Boston United 3-2 Southport

The Pilgrims had trailed 2-1 at home to Southport, but came roaring back into contention courtesy of Tshimanga's 11th goal of the season on 80 minutes and McGowan's winner two minutes from time.

United had led through Ashley Hemmings' 22nd minute spot-kick but were losing at half-time courtesy of a quickfire Jason Gilchrist brace, the second of which arrived from the spot.

Manager Craig Elliott had named new signing Brad Abbott in his starting XI, with fellow newcomers Andi Thanoj and Stephen Brogan on the bench, as the Pilgrims chased back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

The opening throes were cagey, with Hemmings bending a free-kick through a packed penalty area and wide of Jon Worsnop’s far post.

Southport carved out the first clear-cut opening with George Willis springing well to his left to deny the ever-dangerous Gilchrist.

United were awarded a penalty when Worsnop was adjudged to have brought down Reece Thompson in the box and HEMMINGS stuttered before beating the Southport keeper to his right.

Southport responded and rattled the post through Sheffield United loanee Jordan Hallam and they were level on the half hour mark when GILCHRIST angled home a fine effort following Jack Sampson’s incisive assist.

The Sandgrounders took the lead five minutes later when Willis was adjudged to have tripped Hallam in the box and GILCHRIST confidently sailed home the spot-kick.

Thanoj and Brogan were thrown on at half-time and Southport had an opportunity to effectively kill the contest within 36 seconds of the restart when Hallam advanced to blaze wide from a good position.

United upped the ante thereafter and Thompson slammed a Jay Rollins cross over the bar before being denied by a fine Worsnop save following Hemmings’ inviting cross from the left.

Gregg Smith hooked an effort wide and then saw a close-range header blocked by Billy Priestley, with handball shouts waved away.

James Clifton was then denied by Worsnop at point-blank range following Hemmings’ delivery into the box.

United levelled with 10 minutes to play when Brogan chipped a free-kick into the box and TSHIMANGA produced a fine finish amid a packed penalty area.

The Pilgrims won the contest with two minutes to play when Brogan’s free-kick caused problems in the Southport box and McGOWAN reacted quickest to slam home the loose ball and spark delirium around the ground.

Boston (4-4-2): George Willis; James Clifton, Brad McGowan, Brad Beatson (Andi Thanoj 46), Adam Curry (Stephen Brogan 46); Jay Rollins, Jordan Keane, Brad Abbott, Ashley Hemmings; Gregg Smith (Kabongo Tshimanga 75), Reece Thompson. Subs (not used): Paul Walker, Kyron Stabana.

Southport (3-5-2): Jon Worsnop; Steve Howson, Nathan Sheron, Billy Priestley; Brad Jackson, Jordan Hallam (Adam Dawson 85), David Lynch, David Morgan (Steven Schumacher 88), Caleb Richards; Jack Sampson, Jason Gilchrist (Nathan Lowe 78). Subs (not used): Josh Hine, Dominic Smith.

Referee: Scott Simpson.

Attendance: 784 (34 visitors).