Gainsborough Trinity 1-1 Boston United

Trinity led courtesy of Ashley Worsfold's early strike but the Pilgrims drew level four minutes after the break through Reece Thompson.

Nathan Jarman was red-carded for the hosts with 57 minutes played, but United were unable to force home their numerical advantage despite a dominant second half display.

United boss Craig Elliott had named an unchanged XI following the Pilgrims’ success over the same opponents on Boxing Day. Taron Hare, back from a loan spell with Trinity, was named on the bench.

The Pilgrims went close when Thompson drilled goalwards, only for keeper Henrich Ravas to save well and prevent Jay Rollins from profiting from the rebound.

Trinity took the lead with 11 minutes on the clock courtesy of a fine finish from WORSFOLD which was bent around the dive of George Willis to give the former Gainsborough keeper no chance.

Willis made a good stop, 10 minutes later, to deny Worsfold a second goal and despite a spirited United response, clear-cut chances were at a premium for the visitors.

Jarman collected his first yellow card five minutes before half-time following a ferocious challenge on Willis and the United keeper showed no ill-effects by tipping Nathan Stainfield’s long-range drive behind for a corner.

United came out fired up after the break and it took just four minutes to get themselves back on level terms. Ashley Hemmings’ cross from the left was touched beyond Ravas by THOMPSON for his first league goal in United colours.

Thompson had two further chances during a prolonged spell of Boston pressure, even before Jarman’s dismissal.

The Trinity skipper flew in on Brad Abbott to receive a second yellow card and enhance United’s hopes of a league double.

Jordan Keane had a header blocked from a Hemmings corner, before Hemmings himself blazed over on the rebound.

Rollins motored to drill wide at the near post, while Abbott was unable to turn home the loose ball after a terrific Thompson break.

Ravas produced an excellent stop to deny Hemmings, substitute Kabongo Tshimanga angled an effort across goal and wide and Rollins sprung the offside trap to fire off target with seconds to play as United’s time eventually ran out.

Gainsborough (3-5-2): Henrich Ravas; Ioan Evans, Michael Jacklin, Nathan Stainfield; Josh Lacey (Curtis Bateson 63), Craig King, Jordan Richards, Mason Warren, Tom Davie (Ellis Storey 16); Nathan Jarman, Ashley Worsfold (Alex Simmons 76). Sub (not used): Shane Clarke.

Boston (4-4-2): George Willis; Paul Walker, Ben Middleton, Jordan Keane, Stephen Brogan (Taron Hare 77); Jay Rollins, Brad Abbott, Andi Thanoj, Ashley Hemmings; Reece Thompson (Gregg Smith 87), Lee Bennett (Kabongo Tshimanga 63). Subs (not used): Jamie McGuire, Brad Beatson.

Referee: Garreth Rhodes.

Attendance: 1,022 (382 visitors).