Boston United 3-1 Hereford FC

The Pilgrims defeated Hereford FC 3-1 at The Jakemans Stadium despite a goalless first half.

Allott opened the scoring after 49 minutes, Hine doubled the lead eight minutes later and Slew sealed the win four minutes from time, despite George Lloyd's 65th minute consolation.

It had been almost 12 years since a Hereford side had visited York Street and the Bulls’ afternoon got off to the worst possible start when midfielder Calvin Dinsley staggered off the pitch after a clash of heads with Brad Abbott.

Hereford should have taken the lead moments later when Danny Greenslade delivered a cross from the left and Eliot Richards somehow bundled wide from close-range.

On-loan Derby County keeper Matt Yates was called into action at the other end to save well from Hine following Greenslade’s slip.

The Bulls continued to create and James Roberts, Mike McGrath and Harvey Smith all saw efforts flash wide.

The Pilgrims edged in front four minutes after the break when Ben Davies whipped over an enticing free-kick delivery and ALLOTT powered home from close-range.

Sebastian Malkowski was making his full debut for the Pilgrims and he twice saved well to deny Lloyd, either side of United’s crucial second goal. Davies again delivered from the United right and HINE guided home a fine header.

Hereford reduced the arrears eight minutes later when Tommy O’Sullivan crossed from the left and LLOYD slammed home at the back post to give the Bulls some hope.

Allott sailed a 25-yarder over an unguarded net while Hereford sub Harry White fired off target for the visitors.

United clinched all three points when Allott clipped substitute SLEW into the clear and he rounded Yates to angle home the Pilgrims’ third goal.

Boston (4-4-2): Sebastian Malkowski; Ben Davies, Ryan Qualter, James Jones, Ashley Jackson; Josh Hine (Max Wright 88), Brad Abbott, Andi Thanoj, Nicky Walker (David Norris 81); Gregg Smith (Jordan Slew 75), Gavin Allott. Subs (not used): Andre Johnson, Spencer Harris.

Hereford (3-5-2): Matt Yates; Ethan Wassall, Ryan Green, Harvey Smith; Keiran Thomas (Tom Owen-Evans 64), Calvin Dinsley (Mike McGrath 5), Tommy O'Sullivan, Eliot Richards (Harry White 75), Danny Greenslade; James Roberts, George Lloyd. Subs (not used): Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Marlon Jackson.

Referee: Sam Barrott.

Attendance: 1,137 (140 visitors).