Boston United completed the great escape by defeating Gateshead at the Jakemans Community Stadium to clinch a second season in the National League.
Keaton Ward, making his 100th appearance for the club, opened the scoring with aplomb in the 10th minute and although Luke Hannant equalised six minutes later, substitute James Gale won it for the Pilgrims 10 minutes before the break.
Gateshead’s Kenton Richardson went close with two late headers, but United held on to spark jubilation amid another bumper home attendance.
Boston (3-4-2-1): Cameron Gregory; Connor Teale, Zak Mills, Brad Nicholson; Jai Rowe, Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett, Cameron Green; Dylan Hill, Keaton Ward (Olly Green 85); Jacob Hazel (James Gale 32). Subs (not used): Adam Marriott, Noah Wadsworth, Jimmy Knowles, Jacob Scott, Jake Lovelace (gk).
Gateshead (3-4-2-1): George Shelvey; Kenton Richardson, Jamie Bramwell, Joe Grayson; Luke Hannant, Regan Booty, Tim Akinola (Tyrelle Newton 70), Branden Horton (Tyrell Sellars-Fleming 89); Liam Humbles (Ben Woman 70), Jovan Malcolm; Frank Nouble. Subs (not used): Ryan Bartley, Charlie Colkett, Brayden Johnson, Tiernan Brooks (gk).
Referee: Paul Marsden.
Attendance: 3,401 (146 visitors).
PIC: Chris Bray.
