The Pilgrims carved out more than 20 clear-cut chances in their longest trip of the season to Blyth Spartans - and prevailed courtesy of Garner's neat finish in the 52nd minute.

Luke Shiels and Jordan Burrow both rattled the woodwork, while home keeper Brendan Pearson excelled to keep the Pilgrims at bay for long spells.

United, showing three changes to the side beaten at home by Chorley on Saturday, started on the front foot and served up one of the most dominant first half displays ever.

Shiels crashed a header against the crossbar from an Andi Thanoj corner while Jordan Thewlis saw a near post effort deflect into the side-netting.

Pearson denied Burrow’s header, while the impressive Josh Askew cracked the rebound narrowly wide.

The onslaught continued with Pearson denying Connor Dimaio and Burrow, while Paul Green blasted wide.

Thewlis and Burrow were denied in quick succession by Pearson before Garner saw a 38th minute header ruled out for handball.

There was still time for Pearson to make another phenomenal save by palming Burrow’s header on to the crossbar.

Pearson continued his heroics at the beginning of the second half, blocking from Thewlis in a one-on-one situation, before United finally took the lead seven minutes in with GARNER finishing neatly from 12 yards.

Blyth’s only meaningful chances fell to Jamie Clark within a three-minute period and he fired wide from distance before lifting a gilt-edged chance over the bar from inside the box.

There was still time for Pearson to make two more excellent saves from Burrow and substitute Jay Rollins, but United held on to their three-point haul.

Blyth (4-4-2): Brendan Pearson; Rhys Evans, Matthew Elsdon, Michael Nelson (Callum Guy 28), Alex Sakellaropoulos; Priestley Griffiths, Michael Cain (Kurt Russell 61), Simon Heslop, JJ O'Donnell; Levi Amantchi, Jamie Clark. Subs (not used): Corey McKeown, Morgan Dart.

Boston (4-3-3): Ross Fitzsimons; Matt Tootle, Luke Shiels, Scott Garner, Josh Askew; Connor Dimaio (Joe Leesley 75), Andi Thanoj, Paul Green; Terry Hawkridge (Jay Rollins 67), Jordan Burrow, Jordan Thewlis (Fraser Preston 75). Subs (not used): Scott Duxbury, Mitch Rose.

Referee: Daniel Locker.

Attendance: Behind-Closed-Doors.

Photography: Steve Betts.