Boston United celebrated Ian Culverhouse’s two-year anniversary as manager with a resounding 3-0 victory over Sutton United on Saturday afternoon.
Marking two years since Culverhouse took control at the Jakemans Community Stadium, the Pilgrims were full value for their win at Gander Green Lane.
Jacob Hazel opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, with Zak Mills doubling their advantage at the mid-point of the second half. Hazel wrapped up with all three points with a fine third, as Sutton contested an offside decision.
United were soon into their attacking groove at the VBS Community Stadium, with home keeper Steve Arnold forced into a flying 10th minute save to claw aside Hazel’s audacious chip. The resulting corner saw Martin Woods whizz an effort narrowly wide of Arnold’s far post.
Sutton’s clearest chance of the opening stages fell to Lewis Simper, who curled an effort off target from 25 yards.
The Pilgrims were pressing high and forcing Sutton into errors – with goalkeeper Arnold narrowly avoiding fouling Sam Osborne in the penalty area, before going walkabouts and eventually saving from Osborne.
Boston edged in front when Woods slipped Frankie Maguire in to cross from the right and HAZEL made no mistake with a firm, close-range finish.
Sutton came back strongly towards half-time, with Mills blocking superbly to deny Simper, before Finley Barbrook crashed the rebound over the bar. Michael Bostwick then cleared off the line to deny Will Davies, following a mix-up between Cameron Gregory and Mills.
Bostwick produced more stellar defending to ward off the threat of Ashley Nadesan at the start of the second half, with United soon two goals to the good. Maguire’s free-kick delivery was headed goanwards by Jai Rowe and once Arnold had made the initial save, MILLS crashed the loose ball home from close-range.
Hayden Muller glanced a header off target for the hosts, before HAZEL sealed the deal for the visitors when he played on, despite the flag being raised, to curl a fine effort beyond the grasp of Arnold, with referee Ross Martin eventually awarding the goal after consultation with his assistant. The throughball to Hazel had been from a Sutton player, meaning the Boston striker was indeed onside.
Substitute Tom Leak instantly made a stupendous double block to keep Sutton at bay and the Pilgrims saw out 10 minutes of added time to record an eye-catching away win.
Sutton (3-5-2): Steve Arnold; Tyler French, Hayden Muller, Charlie Waller; Ryan Jackson, Jayden Harris, Lewis Simper, Finley Barbrook, Eduino Vaz (Josh Coley 60); Will Davies, Ashley Nadesan (Jeremy Sivi 60). Subs (not used): Harry Ransom, Siji Odelusi, Nana Boateng, Jack Badham, Jack Sims (gk).
Boston (4-3-3): Cameron Gregory; Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick (Tom Leak 78), Zak Mills, Cameron Green; Dylan Hill, Martin Woods, Frankie Maguire; Sam Osborne (Keaton Ward 84), Jacob Hazel (Pemi Aderoju 87), Tony Weston (Dan Mooney 88). Subs (not used): Mitch Roberts, Adam Marriott, Ellis Craven (gk).
Referee: Ross Martin.
Attendance: 2,758 (262 visitors).
PIC: Paul Loughlin.
