Boston United were undone by title-chasing Rochdale at the Jakemans Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon – but were not without chances of their own.
Jordy Hiwula was unable to convert two golden first half opportunities – with Devante Rodney punishing the Pilgrims with Dale’s opener three minutes before half-time.
Rodney rattled the post with a penalty after the break but a Tyler Smith double proved decisive – either side of Alex Lankshear’s close-range finish for the Pilgrims, which was quickly followed by Zak Mills hitting the crossbar.
Hiwula raced through after five minutes, but poked his first time effort wide of Oliver Whatmuff’s far post.
Rhys Lovett’s first save of note arrived in the 31st minute when ex-Pilgrim Mani Dieseruvwe was denied at the back post. A minute later, Hiwula raced clear again, but dragged another effort wide of the far post.
Rochdale’s breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute when RODNEY crashed the ball home with aplomb – with United threatening an equaliser before the break with a Whatmuff save to deny Ken Aboh at the other end.
Marcel Lavinier was adjudged to have fouled Harvey Gilmour within five minutes of the restart – but Rodney crashed his spot-kick off the post.
Whatmuff made an excellent save to deny Aboh – and Rochdale were soon two goals to the good, with substitute SMITH steering home from close-range.
United cut the deficit with eight minutes to play, with LANKSHEAR stabbing home after meeting Matty Carson’s delivery from the right.
Mills clipped the crossbar as United threatened an equaliser – but SMITH struck almost immediately to seal the deal for Dale.
Boston (4-2-3-1): Rhys Lovett; Marcel Lavinier, Connor Teale, Zak Mills, Alex Lankshear; Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett (Matty Carson 39); Ken Aboh (Liam Waldock 80), Frankie Maguire (Kieren Donnelly 67), Dylan Hill; Jordy Hiwula (Lenell John-Lewis 67). Subs (not used): Ben Grist, Rocco Coyle, Harry French (gk).
Rochdale (3-4-1-2): Oliver Whatmuff; Kyron Gordon, Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Sam Beckwith; Tobi Adebayo-Rowling (Dan Moss 83), Ryan East (Aidan Barlow 73), Harvey Gilmour, Tarryn Allarakhia (Kevin Berkoe 64); Connor McBride (Casey Pettit 73); Mani Dieseruvwe, Devante Rodney (Tyler Smith 64). Subs (not used): Jake Burger, Ian Henderson.
Referee: Paul Marsden.
Attendance: 1,971 (259 visitors).
PIC: Chris Bray.
