Boston United 0-1 Altrincham

Elliott Newby's 32nd minute strike settled the encounter in the Robins' favour despite a dominant start from the Pilgrims.

Harry Vince had rattled the post while Lewis Hilliard was denied twice by visiting keeper Stuart Tomlinson as United's bright opening went unrewarded.

The match was preceded by a minute’s applause in honour of former midfielder Steve Adams, who sadly passed away on March 3.

Tomlinson thwarted Hilliard inside four minutes following an assist from Ben Gordon. Vince subsequently smacked an effort against the post following Jan Yeomans’ cutback.

Hilliard curled another effort marginally wide but Alty took the lead when NEWBY sprung the offside trap, debatably, to steer beyond Ross Durrant.

Tomlinson excelled again after the break to deny Vince before thwarting substitute Shane Clarke following fellow sub Marcus Marshall’s deep cross.

United did not force another meaningful chance until stoppage time and Tomlinson again denied them. He kept out Alex Simmons’ low drive before blocking Jay Rollins’ follow-up with his legs as the hosts ran out of time to force an equaliser.

Boston (4-3-3): Ross Durrant; Kalern Thomas, Josh Robinson, Tom Batchelor, Jan Yeomans; Harry Vince (Jay Rollins 68), Adam Chapman (Shane Clarke 27), Lewis Hilliard; Alex Simmons, Colby Bishop, Ben Gordon (Marcus Marshall 57). Subs (not used): Joe Fitzpatrick, Charlie Gatter.

Altrincham (4-4-2): Stuart Tomlinson; Chris Lynch, Sam Heathcote, John Cyrus, Andy McWilliams; Elliott Newby, Laurence Taylor (Alan Goodall 84), Gary Jones, Nicky Clee (Andy Owens 59); James Lawrie, Simon Richman (Sam Patterson 90). Subs (not used): Damian Reeves, Andrew Jones (gk).

Referee: Alan Dale.

Attendance: 1,026 (29 visitors).