Spennymoor Town 1-0 Boston United

The Pilgrims were beaten 1-0 courtesy of Taylor’s 54th minute effort in an incident which saw on-loan Mansfield Town centre-half Lewis Gibbens suffer a dislocated shoulder.

The first half had been held up by 15 minutes following a knee injury sustained by referee John Matthews — and contained Boston’s best chances of the night for Jay Rollins and Max Wright.

Rollins had already drilled wide for the Pilgrims by the time ex-Pilgrim Liam Agnew crafted an opening from 25 yards, with the ball flying narrowly wide.

Jonathan Wafula was denied by a James Curtis block following Ben Davies’ free-kick and Wright fired another effort wide as the Pilgrims continue to create openings.

Rollins bulldozed his way through only to see Rob Atkinson repel his effort at close quarters before home keeper Matt Gould made a fine save to deny Wright during a considerable amount of stoppage time.

Referee Matthews was unable to continue after tweaking his knee on a boggy playing surface and he was eventually replaced by David Carr once a replacement assistant had been recruited.

Spennymoor came close at the beginning of the second period with Shaun Tuton rattling the post and Mark Anderson lifting the rebound high and wide.

Gould saved well to deny Gavin Allott before the game’s defining moment unfolded nine minutes into the half. Gibbens was unable to clear a ball over the top and TAYLOR ran on to fire low past George Willis from 18 yards. Gibbens was subsequently unable to continue and left the pitch nursing his shoulder.

Gould made a late save to deny Andi Thanoj, while Nicky Walker fired wildly off target after being played in by a combination of Allott and Wright.

Spennymoor (4-2-3-1): Matt Gould; Callum Williams, James Curtis, Rob Atkinson (Kris Thackray 62), Stephen Brogan; Jamie Chandler, Rob Ramshaw; Shaun Tuton (Ryan Hall 70), Liam Agnew, Mark Anderson (Andrew Johnson 78); Glen Taylor. Subs (not used): Adam Boyes, Chris Elliott (gk).

Boston (4-4-2): George Willis; Ben Davies, Ryan Qualter, Lewis Gibbens (Spencer Harris 58), Ashley Jackson; Max Wright, Brad Abbott (Nicky Walker 70), Andi Thanoj, Jonathan Wafula; Gavin Allott, Jay Rollins (Nicky Wroe 70). Subs (not used): Andre Johnson, Callum Chettle.

Referee: John Matthews (replaced by David Carr).

Attendance: 544.