The Pilgrims accounted for Farsley Celtic at the Jakemans Community Stadium courtesy of Shiels' first half opener and Preston's second half clincher.

Elliott applied the icing to the cake in stoppage time by converting a penalty after being fouled himself.

Cox made two enforced changes to the United starting XI ahead of kick-off - and United were soon on the front foot. Elliott crashed an early effort wide, visiting keeper Kyle Trennery excelled to deny Scott Duxbury and then Elliott saw three more presentable chances go begging - the last of which was a fine curling effort which nestled narrowly wide.

The hosts took the lead in the 31st minute when SHIELS guided home Shane Byrne's deep corner.

United had further chances before the break, with Adam Clayton hacking off the line to deny Joe Leesley, while Trennery made a brilliant stop to deny Preston.

The Pilgrims doubled their lead in the 64th minute when PRESTON fired home from close-range, having been denied by Trennery moments earlier.

United wrapped up all three points in stoppage time when ELLIOTT chipped home his 18th goal of the season - from the spot - after being fouled as he raced into the box.

Boston (3-4-1-2): Marcus Dewhurst; Matt Tootle, Luke Shiels, Scott Duxbury; Keenan Ferguson, Tom Platt, Shane Byrne, Joe Leesley; Connor Dimaio; Fraser Preston, Danny Elliott. Subs (not used): Jordan Preston, Finlay Armond, Milan Lalkovic, Peter Crook (gk).

Farsley (4-3-3): Kyle Trennery; Ethen Vaughan, Will Sutton, Adam Clayton, Ollie Broe; Lewis Turner, Chris Atkinson, Stavros Tserpes; Amos Kabeya (Sam Drake 46), Jimmy Spencer, Luke Parkin (Louis Fialdini 80). Subs (not used): Jason Akiotu, Majed Alasttal, Rhys Westcarr (gk).

Referee: Tom Danaher.

Attendance: 1,372 (11 visitors).

PIC: Tim Hoff.