Boston United succumbed to defeat at the New Lawn on Saturday evening – but ran promotion-chasing Forest Green Rovers close.
Harvey Bunker’s 36th minute effort sealed the points for the hosts, although United had second half chances to snatch a point.
Adam Marriott, fresh from his overhead kick against Alvechurch, rattled the post with two minutes to play after home keeper Jed Ward had fouled Pemi Aderoju, but the Pilgrims ultimately came up short.
United boss Graham Coughlan made two changes to his side ahead of kick-off, with newest recruit Dan Adshead handed his debut in midfield, alongside a recall for fit-again Cameron Green.
Aidan Stone made saves to deny Christian Doidge, Bunker and Adam May as Forest Green carried the greater threat early on.
Their breakthrough arrived nine minutes before the break when BUNKER lashed home at the back post after meeting a knockdown into his path.
United showed more attacking intent after the break, with Pemi Aderoju heading off target after Connor Teale had nodded down Green’s long ball forward.
Jamie Robson produced a terrific block to divert a goalbound Jai Rowe effort behind for a corner, while Marriott’s diving header was ruled out for a combination of handball and offside.
Keeper Ward cleaned out Aderoju as the United striker raced towards goal, but with the referee playing an advantage, Marriott crashed his drive against the post from 20 yards.
Forest Green (4-2-3-1): Jed Ward; Sean Long, Ryan Inniss, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Jamie Robson; Adam May, Harvey Bunker; Kyle McAllister, Charlie McCann, Tom Knowles (Teddy Jenks 77); Christian Doidge (Harry Cardwell 75). Subs (not used): Marcel Lavinier, Ben Tozer, Emmanuel Osadebe, Liam Sercombe, Jamie Searle (gk).
Boston (4-3-2-1): Aidan Stone; Jai Rowe, Tom Leak, Connor Teale, Cameron Green; Dylan Hill (Martin Woods 90), Jordan Richards, Sam Reed (Jacob Hazel 83); Dan Adshead (Keaton Ward 61), Frankie Maguire (Adam Marriott 76); Pemi Aderoju. Subs (not used): Kieran Coates, Tony Weston, Jake Lovelace (gk).
Referee: Greg Rollason.
Attendance: 1,796 (128 visitors).
