The Pilgrims fell behind to Aaron Williams' stunning strike in the 18th minute but responded three minutes later through birthday boy Jordan Thewlis and took the lead in first half stoppage time through Jordan Burrow.

Scott Garner added United's third two minutes after the break and despite Jason Oswell's fine effort in the 66th minute, the Pilgrims held on to return from their Covid-enforced break with three priceless points.

Manager Craig Elliott had made just one change to the starting XI which had triumphed 4-0 at Leamington on October 6, with Thewlis recalled to mark his 28th birthday at the expense of the unavailable Fraser Preston.

Thewlis forced Telford keeper Russ Griffiths into a fifth minute save at his near post, while Burrow also headed off target from close-range.

The Bucks seized the initiative and took the lead when WILLIAMS collected a throw-in from the left before cutting infield and beating Ross Fitzsimons with an impressive, rising drive from 18 yards.

Boston’s response was near enough immediate and they levelled when Paul Green threaded THEWLIS through and his angled drive flashed into the far corner beyond Griffiths’ grasp.

Telford twice came close to re-asserting their lead, with Oswell glancing Lee Vaughan’s cross against the post, while James Hardy’s deflected effort shaved the woodwork moments later.

The hosts took the lead two minutes into added time at the end of the first half when Andi Thanoj freed Thewlis to cross from the left and BURROW had the simple task of tapping the ball home at the back post.

The afternoon got even better for the Pilgrims less than 90 seconds into the second half when Terry Hawkridge clipped a ball to the back post and GARNER climbed decisively to power home a close-range header despite Telford’s offside protests.

Telford reduced the arrears just before the three quarters mark when OSWELL seized possession 20 yards from goal before bending home an unstoppable effort into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of Fitzsimons.

Boston came close to a fourth goal through Green initially and then Scott Duxbury before Fitzsimons preserved United’s lead by denying Theo Streete on the stroke of 90 minutes.

There was still time for substitute Jordan Archer to go close twice in stoppage time, but the Pilgrims held on without any further scares.

Boston (4-3-3): Ross Fitzsimons; Matt Tootle, Luke Shiels, Scott Garner, Scott Duxbury; Paul Green, Tom Platt, Andi Thanoj (Connor Dimaio 64); Terry Hawkridge (Tyrell Warren 85), Jordan Burrow, Jordan Thewlis (Jordan Archer 85). Subs (not used): Josh Askew, Peter Crook (gk).

AFC Telford (3-4-1-2): Russ Griffiths; Theo Streete, Shane Sutton, Ross White (Matthew Barnes-Homer 87); Henry Cowans, Jack Byrne, Adam Walker, Lee Vaughan; James Hardy (Jordan Davies 75); Aaron Williams, Jason Oswell (Dom McHale 75). Subs (not used): Zak Lilly, Ash Rawlins (gk).

Attendance: Behind-Closed-Doors.

Photography: Russell Dossett.