Boston United 1-1 AFC Telford United

The Pilgrims held the title favourites at The Jakemans Stadium courtesy of Bore's 42nd minute 35-yard blockbuster which swerved and dipped over Bucks' keeper Ryan Young.

Telford had taken the lead in the 13th minute when Scott Garner was adjudged to have fouled Tony Gray and Sean Clancy converted the resulting spot-kick.

The Pilgrims had almost got off to the best possible start when Netan Sansara delivered an inviting cross from the left and Marc Newsham crashed a header against the underside of the crossbar.

Telford edged in front following a tussle between Garner and Gray which began outside the box. Garner fouled his man as they entered the penalty area and CLANCY duly sent Ashley Timms the wrong way from the spot.

Chances remained at a premium during a tight first half, although Gray did turn Garner before dispatching a curling effort only a fraction wide of Timms’ far post.

Ben Milnes then advanced on to Spencer Weir-Daley’s neat assist to roll his effort just wide.

United levelled in spectacular fashion three minutes before the break. Seizing possession around 35 yards from goal, BORE picked his spot before unleashing an unstoppable effort which left Young grasping at thin air.

Telford should have re-taken the lead moments after the break but substitute Adam Farrell, with virtually his first touch, lifted the ball over from close-range.

Boston continued to carry a threat with Weir-Daley shooting just wide following good play from Milnes and Bore, before having a near post drive well saved by Young in the Telford goal.

Two Ross free-kicks caused bother in the Telford rearguard with Garner stabbing one effort wide before crashing the second over the bar following Carl Piergianni’s knockdown.

Telford sub Matty McGinn advanced to drill an effort only just too high from distance, before going even closer when firing across goal and wide in the 89th minute.

Boston still had time for Piergianni to rattle the bar following Milnes’ stoppage time corner.

Boston (4-3-3): Ashley Timms; Peter Bore, Scott Garner, Carl Piergianni, Netan Sansara; Ian Ross (James Reed 89), Conor Marshall, Ben Milnes; Spencer Weir-Daley, Marc Newsham, Ricky Miller (Ben Fairclough 73). Subs (not used): Stefan Galinski, Jordan Nuttell, Sam Vince (gk).

Telford (4-4-2): Ryan Young; Wes Baynes, Neill Byrne, Simon Grand, Chris Lever; Russell Benjamin, Alan Moogan, Charlie Barnett (Matty McGinn 46), Sean Clancy; Andy Owens (Adam Farrell 46), Tony Gray (Mike Phenix 71). Subs (not used): Daniel Preston, Andy Pryce (gk).

Referee: Ian Dudley

Attendance: 1,145 (53 visitors)