Jordan Richards’ questionable first half red card was the defining moment as Boston United slipped to defeat at the hands of Yeovil Town on Saturday afternoon.
Sam Osborne had just equalised Brett McGavin’s stunning early free-kick for the visitors when referee Neil Hair deemed Richards’ 17th minute foul on Charlie Cooper worthy of a red card.
United continued to battle manfully despite their numerical disadvantage but conceded again to McGavin before half-time and substitute Jordan Young 15 minutes from time.
Yeovil took a seventh minute lead after Zak Mills had fouled Aaron Jarvis a couple of yards outside the penalty area. McGAVIN stepped up to whip a fabulous free-kick high to Cameron Gregory’s left and into the back of the net.
United’s response was swift, with OSBORNE and Tony Weston linking up in a swift rob-of-possession, with the former sweeping home from close-range following the latter’s unselfish cutback.
Boston’s hopes were handed a hammer blow two minutes later when EFL official Hair, refereeing in the National League for the first time this season, adjudged that Richards’ outstretched boot had caught Cooper to such an extent that a red card was his only option.
United felt aggrieved and proceeded to play their best football of the game, defying their one-man disadvantage. Ollie Wright in the Yeovil goal saved from Osborne following Hazel’s whipped ball from the right.
Raphael Araoye, moments before limping off injured, delivered a telling ball from the Yeovil left and McGAVIN swept home a fine second goal eight minutes before the break.
United continued to perform well after half-time, with Osborne’s 22-yard free-kick deflecting behind.
Yeovil’s first meaningful attack of the second period brought their clinching third goal, with YOUNG sweeping home following Sam Pearson’s cutback from the left.
Gregory subsequently saved well from Frank Nouble, with Young spooning the rebound over the bar, as the Glovers attempted to add further gloss to the scoreline.
There was still time for Town’s Jake Wannell to receive a second yellow card with four minutes to play and Wright prevented a nervy finale for the visitors with a stunning save to keep out United sub Pemi Aderoju.
Boston (4-3-3): Cameron Gregory; Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick (Tom Leak 82), Zak Mills, Cameron Green; Jordan Richards, Martin Woods (Dan Mooney 80), Frankie Maguire (Keaton Ward 84); Sam Osborne (Dylan Hill 70), Jacob Hazel, Tony Weston (Pemi Aderoju 76). Subs (not used): Mitch Roberts, Ellis Craven (gk).
Yeovil (4-4-2): Ollie Wright; Michael Smith, Finn Cousin-Dawson, Jake Wannell, Raphael Araoye (Sam Pearson 42); Matt Worthington, Charlie Cooper, Brett McGavin, Josh Sims (Jordan Young 70); Aaron Jarvis (Harvey Greenslade 74, Jordan Thomas 90), Frank Nouble. Subs (not used): Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Matt Gould (gk).
Referee: Neil Hair.
Attendance: 1,956 (154 visitors).
PIC: Russell Dossett.
