Boston United 0-2 Chester FC

Despite having the better of a tight first half, the Pilgrims were undone by Steve Howson's 51st minute header and Dan Mooney's 59th minute strike at The Jakemans Stadium.

The result left Craig Elliott's side with five wins and five defeats from their opening 10 National League North fixtures.

The United manager had opted to name an unchanged XI ahead of kick-off, with midfielder Andi Thanoj passing a fitness test.

The Pilgrims’ medical staff were soon pressed into action when Ryan Qualter clashed heads with Howson in the ninth minute. Qualter came off worse and was forced to have his head bandaged initially.

Chester defender Danny Livesey used his head to block a firm Nathan Arnold drive before the same United player tested keeper Grant Shenton with a rising drive following Ben Davies’ deep cross from the right.

The scores remained deadlocked at half-time but Chester upped the ante after arguably being second-best in the first period.

Matty Hughes, on as a substitute 10 minutes before the break, motored before being held up by Ben Middleton and bending an effort narrowly wide from 20 yards.

The deadlock was broken six minutes into the half when HOWSON got up above Ashley Jackson to bury Mooney’s corner with a firm header.

MOONEY went from provider to scorer eight minutes later when he made the most of Craig Mahon’s precise throughball to run on and beat George Willis with aplomb.

The closest United came to reducing the arrears was when Nicky Walker slammed home an Ahkeem Rose knockdown — albeit from an offside position.

Willis made fine saves to deny Hughes and Mooney in the closing stages as the Blues threatened to extend their advantage.

Boston (4-4-2): George Willis; Ben Davies, Ryan Qualter, Ben Middleton, Ashley Jackson; Max Wright, Brad Abbott, Andi Thanoj, Nathan Arnold (Jonny Margetts 78); Ahkeem Rose (Yusifu Ceesay 69), Nicky Walker. Subs (not used): Jonathan Wafula, Adam Marriott, Spencer Harris.

Chester (4-5-1): Grant Shenton; Dominic Smalley (Jon Moran 46), Steve Howson, Danny Livesey, Simon Grand; Dan Mooney (Luke Jordan 88), Gary Roberts, Scott Burton (Matty Hughes 35), Gary Stopforth, Craig Mahon; Anthony Dudley. Subs (not used): John Pritchard, Iwan Murray.

Referee: Tom Parsons.

Attendance: 1,188 (100 visitors).