Gainsborough Trinity 1-3 Boston United

Excellent long-range efforts from Lee and Milnes sandwiched a reply from ex-Pilgrim Shane Clarke in the first half and Newsham’s second half spot-kick capped an impressive win for the Pilgrims against their big-spending neighbours.

Trinity keeper Dimitar Evtimov was red-carded in the penalty incident, ensuring that Gainsborough finished the match with defender Gavin Cowan between the posts.

The result was United’s eighth successive competitive victory at The Northolme — a run stretching back to 1997 — and the Pilgrims were full value for their win.

As they had done against league leaders Hyde FC seven days previously, the Pilgrims started quickly and positively.

With players on both sides appearing against their old clubs, there was plenty at stake and both teams tried to stamp their authority on proceedings early on.

The game was defined by a crucial 60-second spell. Veteran keeper Paul Bastock made a brilliant save to tip away Leon Mettam’s free header following a Jamie Yates cross and the Pilgrims took full advantage.

Gainsborough were only able to partially clear a probing throughball and LEE capitalised by crashing a fierce 25-yarder under Evtimov into the far corner of the net.

The lead lasted only five minutes though. Jordan Fairclough fell over inside the United area and allowed CLARKE to angle a well-taken close-range finish beyond Bastock.

United regained their advantage five minutes further on. Ryan Semple delivered a cross from the right and Danny Sleath touched the ball into the path of MILNES who smashed home a beauty from 25 yards.

The remainder of the first half was a keenly-contested affair and Bastock had to be on his mettle to grab a curler from Clarke.

United were bright after the break too, although Trinity did step up the pressure as Yates and Clarke drove the home side on from their respective flanks.

Boston had the better chances though. Semple’s looping shot cleared Evtimov’s crossbar following Milnes’ assist, while Gareth Jelleyman’s excellent cross was headed wide, unmarked, by Newsham.

Gainsborough introduced substitute Sam Mulready after 65 minutes, with the little striker making his Trinity debut against a side he only left two weeks ago at the end of his loan spell from Grimsby Town.

Mulready’s impact was minimal as the Pilgrims continued to frustrate the home side and United made the game safe on 76 minutes.

Evtimov capped a forgettable afternoon by hauling down Lee only yards from goal. The keeper rightly received his marching orders and NEWSHAM struck the resultant spot-kick firmly past Cowan.

Mulready and Lewis McMahon had half-chances for Trinity in the closing stages, but Boston went closest to stretching their lead. Substitute Jordan Burrow was brilliantly denied by a superb block from Andrew Boyce and Sleath rattled the post in stoppage time, with the ball bouncing straight back into Cowan’s arms.

Gainsborough (4-4-2): Dimitar Evtimov; Dominic Roma, Andrew Boyce, Gavin Cowan, Kevin Sandwith; Shane Clarke, Michael Leary (Ryan Williams 72), Jonathan D'Laryea, Jamie Yates; Ryan Paczkowski (Lewis McMahon 56), Leon Mettam (Sam Mulready 65). Subs (not used): Luke Waterfall, John Williams.

Boston (4-4-2): Paul Bastock; Jordan Fairclough, Alan White, Kevin Austin, Gareth Jelleyman; Ryan Semple, Ben Milnes, Danny Sleath, Chris Hall (Tyrone Kirk 84); Jason Lee (Ben Fairclough 90), Marc Newsham (Jordan Burrow 80). Subs (not used): Tom Ward, Ricky Drury (gk).

Referee: Andrew Miller