Boston Town gave almost as good as they got against leaders Eastwood CFC.
Despite the unfamiliar 3G pitch and howling wind, Chris Funnell’s patched-up team acquitted themselves admirably.
It was goalless until the 65th minute, with the visitors coming closest to scoring in the first half when they hit the post. But the league leaders, who hadn’t failed to score on their own ground in any game all season, finally broke the deadlock when Terry Hawkridge found the back of the net with an unstoppable half-volley.
Manager Chris Funnell had been forced to reshuffle his backline because defenders Richard Ford and Dan Worthington were both suspended. Mackenzie Burdass and Zane Millar came in to the starting XI and 17-year-old centre back Dominic Chew was drafted into the squad.
Chew came on as a sub for the last 15 minutes and had an impressive first taste of first team football.
Town’s head of youth Luke Goodyear said: “He’s a great prospect. It’s great to see him taking an opportunity when it presents itself.”
The defeat leaves Town eighth in the table, still only four points off the play-offs.
Funnell said: “The lads were absolutely superb today. Depleted defensively and up against the league’s best; we were so disciplined and had some half decent openings ourselves but the goal that won it was a wonder strike deserving to win any game.”
Town: Portas, Burdass (Chew), Millar (Adams), Tate, Hudson, Wilson, Dakin, Maddison, Nuttell, Limb, Bayliss; unused sub: Funnell
