale, Tommy Fogarty, Killian Barrett (gk).

Aldershot (4-2-3-1): Coniah Boyce-Clarke; Dejan Tetek, Will Nightingale, Christy Grogan, Sam Inwood; Theo Widdrington (Keane Anderson 63), Charlie Warren (Ryan Jones 77); Ryan Hill, James Henry (Cameron Hargreaves 46), Tyler Frost (Matt Penney 7); Josh Barrett (Kwame Thomas 77). Subs (not used): Will Armitage, Marcus Dewhurst (gk).

Referee: James Bancroft.

Attendance: 2,007 (124 visitors).

PIC: Chris Bray.