Boston United striker Tom Cursons bagged the winning goal for a second match in succession as the Pilgrims got the better of Gateshead on Tuesday evening.
Cursons’ fifth minute header was the difference in an entertaining contest which saw United dominate the first half and Gateshead create the better chances after the break.
Andrew Wogan and Pete Jameson both made crucial saves – but it was the Pilgrims who were left to celebrate another crucial three-point haul to extend their winning run to three in the process.
The Pilgrims took the lead with the game’s first meaningful chance. Dylan Hill was fouled on the touchline and Matty Carson delivered a pinpoint free-kick delivery which was glanced home by CURSONS in front of the joyous North Stand.
Cursons became the first player to score successive 1-0 winners for the Pilgrims since Shaun Pearson achieved the feat in 2011.
Gateshead responded by ex-PIlgrim Billy Chadwick, one of four former United players on show, whipping in a cross from the right which saw Mark Beck force a good save from Wogan.
Jameson made two brilliant stops to deny Oisin Gallagher from distance, while Cursons rattled the post and then saw the Gateshead keeper make another top save.
Gateshead felt they should have had a penalty on the hour mark when Chadwick tumbled under Connor Teale’s challenge, but referee Melissa Burgin was unmoved.
Wogan thwarted Sam Bowen at the death and then Jameson repelled Kieren Donnelly’s effort on the break, as United held on.
Boston (4-2-3-1): Andrew Wogan; Connor Teale, Jake Rooney, Jamie Grimes, Matty Carson; Jordan Richards, Oisin Gallagher; Ken Aboh (Marcel Lavinier 87), Jordy Hiwula (Frankie Maguire 66), Dylan Hill (Kieren Donnelly 66); Tom Cursons (Liam Waldock 89). Subs (not used): Ben Grist, Arjan Raikhy, Rhys Lovett (gk).
Gateshead (4-4-1-1): Pete Jameson; Aidan Elliott-Wheeler (Ethan Moore 76), Ben Radcliffe (Kenton Richardson 88), David Ferguson, Brad Nicholson; Tyrelle Newton (Harry Chapman 86), Jacob Butterfield (Dom Telford 86), Keaton Ward, Billy Chadwick; Mark Beck; Levi Amantchi (Sam Bowen 76). Subs (not used): Fenton John, Max Melbourne.
Referee: Melissa Burgin.
Attendance: 1,365 (26 visitors).
PIC: Chris Bray.
WORDS: Craig Singleton
