Boston United 1-2 Bradford Park Avenue

The Pilgrims had led through Jordan Keane's third minute header but were left empty-handed courtesy of a double from former loanee Adam Boyes.

Boyes headed home after 36 minutes and scored the winner in the final minute of normal time but other results left the Pilgrims safe with four games to play.

United’s afternoon had got off to the best possible start when they edged in front after three minutes.

Jake Beesley won a free-kick out on the United right and KEANE got across former team-mate Shane Killock to glance home Ashley Hemmings’ pinpoint delivery.

Hemmings’ subsequent cross was fractionally too strong for James Clifton at the back post.

Avenue responded and Boyes clipped the crossbar with a close-range drive as the first half progressed.

BOYES drew Bradford level nine minutes before the break when he got up at the back post to power home Mark Ross’ deep centre from the right.

Ross fizzed a deflected effort wide in first half stoppage time as Avenue closed on top.

The second half was a turgid affair but the move of the match unfolded with Andi Thanoj freeing Ben Middleton to cross from the right and Beesley’s volley narrowly cleared Steven Drench’s crossbar.

Drench made further saves to deny Hemmings — the first from open play and the second from a free-kick which skipped across the box.

George Willis made a terrific double save in the 89th minute to thwart substitute Antoine Remi Recizac and Boyes, with Stephen Brogan denying Frank Mulhern on the line.

Avenue took all three points a minute later, however, with BOYES poking home after Matt Hill’s cross from the left had only been partially cleared.

Boston (4-4-2): George Willis; Ben Middleton, Ryan Qualter, Jordan Keane, Stephen Brogan; James Clifton (Jamie McGuire 77), Brad Abbott (Kabongo Tshimanga 84), Andi Thanoj, Ashley Hemmings; Reece Thompson, Jake Beesley (Gregg Smith 68). Subs (not used): Jonathan Wafula, Jon Stewart (gk).

Bradford (4-2-3-1): Steven Drench; Mark Ross, Gianluca Havern, Shane Killock, Matt Hill; Danny Boshell, Nicky Wroe; Wayne Brooksby (Antoine Remi Recizac 76), Jamie Spencer, Frank Mulhern (Ryan Toulson 90); Adam Boyes. Subs (not used): Lee Knight, Ed Hall (gk).

Referee: Sam Mulhall.

Attendance: 992 (36 visitors).