Boston United were overpowered by Tamworth on Saturday afternoon as their National League survival hopes took a dent.
The Pilgrims were undone by the Lambs’ physical barrage – with all three goals coming from the second phase of initial set-piece deliveries.
Tom McGlinchey scored two goals before the break, with ex-Pilgrim Ben Milnes wrapping up the home side’s victory after the break.
United were under pressure from the off – with defender Tom Leak cautioned for a foul on Beck-Ray Enoru inside 45 seconds.
Tom Donaghy made a fine early save to deny Dan Creaney, after Callum Cockerill-Mollett had headed down Milnes’ deep corner.
Tamworth took a 17th minute lead when McGLINCHEY arrowed the ball home after Tom Tonks’ long throw had only been partially cleared.
McGLINCHEY doubled the hosts’ lead 20 minutes later when he sailed home an effort from inside the penalty area after United had again only half-defended a set-piece delivery.
United had a chance to reduce the arrears after the break, but Jas Singh made a good save to keep out Jimmy Knowles’ header.
McGlinchey rattled the crossbar in pursuit of his hat-trick, but Tamworth added their third goal when MILNES cracked an effort home from long-range, after Tonks’ long throw had found its way into his path.
United debutant James Gale, on as a second half sub, rattled the post in the dying moments, as the Pilgrims left empty-handed.
Tamworth (4-2-3-1): Jas Singh; Ben Crompton, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Haydn Hollis, Callum Cockerill-Mollett (Munashe Sundire 83); Ben Milnes (Miracle Okafor 70), Tom Tonks (Alex Fletcher 78); Tom McGlinchey, George Morrison, Beck-Ray Enoru (Kyle Finn 78); Dan Creaney (Jordan Ponticelli 83). Sub (not used): Kennedy Digie, Leon Phillips (gk).
Boston (4-1-3-2): Tom Donaghy; Jai Rowe, Tom Leak, Connor Teale, Cameron Green; Oisin Gallagher; Tony Weston (Sam Osborne 46), Dylan Hill (Martin Woods 71), Frankie Maguire (Keaton Ward 46); Jimmy Knowles (Adam Marriott 71), Jacob Hazel (James Gale 55). Subs (not used): Kieran Coates, Cameron Gregory (gk).
Referee: Wayne Cartmel.
Attendance: 1,479 (338 visitors).
PIC: Chris Bray.
