Boston United 2-0 Salford City

Harry Vince's 12th minute opener and Nat Brown's downward header 17 minutes from time earned the Pilgrims three priceless points.

Their cause was aided by Brad Barnes' red card a minute before half-time, but the vibrant hosts turned in an excellent performance regardless to deny their high-flying visitors.

Kick-off was preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of the Westminster terrorist attack victims and Ross Durrant was soon called into action to deny ex-Pilgrim David Norris.

United subsequently forced the game’s first corner and from Adam Chapman’s delivery, Jay Rollins, Mani Dieseruvwe and Brown were all denied in a goalmouth scramble.

Durrant saved well to deny Mike Phenix but the Pilgrims were soon in front when Rollins picked out the run of VINCE, who celebrated his new contract by sliding the ball past Jay Lynch from an angle.

Louis Briscoe spurned an opportunity to double the lead after weaving into the penalty area late in the half before Barnes was booked twice in quick succession for aggressive challenges and duly received his marching orders from referee Ricky Wootton.

Salford’s numerical disadvantage did not deter them after the break and Jan Yeomans blocked superbly to deny Phenix, while Michael Nottingham headed a further chance over the bar.

United doubled their lead in the 73rd minute when Chapman delivered a pinpoint corner and BROWN sent a header bouncing into the turf and beyond the grasp of Lynch.

Salford created and wasted several glorious chances in the final 10 minutes, with debutant substitute Harrison Panayiotou prodding wide, Nottingham heading off target, Phenix somehow blazing across goal and wide and then Billy Priestley being denied by a smart Durrant save.

Boston (4-2-3-1): Ross Durrant; Kalern Thomas, Tom Batchelor, Nat Brown, Jan Yeomans; Adam Chapman, Jack Broadhead; Jay Rollins, Harry Vince (Ben Gordon 87), Louis Briscoe (Colby Bishop 80); Mani Dieseruvwe. Subs (not used): Alex Simmons, Shane Clarke, Charlie Gatter.

Salford (4-2-3-1): Jay Lynch; Michael Nottingham, Billy Priestley, Simon Grand, Patrick Brough; Scott Burton, Brad Barnes; Josh Hine (Craig King 64), David Norris (Harrison Panayiotou 64), Richie Allen (Nick Haughton 56); Mike Phenix. Subs (not used): Steve Howson, Sam Walker.

Referee: Ricky Wootton.

Attendance: 1,242 (67 visitors).