Boston United 2-3 Brackley Town

The Pilgrims trailed 3-0 to the Saints courtesy of goals from Andy Brown, Shane Byrne and Aaron Williams.

United rallied strongly and cut the deficit through Ashley Hemmings' penalty and Jay Rollins but they were unable to force a leveller.

In what ultimately turned out to be Adam Murray’s final match as United boss, the Pilgrims conceded twice within the first 15 minutes to give themselves a mountain to climb.

Jack Byrne threaded an incisive 10th minute throughball into the path of BROWN who finished well into the far corner from 18 yards.

Shane BYRNE doubled the lead five minutes later when he converted Williams’ driven cross from the left.

George Willis thwarted Williams midway through the half while Karl Hawley fired off target following James Clifton’s fizzing cross.

Harry Vince came off the bench at half-time but Brackley were soon further to the good. Willis beat out Adam Walker’s drive, but WILLIAMS applied the finishing touch on the rebound.

United were handed a lifeline when Luke Graham handled Jordan Keane’s header and HEMMINGS confidently stroked the ball home from the spot with nine minutes of the half played.

Keane was subsequently denied spectacularly by Danny Lewis in the Brackley goal while Sam Muggleton wreaked havoc in the visiting rearguard with a series of long throw-ins.

One Muggleton throw landed kindly for Hemmings and his fierce drive flew into the net off an unsuspecting ROLLINS to further reduce the arrears.

Brackley had a chance to kill off the contest when Williams slammed wide after Adam Walker had again been denied by Willis. Shane Killock then cleared off the line to deny Shane Byrne.

Muggleton’s throw-ins were at the forefront of the hosts’ late barrage — but Brackley held on.

Boston (3-4-1-2): George Willis; Liam Wakefield (Harry Vince 46), Shane Killock, Brad McGowan; James Clifton, Jamie McGuire, Jordan Keane (Gregg Smith 69), Sam Muggleton; Ashley Hemmings; Karl Hawley, Kabongo Tshimanga (Jay Rollins 48). Subs (not used): Morgan Penfold, Liam Adams.

Brackley (3-5-2): Danny Lewis; Gareth Dean, Luke Graham, Connor Franklin; Ellis Myles, Jack Byrne, Shane Byrne, Adam Walker, Glenn Walker; Andy Brown (Lee Ndlovu 76), Aaron Williams (James Armson 83). Subs (not used): Matt Lowe, Steve Diggin, Ben Tilney.

Referee: Garreth Rhodes.

Attendance: 950 (41 visitors).